The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to block new approvals for devices with parts from companies on its “Covered List“ and also to allow it to bar previously approved equipment in certain cases.
It means that devices produced by Huawei Technologies, Hikvision and other Chinese companies could be excluded from America’s communications networks, as they are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.
“Many of these devices are closely tied to foreign adversaries, like China, and can allow the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] to surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks, and otherwise threaten US national security,” according to an online statement released by the regulator.
“The new rules will close the modular transmitter loophole – meaning that certain insecure Huawei, Hikvision, or other Covered List modular transmitters could no longer be included as components within otherwise lawful or authorised devices,” it added.
The move came as the US has long been reviewing its exposure to national security, particularly with Chinese telecoms equipment makers. It is part of Washington’s all-around assessment of its ties with China.
