The US government has taken sweeping action against Chinese technology, with the country's top telecommunications regulator voting unanimously to advance a proposal that could fundamentally change how Americans get their gadgets. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Thursday to bar Chinese labs from testing electronic devices destined for use in America.
New Rules for Device Testing
The FCC also adopted new rules streamlining the approval process for devices tested in US labs or labs in reciprocal countries. Test labs review electronic devices for sale and use in the United States as part of the FCC's equipment authorization program. According to a report by news agency Reuters, the proposal aims to bar all Chinese laboratories from testing and certifying electronic devices, including smartphones, cameras, and computers, before they are sold in the US. Currently, an estimated 75% of all US electronics are tested in China.
The FCC noted in its statement: "Today's actions help ensure integrity, security, and reciprocity in electronic device testing. Until 2015, the FCC only allowed device testing and certification in the US or foreign countries with Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with the US, guaranteeing reciprocal treatment. The new rules and the proposed rules adopted today look to restore – and improve upon – this successful policy in order to bolster FCC oversight and enforcement, strengthen the reliability and integrity of the FCC’s equipment authorization process, and prioritise national security."
Severing the 'Digital Lifelines'
Beyond gadget testing, the commission took a separate 3-0 vote to further isolate major Chinese telecommunications firms. The new proposal will formally bar China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom from operating data centers within the US. Additionally, it will prohibit US carriers from "interconnecting" with any company on the national security "Covered List," effectively cutting these firms off from the American internet ecosystem. Thirdly, the FCC is also considering extending these bans to affiliates of these companies and internet exchange points, ensuring no "backdoor" access remains.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated the moves are part of a series of actions "to secure our networks from these bad actors," Reuters said.
Previous Ban Imposed by US on Chinese Equipment
Previously, the FCC has moved to block several categories of technology, including a ban on new models of Chinese-made routers and a total import ban on new Chinese drone models in December. A proposal introduced earlier this month seeks to ban the import of older equipment from companies like Huawei and ZTE, even if they were approved before 2022.
