Washington is investigating TP-Link, the most popular home internet router brand in the U.S., because of its links to recent cyberattacks. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Chinese company currently owns about 65% of the home and small business router market in the U.S.—up from 20% in 2019—and its products are also used by the Department of Defense and several other federal agencies, including NASA and the DEA.
Reports say three government bodies—the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice—have opened inquiries into TP-Link. The Commerce Department has already sent subpoenas to the company. Furthermore, some sources suggest that the White House could ban the popular router brand next year, especially as Donald Trump takes office in January with his aggressive trade policies.
