US Blocks New Foreign Routers to Shield Homes from Cyber Threats

The United States government has decided to ban the sale of new consumer internet routers that are made in foreign countries. This decision was announced by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, because of concerns about national security. Routers are important devices that connect computers, phones, TVs, and other electronics to the internet in homes and businesses. The FCC says that some foreign-made routers have security problems that could let hackers or spies get into American networks. These problems could lead to cyberattacks, stealing of information, or even spying on people and companies.

The new rule means that any new router made outside the US cannot be imported, sold, or marketed in the country unless it gets special approval from the FCC. To get this approval, companies must share information about their foreign investors and explain how they plan to move their manufacturing to the US. The FCC says that some routers could be allowed if the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security decides they are safe, but so far, no routers have been added to this exception list. People who already own foreign-made routers can keep using them, but stores cannot sell new ones unless they follow the new rules.

This ban comes after several cyberattacks in the past year that targeted US infrastructure. The FCC says that hackers used foreign-made routers in attacks called Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon. US government investigations believe these attacks were connected to people working for the Chinese government. Most routers used in the US are made in countries like China or Taiwan, even if the company is American. For example, Netgear is a popular US brand, but its routers are made overseas. One exception is the Starlink WiFi router, made in Texas by SpaceX. The government hopes that by making these changes, it will be harder for hackers to attack American networks and steal information.