The US government is blocking technology from Huawei, ZTE and Hikvision due to fears of espionage.
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The FCC voted unanimously on Friday to extend a ban on the sale and import of Chinese technology by companies that pose a “national security risk” to the United States. The move is aimed at protecting the country’s communications network.
The decision implements the Secure Equipment Act of 2021, signed by President Biden in November, which places additional restrictions on companies such as Huawei, ZTE, surveillance camera makers Hikvision and Dahua, and two-way radio maker Hytera.
The FCC said these companies will no longer be able to export new products to the US unless they can promise that the devices “will not be used for public safety, security of government facilities, or other national security purposes.” Existing equipment will not be affected — at least for now.
US intelligence agencies have alleged that the named Chinese companies, which are required to follow Chinese law, could be forced to hand over information to Beijing’s security services – a claim the companies have denied. In addition, US lawmakers have expressed concern about how Beijing is using Chinese technology to commit human rights within borders . For example, Hikvision cameras have been linked to the repression of Muslim minorities in China’s Xinjiang province.
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According to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, “The FCC is committed to protecting the national security of the United States by ensuring that is not allowed to be used.” She went on to say that “these new rules are an important part of the FCC’s ongoing efforts to protect the American people from national security related to telecommunications.”
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Last week, the British government did exactly the same and banned the use of Hikvision camera systems on “sensitive” sites, the Chinese surveillance company denying any suggestion that it could pose a threat to Britain’s national security.
Information source: techcrunch.com
