FCC blocks new foreign-made routers over cybersecurity risks

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new order banning the import of all newly manufactured foreign-made consumer routers due to cybersecurity threats, particularly from Chinese-produced devices. According to Reuters, the decision followed a White House-led review that determined imported routers could pose severe risks to national security and critical infrastructure. These routers—essential for connecting households and businesses to the internet—are said to have been exploited by malicious actors in major cyberattacks such as the Volt and Salt Typhoon incidents. The FCC noted that vulnerabilities in foreign-made routers may be used for espionage, network disruptions, and theft of intellectual property. China currently dominates about 60% of the U.S. home router market, raising further concerns among lawmakers about the country’s influence over American digital networks. While existing router models already in use or previously imported will not be affected, the new ruling prohibits the importation of newer models unless they receive special clearance from the Pentagon as non-threatening to U.S. security. Republican Representative John Moolenaar and other officials praised the decision, describing it as a decisive step against China’s alleged cyber activities. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have not issued an immediate comment. The move comes following other similar bans, including restrictions on new Chinese-made drones. This ban reflects Washington’s growing effort to secure technological infrastructure from perceived foreign interferences and reinforces a broader geopolitical and economic divide in the global tech landscape.