US regulators ban Huawei, ZTE telecom equipment over data-security risk

New delhi date. 26 November 2022, Saturday

Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp. were banned from selling the electronics in the US by regulators who say they pose a security risk, continuing years of efforts to limit Chinese telecommunications companies' access to US networks. "The FCC is committed to national security by ensuring that unreliable communications equipment is not authorized for use within our borders, and we are continuing that work here," Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. These new rules are an important part of our ongoing actions to protect the American people from national security threats involving telecommunications."

In a 4-0 vote, the FCC concluded that the products pose a risk to data security. Past attempts to curb Chinese access have included export controls to hack keys, sophisticated equipment and software. Recently US officials have weighed in on restrictions on TikTok over concerns that Chinese authorities could access US user data through the video sharing app.

Most exposed

Dahua and Hikvision are the hardest hit because their cameras are widely used, often in multiple facilities to be monitored by government agencies, Healy said. Agencies including the police also use handheld Hytera radios, he said.

In its order, the FCC also asked for comment on whether to deauthorize existing equipment, Rosenworcel said in an online statement. According to Healy, dealers can be stuck with gear that is illegal to sell.

In 2018, Congress voted to bar federal agencies from buying gear from five companies named by the FCC. The agency has previously said the companies are ineligible for federal subsidies and has also banned Chinese phone companies from doing business in the US. The agency said the order issued Friday was required under a bill Biden signed in November 2021.