Federal investigations into TP-Link, the leading provider of routers in the U.S., have prompted discussions about banning the company’s products over cybersecurity risks. The Commerce, Defense, and Justice Departments are reportedly examining the Chinese manufacturer, which supplies devices for federal agencies and controls 65% of the U.S. home and small business router market.

TP-Link’s routers have drawn criticism for their security vulnerabilities. Microsoft’s October analysis found that thousands of compromised TP-Link devices were part of a hacking network used by Chinese actors to target Western entities, including defense contractors and government organizations. Despite these concerns, TP-Link has been accused of failing to address identified flaws in its products.

BREAKING: @FBI Director Christopher Wray announcement live at our hearing:

“Just this morning we announced an operation where we and our partners identified hundreds of routers that had been taken over by the PRC state-sponsored hacking group known as Volt-Typhoon.” pic.twitter.com/XhLVB3jMHm

— Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) January 31, 2024

The company’s dominance stems from its pricing strategy, offering routers at significantly lower prices than competitors. However, federal authorities have raised concerns about potential national security implications. Sources indicate that the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link, signaling heightened scrutiny.

Sources: US officials are investigating Chinese router maker TP-Link, which has an estimated 65% US market share, and could ban the sale of its routers in 2025 (Wall Street Journal)https://t.co/BGj7zjtyeUhttps://t.co/uUfnKh32LIhttps://t.co/ZOzeer2dpR

— Techmeme (@Techmeme) December 18, 2024

The Biden administration’s investigations have reportedly accelerated following breaches of American telecom firms by Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, though TP-Link devices were not directly linked to these incidents. If a ban is enacted, it would mark the largest removal of Chinese telecom equipment since the U.S. restricted Huawei in 2019.

US could ban Chinese-made TP-Link routers over hacking fears: report https://t.co/4dsdky4qDk pic.twitter.com/YtJi9MhIVh

— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2024

TP-Link denies the allegations, emphasizing its commitment to security standards and willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities. The Chinese embassy has accused the U.S. of unfairly targeting Chinese firms, vowing to defend their rights.

BREAKING: FBI says it has taken down a large botnet of malware installed by Chinese hackers on hundreds of routers inside the US in an effort to get access to infrastructure. FBI says it used search and seizure warrants to remotely delete the malware-without notifying device… pic.twitter.com/5uUbsKn8dX

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 31, 2024

With Biden’s term ending soon, any action on TP-Link may be left to the incoming Trump administration, which has indicated plans to adopt a tougher stance on China.