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Multiple US federal agencies, including the Commerce, Justice, Defense, and Homeland Security departments, have backed a proposal to ban the sale of TP-Link routers in the United States. The move is driven by concerns that TP-Link, which controls a significant share of the US home router market, may still be subject to influence by the Chinese government, potentially exposing American users to surveillance risks. The proposal follows an investigation into the company's ties to China and comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign technology firms over national security issues.
Officials argue that mitigation measures short of a ban would not sufficiently address the perceived threat, although there is a possibility for TP-Link to provide guarantees that its hardware and software are developed independently of China. The company, which has established a US headquarters and claims to have separated from its Chinese parent, denies the allegations. The proposed ban could have sweeping implications for both consumers and businesses, echoing previous US actions against foreign technology providers such as Kaspersky Lab.
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Multiple outlets reported that the US was considering or proposing a ban on TP-Link routers because of the company's ties to China. The references do not provide a more specific event date beyond the publication day of the reports.
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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission granted large cable internet service providers a limited one-year waiver allowing manufacturers to replace certain parts in previously approved consumer routers without new certification. The waiver followed an NCTA request warning that the FCC’s earlier restrictions on foreign-made consumer routers could trigger shortages and supply-chain disruption, and it permits changes such as substrate materials and memory modules so existing models can stay in production. The FCC said the broader policy was driven by national security concerns, including evidence that routers have been used in hacking campaigns by actors including Chinese state-linked groups, while previously extending the deadline for software and firmware support on already approved devices until `2029-01-01`. The policy shift comes as scrutiny of router vendors intensifies, including a new Netgear counterclaim against TP-Link in Delaware federal court alleging false advertising over TP-Link’s portrayal of itself as an American company and its representations about product origin. Netgear argues TP-Link’s California reincorporation did not sever core ties to China-based leadership, R&D, and manufacturing, while TP-Link has accused Netgear of improperly linking it to cyber activity associated with the Typhoon threat groups. The dispute is unfolding alongside reviews by the Department of Defense, Commerce Department, FCC, FTC, and state attorneys general, underscoring how supply-chain security, vendor provenance, and router abuse in espionage campaigns are shaping U.S. broadband and device policy.
Jun 29, 2026
The FCC has added all new foreign-made consumer routers to its **Covered List**, blocking their import and sale in the United States after a White House-led interagency review found they pose an unacceptable national security and public safety risk. U.S. officials said overseas-manufactured routers could be exploited to disrupt the economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense, and linked the concern to activity associated with **Volt Typhoon**, **Flax Typhoon**, and **Salt Typhoon**, which have targeted U.S. networks and infrastructure. The restrictions apply to new devices rather than routers already authorized for sale, meaning existing products can continue to be imported, sold, and used for now. Foreign manufacturers may still seek approval, but must provide detailed disclosures on ownership, supply chains, software and firmware provenance, and any plans to shift critical component production to the United States. The move is expected to tighten availability of new router models and raise costs, while critics argue it does not solve broader router security problems such as insecure firmware, weak patching, compromised update systems, and supply-chain exposure that can persist regardless of where hardware is assembled.
Jun 29, 2026
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against **TP-Link Systems Inc.**, alleging the company deceptively marketed its networking and smart-home devices as secure and privacy-protective while the products were allegedly exposed to exploitation by **China-linked state-sponsored actors**. The complaint also asserts TP-Link misled consumers about product origin—promoting “**Made in Vietnam**” labeling while claiming manufacturing and development are dominated by **China-based subsidiaries and supply chains**, with Vietnam facilities described as performing largely final assembly. Texas further argues that TP-Link’s China-linked supply chain and alleged affiliations create national-security risk, including the possibility of compelled cooperation under Chinese data and intelligence laws. The state cited prior public reporting and research— including a **May 2023 Check Point Research** report tying **Camaro Dragon** activity to exploitation of **TP-Link firmware vulnerabilities**—as part of its rationale that the devices have been leveraged in campaigns targeting U.S. interests. TP-Link rejected the allegations, calling the lawsuit “without merit,” and stated it is an independent American company with core operations and infrastructure located in the U.S.
Jun 29, 2026