US Lawmakers Demand Probe into Potential Chinese Wi-Fi Router Security Threat

US lawmakers have urged the Commerce Department to investigate Chinese Wi-Fi routers, particularly TP-Link products, citing potential national security threats from CCP hacking. They highlight widespread use of these routers in the US, including on military bases, and emphasize vulnerabilities documented by cybersecurity experts.

US lawmakers John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi have called for a probe into the security risks posed by Chinese Wi-Fi routers. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the lawmakers expressed concerns that TP-Link products could be vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) hacking efforts.

The letter urged the Department of Commerce's information and communication technology services (ICTS) to investigate TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. The Chinese tech company dominates a substantial share of the US market with their Wi-Fi routers and related devices, which could pose serious security risks.

The lawmakers highlighted the potential national security threat posed by TP-Link, citing their extensive use in military bases and homes nationwide. Cybersecurity experts have flagged significant vulnerabilities in these products, and China's data laws mandate companies like TP-Link to comply with government demands, potentially compromising US security. Recent cyberattacks linked to the PRC underscore the urgency of this investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)