US Lawmakers Call for Investigation into Chinese-Owned TP-Link Routers Sold in the US

US lawmakers are calling for an investigation into routers manufactured by Chinese-owned TP-Link Technologies and sold in the US – over concerns the company’s WiFi devices can be used by China to launch state-sponsored hacking campaigns. Two House members sent a letter to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo dated August 13th, requesting the department launch an investigation into TP-Link and its affiliates. The letter stated that “the company may represent a serious threat to the US.”

Established in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1996 by two brothers based in Shenzhen, TP-Link is one of the world’s largest providers of WiFi networking and smart home devices – including WiFi routers in the US – selling over 160 million products annually to more than 170 countries worldwide, according to its website. With dual headquarters in Singapore and California, the company is said to have severed ties with the Chinese TP-Link in 2022, and in May began the process of a company restructuring.

The lawmakers behind the letter expressed concerns that TP-Link routers are still “made in the PRC with Chinese technology” and could potentially be used by PCR state-sponsored hackers to compromise US systems. They also highlighted vulnerabilities in TP-Link products that have been documented by US cyber analysts.

The letter referenced a history of exploitation involving TP-Link routers, including a hacking campaign targeting US critical infrastructure and Chinese intelligence forces using TP-Link routers in a campaign targeting government officials across the European Union. The lawmakers have requested the Commerce Department to put together a threat assessment and mitigation plan by August 30th using its ICTS authority. The Commerce Department said it would address the letter through appropriate channels, while TP-Link has not publicly commented on the charges.