US to ban TP-Link Wi-Fi routers in the country over...

The United States is evaluating a proposal to ban TP-Link networking equipment entirely, following a joint assessment by several federal agencies that cited potential national security threats linked to the company’s Chinese ownership. According to The Washington Post, an inter-agency review concluded that TP-Link’s US subsidiary could still be influenced by the Chinese government through its parent company, TP-Link Technologies, based in China.

The review, supported by the Departments of Commerce, Defence, and Homeland Security, found that TP-Link’s dominance in the American home router market makes it particularly concerning from a security standpoint. Estimates suggest TP-Link controls between 50 and 65 percent of this market, giving it a massive footprint across US households. Regulators fear that such widespread use could expose domestic networks to foreign interference or surveillance risks.

While the Commerce Department has not made a final decision, it must now determine whether to impose a total sales ban or pursue less drastic measures. Options include enforcing independent cybersecurity audits or mandating that TP-Link move part of its operations or production to the United States. Under federal procedures, TP-Link would receive an official notice before any action, followed by a 30-day period to respond. The department would then have another 30 days to review the company’s reply and make a ruling.

Sources cited in the report claim Commerce officials lean toward a complete ban, seeing it as the only way to fully address the security risks associated with TP-Link’s operations. However, this position has not been confirmed publicly, and no formal comments have been issued by either the government or the company.