US Moves to Ban New Foreign-Made Internet Routers Over Security Concerns
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a ban on new foreign-made consumer internet routers, citing growing national security risks.
Under the new directive, routers manufactured outside the United States will be added to a list of equipment deemed insufficiently secure. While existing devices already in use will not be affected, the restriction applies to all new models entering the US market.
Regulators say the move is aimed at addressing vulnerabilities that have made routers a target for cyberattacks. According to the FCC, malicious actors have exploited security gaps in such devices to gain unauthorized access to networks, conduct espionage, and disrupt critical infrastructure.
The decision places routers in a similar category to foreign-made drones, which were restricted in a previous security measure.
Going forward, manufacturers of routers built outside the US must seek approval before their products can be imported or sold. The process will require companies to disclose foreign ownership or influence and outline plans to shift production to the United States.
The move follows heightened scrutiny of overseas-made networking equipment, including products from brands like TP-Link, which have faced concerns after being linked to cybersecurity incidents.
US officials say the risks extend beyond individual users to national infrastructure, with routers identified as potential entry points in several cyberattacks between 2024 and 2025.
Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by agencies such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security, though no specific exemptions have yet been confirmed.
The policy could have wide-ranging implications for the global tech supply chain, as most consumer routers are currently manufactured outside the US, including products from American companies that rely on overseas production.
Analysts say the move reflects a broader push by US authorities to tighten control over critical technology infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing in sensitive sectors.
