Washington — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a stark national security warning, highlighting that Chinese electronics devices could be used to surveil Americans and pose serious threats to U.S. national security. In its official notice, the agency specifically flagged products from companies such as Huawei, Hikvision, ZTE, and Dahua Technology, including smartwatches and home security cameras, stating that these devices fail to meet U.S. security standards and could compromise sensitive information.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr revealed on Friday that millions of listings for prohibited Chinese products have been removed from U.S. retail platforms. The removed items primarily include home security cameras and smartwatches, which, according to the FCC, could potentially allow the Chinese government to monitor Americans. Carr emphasized,
“These devices could allow China to surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks, and otherwise threaten U.S. national security.”
The agency noted that the removed products either appear on the U.S. list of barred equipment or lack proper FCC authorization. Carr told Reuters that online retailers are now implementing new processes to prevent future sales of prohibited items, under FCC oversight.
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This action is part of Washington’s ongoing crackdown on Chinese technology companies. U.S. regulators have targeted Chinese firms across multiple sectors—including telecommunications, semiconductors, and automotive industries—citing national security risks.
Previously, the FCC had placed Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile, and China Telecom on its “Covered List,” which bars authorization for importing or selling their equipment in the United States. On October 28, the agency plans to vote on tightening these restrictions further, including prohibiting devices containing components from listed companies.
Earlier this year, Reuters reported that the FCC had launched investigations into nine Chinese companies on the Covered List. Last month, the commission began proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven testing laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government.
Analysts say the action is not merely aimed at removing China-based devices from the U.S. market but is also a critical step in safeguarding national security, cybersecurity, and privacy. Security experts have warned that such devices could provide indirect access to U.S. data networks, making sensitive information vulnerable to misuse.
Carr reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcement:
“We are going to keep our efforts up and ensure that the sale and distribution of prohibited devices are fully blocked.”
The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment on the FCC’s latest actions. Experts suggest that U.S. measures like these could also impact the global technology market and China’s role within it.
This episode underscores that technology and national security are now inextricably linked. The FCC’s action goes beyond merely removing prohibited products from retail shelves; it represents a historic move with implications for global trade, cybersecurity, and data privacy policies.
Authorities continue to scrutinize all transactions and retail channels to ensure compliance, signaling a long-term commitment to protecting American citizens from potential surveillance risks associated with foreign-made devices.
