Senator Presses Verizon and AT&T Over Alleged Chinese Cyber Espionage

Senator Maria Cantwell has raised concerns over Verizon and AT&T allegedly withholding crucial documents related to a Chinese spying operation on U.S. telecommunications. She urges their CEOs to testify before Congress after Mandiant, a cybersecurity unit, reportedly declined security assessments under the companies' direction.

Senator Maria Cantwell has accused Verizon and AT&T of blocking the release of documents crucial to investigating an alleged Chinese spying operation known as Salt Typhoon. The operation reportedly infiltrated U.S. telecommunications networks, prompting Cantwell to call for a congressional hearing.

The Democratic senator requested both telecommunications giants to submit security assessments from Alphabet's Mandiant cybersecurity unit. However, she reported that Mandiant declined to provide the documents, allegedly following orders from Verizon and AT&T.

Cantwell urged for an immediate Congressional hearing, insisting that Verizon and AT&T CEOs explain why Americans should trust their network security. Her call comes amidst growing concerns over the continued threat posed by Salt Typhoon hackers.

(With inputs from agencies.)