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FCC Launches Investigation into Chinese Tech Firms

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated what it refers to as a “sweeping investigation” related to several Chinese firms already listed on its “Covered List.” This list includes notable companies like Huawei, ZTE, and China Telecom, which U.S. authorities have identified as having ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In a significant move last year, the Biden administration prohibited the importation of telecommunications equipment and surveillance technology from these entities to safeguard national security interests and prevent the deployment of potentially “untrustworthy communications equipment” within the country.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr highlighted concerns that certain companies on the Covered List might still be conducting operations within the United States. He noted this could be due to these firms believing that specific aspects of their businesses might not fall under the prohibition. “These entities are attempting to navigate around the FCC’s restrictions by continuing to engage in business activities in America under private or ‘unregulated’ terms,” Carr explained.

This investigation marks a significant step forward for the recently formed Council for National Security within the FCC, a body aimed at decreasing the technology and telecommunications sectors’ dependability on foreign adversaries. The council’s overarching goals include reducing the nation’s exposure to cyber threats, bolstering resilience against espionage, and positioning the U.S. favorably in the competition with China regarding essential technologies.

As part of this investigation, the FCC plans to collect extensive information about the operations of entities on the Covered List. This includes insights into their current business activities in the U.S. and the role of any firms that might be supporting their operations. The agency has committed to addressing any loopholes that could allow foreign adversaries to bypass established regulations.

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www.engadget.com