The U.S. administration is exploring the possibility of banning TP-Link routers over national security concerns. According to The Washington Post, this initiative is supported by various government agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security. Investigations into the company's activities have been ongoing since last year.
Officials express worries that TP-Link, despite its separation from the Chinese TP-Link Technologies in 2022, may still be influenced by Chinese laws that compel companies to cooperate with intelligence services. This, analysts argue, raises the risk of using TP-Link devices for espionage or spreading malware.
TP-Link denies any ties to China and emphasizes that a ban would harm American consumers rather than Chinese interests.
TP-Link holds approximately 60% of the router market in the U.S., partly due to its competitive pricing that allows it to outpace rivals. The potential brand ban adds new tensions to trade discussions between Washington and Beijing.
According to The Washington Post, despite recent progress in negotiations, the TP-Link issue remains a political tool for the U.S. administration.