FCC bans two devices with surveillance chips linked to Huawei
The Federal Communications Commission has banned two devices containing surveillance chips made by Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon from entering the U.S. market, marking the first such enforcement under new regulations.
The banned devices include a wireless video transmitter and dashboard camera that contain chips manufactured by Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon. The FCC specifically noted that HiSilicon markets its products as "designed for the surveillance market" with built in detection algorithms for human faces.
This enforcement action follows new regulations that took effect on October 13, which prohibit devices containing smart components made by companies on the FCC's covered list. The list, maintained under a 2019 regulation, identifies video surveillance, communications and general technology products believed to threaten national security.
New Security Rules
Prior to these regulations, FCC rules did not ban "otherwise lawful devices" from including component parts manufactured by covered list entities. The new rules represent a significant shift in how the agency addresses potential national security risks from foreign technology components.
Huawei Response
Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the FCC's ban. The Chinese tech company has previously faced scrutiny from U.S. officials over concerns that its equipment could be used for espionage purposes.
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