The United States government is reportedly advancing a proposal to prohibit the sale of networking devices from Chinese-owned manufacturer TP-Link within the U.S. This initiative follows an investigation into the company by various federal agencies regarding potential national security risks, according to ZDNet. The move could significantly impact the consumer networking market given TP-Link’s substantial presence.
Last December, the US Justice, Commerce, and Defense departments initiated a review of TP-Link’s operations due to security concerns, as reported by ZDNet. Multiple government agencies are currently supporting a proposal from the Commerce Department to enact a ban on all TP-Link networking products, citing a Washington Post report. ZDNet further notes that TP-Link holds a dominant position in the global router market, being the most popular brand on Amazon and supplied by over 300 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the U.S. alone.
The push for a ban is partly attributed to the involvement of TP-Link routers in “several high-profile hacking incidents,” which have led government officials to question the security integrity of these devices, ZDNet reports. While TP-Link has released patches for some identified vulnerabilities, concerns among officials reportedly persist.
The Commerce Department has several options for proceeding, including discontinuing the matter, negotiating a limited ban (such as restricting government purchases), or imposing a full ban, ZDNet explains. If a full ban is pursued, TP-Link would receive official notification and have 30 days to object. The Commerce Department would then have an additional 30 days to respond to the company’s objection.
Should a ban take effect, it would primarily target the sale of new TP-Link devices. Given the company’s significant market share, ZDNet speculates that such a ban could lead to potential shortages of networking equipment and subsequent price increases for alternative brands.
TP-Link Systems Inc., the company’s U.S. subsidiary, disputes the allegations. A spokesperson stated, “No official action or confirmation has been made by any agency or the White House regarding these allegations,” as quoted by ZDNet. The spokesperson further added, “TP-Link Systems vigorously disputes any allegation that its products present national security risks to the US,” suggesting concerns could be addressed through measures like onshoring development functions, investing in cybersecurity, and increased transparency, ZDNet reports.
The ultimate decision regarding the proposed ban remains under review by the Commerce Department, with the process allowing for company objections and departmental responses.