Lawmakers Seek Ban on China-Linked TP-Link Routers

Seventeen Republican lawmakers have urged the U.S. Commerce Department, specifically addressing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to ban sales of TP-Link networking products over national security concerns related to the company's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and predatory pricing practices that have led to its dominance in the U.S. router market. Lawmakers claim that TP-Link's affordable devices have made U.S. networks susceptible to Chinese cyberattacks and surveillance, with references to botnets exploiting TP-Link products in past incidents. They argue that TP-Link's compliance with China's National Security Law could facilitate CCP access to American systems. TP-Link denies these allegations, calling them unfounded. Multiple U.S. agencies are investigating the situation, and experts note that a ban would be significant given TP-Link's large market share. While concerns remain high due to previous incidents and ongoing security risks, no direct evidence has been presented that TP-Link has intentionally aided Chinese hackers.