FCC investigates Chinese telecom firms for security risks

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is starting an investigation into several Chinese telecom companies, including Huawei and China Telecom. The FCC is worried that these companies might not be following US regulations. The investigation also includes ZTE and Hikvision, which is known for its surveillance cameras. Other targeted companies are China Mobile International USA, and the US branches of China Telecom and China Unicom. FCC chair Brendan Carr says there are concerns that these companies are trying to bypass US security rules. In the past, the FCC has taken actions against some of these companies, including revoking their licenses and putting them on a list that prevents the government from purchasing their products. Carr emphasized that the FCC will investigate how these companies are still operating in the US. He noted that the agency is committed to closing any loopholes that allow foreign companies seen as threats to continue their activities. Recently appointed by President Donald Trump, Carr mentioned that this investigation is part of a broader effort to address telecom and cybersecurity threats, especially from China. The FCC has already sent letters to the companies involved, asking for details about their operations. This is an ongoing situation.