Multiple U.S. government agencies are considering a significant step toward banning TP-Link routers, according to a report by The Washington Post. This potential action, spearheaded by the Commerce Department, follows extensive discussions among various departments, including Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense, over several months this summer. Investigations into TP-Link’s operations have raised national security concerns, with scrutiny dating back to last year.
The primary issue prompting the proposed ban centers around TP-Link’s affiliations with China, despite the company’s separation from its former parent organization, TP-Link Technologies, in 2022. TP-Link representatives have firmly denied any ongoing connections to Chinese interests, stressing that adverse actions against the company would primarily affect American operations rather than China.
U.S. officials have voiced apprehension that, under Chinese law, TP-Link would be obligated to comply with directives from Chinese intelligence, potentially leading to the installation of harmful software on its devices. In response, TP-Link’s U.S. division asserts that it operates independently of the Chinese government’s influence.
TP-Link routers hold a significant presence in the U.S. market, reportedly capturing around 36% of market share. Interestingly, former cybersecurity official Rob Joyce previously estimated the company’s share to be closer to 60%, attributing this to competitive pricing strategies aimed at outpacing rival manufacturers.
This potential ban on TP-Link routers emerges amid ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, with insiders revealing that the prohibition may serve as leverage in these discussions. As negotiations unfold, the fate of TP-Link’s products remains uncertain, reflecting broader tensions in U.S.-China relations.
