U.S. government entities are working towards potentially prohibiting TP-Link routers in the nation, as reported unofficially by the Washington Post based on undisclosed sources.
The website discusses a former high-ranking Defense Department official who reportedly stated that the Department of Commerce is contemplating initiating a ban on certain products, with backing from other government agencies that share their stance.
Rumors suggest that TP-Link’s ongoing concern is its historical ties to China, which have prompted investigations. Chinese laws may compel the company to provide information on US citizens or distribute malware via router software updates.
TP-Link Systems emphasizes its distinction from Technologies.
TP-Link, which started in China in 1996, grew its global presence in the years that followed. It entered the US market in 2008, leading to significant changes in its organizational setup.
In 2022, TP-Link Systems became an independent company based solely in the United States after splitting from TP-Link Technologies. The company claims to have severed all ties with China.
“An action taken against TP-Link would not affect China but would damage an American company,” stated a spokesperson for the Washington Post.
Ban would impact numerous households in the United States.
A prohibition on TP-Link routers would impact numerous households in the United States as the company holds a 36% market share in the country, as per company data.
The figure could potentially be higher. The ex-cybersecurity director of the NSA, Rob Joyce, testified to the US Congress that TP-Link controlled around 60% of the router market in the US.
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One of the Washington Post sources may have noted that the potential ban of the company could be utilized as a bargaining tool in the economic tensions between the USA and China.
Via: Engadget
