TP-Link on Chinese tech chopping block as US might ban router company

TP-Link is in the hot seat in the US, as it might see its routers banned from the market. It comes as three US agencies have investigated the company, with fears that it’s actively spying on users.

The concern comes as more tech companies are under scrutiny by the US government, with a big focus on Chinese manufacturers. In January, we might potentially see a TikTok ban over similar security concerns from the US.

United States Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments are all investigating the company. Part of what promoted this was Microsoft’s analysis in October. The Seattle giant found that a Chinese hacking group has an expansive network of TP-Link routers, which are all compromised.

These routers are the target of attacks from the group, which is allegedly part of a Chinese government-backed project.

It is reported that TP-Link supplies most US entities, including the Defense Department. The router company is also in 65% of US homes and small businesses, as the cheap cost usually outweighs its competitors.

A generic TP-Link router can be picked up for as little as $50 on Amazon as of writing. Along with solid performance and reliability, has made it a staple for networks across the world.

The US Justice Department has also accused TP-Link of undercutting the market to avoid anti-monopoly laws, which it denies.

Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, a spokesperson for TP-Link said, “We welcome any opportunities to engage with the US government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the US market, US consumers, and addressing US national security risks.”

However, the ban could go through with the incoming Trump administration and general fears from officials within the US government. In 2019, Huawei – which was supplying 5G network hardware – was banned from the US due to the same fears.

The Biden administration has also fuelled disputes with China. It has recently put blocks on Nvidia (a US company) from shipping high-end AI and gaming hardware to the country, as the AI rat race heats up between countries.

Featured image: US Flag, Chinese Flag, TP-Link

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