Endpoint/Device Security, Critical Infrastructure Security, Threat Management

US prohibits Chinese tech equipment sales over security risk

Threats to national security have prompted the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to ban sales or imports of equipment from Chinese telecommunications firms Huawei Technologies, ZTE, and Hytera Communications, as well as Chinese surveillance manufacturers Dahua Technology and Hangzhou Hikvisionn Digital Technology, according to Reuters. The Biden administration has moved to crack down on Chinese telecommunications and surveillance companies amid threats of spying by the Chinese government, with the prohibition supported by all FCC Commissioners. "These new rules are an important part of our ongoing actions to protect the American people from national security threats involving telecommunications," said FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel. Hikvision has emphasized that its products do not pose any risk to U.S. national security and said that it will adhere to U.S regulations as it continues to cater to the U.S. market. "This decision by the FCC will do nothing to protect U.S. national security, but will do a great deal to make it more harmful and more expensive for U.S. small businesses, local authorities, school districts, and individual consumers to protect themselves, their homes, businesses, and property," said Hikvision. Huawei has refused to comment on the ban, while ZTE, Hytera, Dahua, and the Chinese embassy in Washington have yet to respond.

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