The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has sounded a major national security alarm, warning that Chinese-made electronics — including smartwatches and home security cameras — could be used to spy on Americans and compromise sensitive information.
In an unprecedented move, the FCC has removed millions of listings for such devices from major U.S. online retailers. Products from Chinese tech giants Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, and Dahua Technology are among those blacklisted, as the agency claims they fail to meet U.S. security standards.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the devices could give foreign actors “a window into American homes and networks,” potentially allowing China to monitor communications or disrupt infrastructure.
“These devices could allow China to surveil Americans, disrupt communications networks, and otherwise threaten U.S. national security,” Carr warned.
A Broader Crackdown on Chinese Tech
This move is part of Washington’s wider crackdown on Chinese technology. U.S. regulators have already restricted companies like Huawei, ZTE, China Mobile, and China Telecom under the FCC’s “Covered List,” which bans the import or sale of their devices.
The FCC plans to vote later this month on even stricter restrictions, which could block devices containing components from these blacklisted firms.
According to Reuters, the agency is also investigating nine additional Chinese companies and reviewing seven government-controlled testing labs that may lose their authorization.
Protecting Data, Privacy, and Networks
Experts say this isn’t just a trade action — it’s about defending national security, cybersecurity, and consumer privacy. The concern is that these gadgets, while appearing harmless, could transmit user data or provide backdoor access to U.S. networks.
Carr assured that enforcement will remain aggressive:
“We’re going to keep up the pressure and ensure prohibited devices never make their way into American homes.”
China’s Silence and Global Impact
The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet commented on the FCC’s decision. However, analysts suggest the move could reshape global supply chains and intensify tech tensions between the U.S. and China.
This latest crackdown sends a clear message — in the digital age, national security begins with the devices in our pockets and homes.
