US blocks foreign-made internet routers citing cyber security and espionage risks
The United States has moved to ban new consumer Internet routers made in other countries, citing growing national security concerns about cyber risks and potential espionage risks.
The decision, announced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), adds consumer-grade routers manufactured outside the US to its list of banned devices, placing them alongside foreign-made drones, which were banned last year.
This move does not affect existing routers but applies to all new device models entering the market. Any router built overseas will now require express approval before it can be imported, marketed or sold in the US.
Regulators say the decision reflects growing evidence that Internet routers, which sit at the heart of home and business networks – have become a key entry point for cyberattacks.
“Malign actors have exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers to attack American homes, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate the theft of intellectual property,” the FCC said.
The agency identified a series of cyber incidents between 2024 and 2025, known as Volt, Flax and Salt Typhoon, where vulnerable communications equipment was used to target US infrastructure. An investigation by US authorities linked the attack to actors linked to the Chinese government.
Under the new framework, manufacturers producing routers outside the US must apply for conditional approval. The process would require companies to disclose foreign ownership or influence and reveal plans to shift production to the United States.
Exemptions may be granted in limited circumstances if the equipment is cleared by national security bodies such as the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security, although no specific equipment has yet been approved.
The ban applies regardless of where the product is manufactured, meaning even US products manufactured abroad will be affected.
The decision has major implications for the global electronics supply chain. Most consumer routers are currently manufactured outside the US, mainly in China and Taiwan.
Popular brands such as TP-Link, a major global supplier, have already faced scrutiny amid concerns about cybersecurity risks. Even US companies like Netgear, which manufacture overseas, may need to adjust their supply chains to comply with the new regulations.
A notable exception is the WiFi router produced by SpaceX’s Starlink service, which the company says is built in Texas.
The move is the latest step in a broader US effort to reduce reliance on foreign technology that is considered essential to the national infrastructure. It shows a growing emphasis on supply chain security and domestic production, especially in the fields connected to telecommunications, defense and data.
Analysts say the policy could accelerate a wider fragmentation of global technology markets, as governments increasingly prioritize security over cost efficiency.
For consumers and businesses, the immediate impact may be limited, but over time the shift could reshape prices, availability and innovation in communications equipment.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the US government’s message is clear: the devices at the core of the digital infrastructure are now considered strategic assets, and their origins matter.
