US Federal Communications Commission has issued a national security notice warning that Chinese electronics could be used to surveil Americans and threaten US security, as major online retailers remove millions of prohibited product listings from their platforms.FCC Chair Brendan Carr revealed Friday that several million listings for banned Chinese electronics have been taken down from US retail websites, according to Reuters. The removed items include home security cameras and smartwatches from companies such as Huawei, Hangzhou Hikvision, ZTE, and Dahua Technology Company.“These items could allow China to surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks and otherwise threaten US national security,” Carr stated in the security notice.The removed products either appear on the US list of barred equipment or lack proper FCC authorization. Carr told Reuters that online retailers are now implementing new processes to prevent future sales of prohibited items under agency oversight.
Millions of security cameras and smartwatches pulled from online stores
The action represents the latest escalation in Washington’s crackdown on Chinese technology companies. US agencies have targeted Chinese firms across multiple sectors—including telecom, semiconductors, and vehicles—citing national security risks.The FCC previously placed companies including Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile, and China Telecom on its “Covered List,” which bars authorisation for importing or selling their equipment. On October 28, the agency plans to vote on tightening these restrictions further by prohibiting devices containing component parts from listed companies.
FCC tightens restrictions on Huawei, ZTE telecom equipment
In March, Reuters reported that the FCC launched investigations into nine Chinese companies on the Covered List. Last month, the commission began proceedings to withdraw recognition from seven testing laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government.Carr emphasised the agency’s commitment to sustained enforcement. “We’re going to keep our efforts up,” he said.The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment on the FCC’s latest actions.
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