U.S. lawmakers are raising serious national security concerns regarding TP-Link Technologies, a prominent Chinese-owned manufacturer of WiFi routers. On August 13, 2024, Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, requesting a formal investigation into the company’s products. The letter asserts that TP-Link’s routers, which are produced in China, may pose significant risks of being used in state-sponsored cyberattacks against the United States.
The lawmakers’ concerns stem from recent findings that TP-Link routers could be exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. They cited instances of vulnerabilities in TP-Link products and the company’s adherence to Chinese technology laws, which might require it to assist in espionage activities. The letter also references previous security breaches involving Chinese technology, including a massive hacking campaign that exploited similar home office routers to target U.S. critical infrastructure.
TP-Link, established in Shenzhen in 1996, is one of the world’s largest providers of WiFi and smart home devices, selling over 160 million products annually. Although the company now operates with dual headquarters in Singapore and California and claims to have severed ties with its Chinese parent company in 2022, lawmakers remain wary of potential security threats posed by its products. They have requested that the Department of Commerce conduct a thorough threat assessment and develop a mitigation plan by August 30, 2024.
The letter underscores a broader concern about the security implications of foreign-manufactured technology, echoing previous calls for scrutiny of Chinese technology firms. The Chinese Embassy has responded, urging authorities to base their decisions on concrete evidence rather than speculative concerns. The Commerce Department has indicated that it will address the lawmakers’ request through appropriate channels, reflecting ongoing tensions over cybersecurity and international technology policies.
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