The US officials have reportedly backed a proposal to ban TP-Link routers in the US. First forwarded by the Department of Commerce, now, more agencies are supporting the motion to bar TP-Link routers from US homes and offices.
Federal agencies such as the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense have endorsed the proposal to pull TP-Link routers in the US, which remains extremely popular in the country. It’s estimated that US home has from 2% to 60% of TP-Link routers.
Why US wants to ban TP-Link routers from homes and offices?
US officials have claimed that TP-Link routers can be used by China to hack and spy into US communication systems. They believe that it can collect user data and put government systems at risk of infiltration. The consensus is that China could compel the firm to spy on users on behalf of its government, something the company has dismissed as baseless and misinformed.
In 2024, too, there were calls from the US officials that promoted the idea of pulling TP-Link routers in the US. The Department of Commerce then ran an investigation into the company in 2024 under the Biden administration. The perspective hasn’t changed with the new incumbent at the Oval Office.
But the ban hasn’t come into effect
Thankfully for TP-Link, though, the US government hasn’t proceeded with steps to implement the ban on its use. To do so, it first has to notify TP-Link of its decision to ban it from operation, and the latter will have 30 days to respond. Then, the DoC will have another 30 days to respond or act. There is no such development as of now.
The White House didn’t directly mention anything relating to a potential ban on the TP-Link routers. But in a statement, a spokesman said, “We are aware of active efforts by the Chinese government to exploit critical security vulnerabilities and are working with all relevant parties to assess exposure and mitigate the damage.”
TP-Link responds fiercely
In the meantime, TP-Link has strongly denied such assumptions. The company’s spokesman, Jeff Seedman, called these suggestions “nonsensical” and said that “any adverse action against TP-Link would have no impact on China but would harm an American company.”
TP-Link Systems is based in Irvine, California. It has operated independently from China since 2022 after it spun off from TP-Link Technologies, which was a China-based company. At present, the company only has a minimal relationship with China.
Broadly speaking, the US and China are in a trade war, and there are also significant discussions between the two countries’ rulers. This could work in favor of TP-Link and may never get banned with the trade deal agreement. However, it’s also best advised to everyone that regardless of any brand’s WiFi router in use, users need to be very careful with their credentials and security, not to allow hackers to enter their communication systems and steal their data.
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