The US bans Chinese Telecom devices citing National Security Concerns

On Friday, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced banning telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from Chinese brands, including Huawei and ZTE, citing an “unacceptable risk” to national security.

The FCC decided to unanimously adopt new rules to block the usage and sales of the targeted products from Chinese manufacturers. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr stated, “Our unanimous decision represents the first time in the FCC’s history that we have voted to prohibit the authorization of communications and electronic equipment based on national security considerations.”

The US restrictions on Chinese technology began with President Donald Trump and have continued under President Joe Biden’s administration. In 2021, Biden signed a Secure Equipment act to establish criteria to identify communications services Washington deemed could pose a risk to national security. This act created the groundwork for FCC to make such a decision.

The FCC added that they are keeping the US networks secure by identifying and prohibiting devices deemed security threats. Earlier, US Security officials warned that the Chinese-made equipment, especially Huawei, could be used to collect sensitive information through the 5G wireless networks.