In the latest crackdown on the Chinese telecom equipment makers, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission FCC has announced the banning of telecom and video surveillance equipment from prominent Chinese brands citing an unacceptable risk to national security.
The FCC said on Friday that it had stopped Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp from selling electronics in the U.S.
It has also banned communications equipment produced by Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, and Dahua Technology.
The FCC is committed to protecting our national security by ensuring that untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorized for use within our borders, and we are continuing that work here, said Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the FCC.
She said these new rules are an important part of our ongoing efforts to protect the American people from national security threats involving telecommunications.
The FCC has also prohibited the use of public funds to purchase covered equipment or services in the U.S.
It has launched the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program to remove insecure equipment that has already been installed in U.S. networks.
It has also initiated inquiries on IoT security and internet routing security.
Last week, the U.K. made a statement. The Cabinet Office told central government departments to stop installing Chinese surveillance systems on sensitive sites, citing security risks.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said in a statement that the unanimous decision is the first time in the history of the FCC that we have voted to block the authorization of communications and electronic equipment based on national security considerations.
In 2020, the U.S. government imposed a ban on federal agencies from buying goods or services from the five Chinese companies.
In the year 2019 the U.S. added Huawei Technologies to a list of companies with which U.S. firms can no longer trade without a license, citing national security risks.