The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed banning new sales of TP-Link routers, citing security risks linked to the company’s ties to China. The proposal has garnered support from multiple federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the War Department, which warn that TP-Link’s connections could expose American networks to foreign influence.
Security experts highlight that home and office routers are often targets for foreign hackers, creating a potential gateway for cyberattacks. The potential ban would mark one of the largest consumer tech actions in U.S. history, reflecting broader concerns about Chinese-made products in both civilian and military settings.
Lawmakers from both parties argue that military households face increased risk from TP-Link products sold on military exchanges. Senators Joni Ernst and Tom Cotton have called for a faster investigation into TP-Link, citing past decisions involving Huawei and Kaspersky. They argue that Chinese laws could force companies to share data or deploy hidden software that weakens U.S. networks.
TP-Link has denied the allegations, stating it is an American company with no ties to the Chinese government and that its data is securely stored in the U.S. The company argues that the proposed ban is a tactic by competitors to remove TP-Link products from the market. However, lawmakers insist that TP-Link’s presence in military installations poses a significant security threat.
Meanwhile, experts urge consumers to take steps to secure their home networks, suggesting updating firmware, creating strong passwords, and isolating sensitive devices on separate networks. The debate around TP-Link underscores the growing awareness in cybersecurity and the critical role of everyday devices in modern digital security.