FCC, state AGs to join forces in crackdown on China-linked communications technology
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alongside attorneys general from Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, is set to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing oversight and consumer protection regarding high-risk communications technology, particularly those linked to China. This partnership, which is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, marks a significant step towards coordinating federal and state efforts to combat security threats posed by communications equipment and services that may be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The initiative underscores a growing bipartisan concern regarding the potential for Chinese technology to compromise U.S. national security and consumer safety.
The MOU represents a proactive approach to information sharing and enforcement against CCP-affiliated companies that seek to penetrate U.S. markets, often by rebranding their products to obscure their origins. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating it aims to close jurisdictional gaps in enforcement and bolster safeguards against compromised devices. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers highlighted the urgency of the matter, asserting that the partnership is a crucial step in preventing CCP-linked technology from jeopardizing American consumers. The discussions, described as “exceptionally productive,” reflect a commitment to swift action against companies that continue to sell banned Chinese components, with the potential for federal and state enforcement actions looming for non-compliant manufacturers and retailers.
This initiative comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over China’s influence in U.S. technology and communications infrastructure. Lawmakers from both parties have raised alarms about the risks associated with Chinese investments and partnerships in the U.S., which they fear could serve as a cover for espionage activities. The MOU is seen as a continuation of the previous administration’s efforts to safeguard American interests, reinforcing a national strategy aimed at countering malign foreign influences in critical sectors. As the partnership takes shape, it promises to enhance the vigilance and responsiveness of U.S. authorities in protecting the integrity of the nation’s communications networks from foreign adversaries.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and four state attorneys general are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) creating a partnership to share information and coordinate oversight of high-risk communications technology.
A draft of the MOU, viewed by Fox News Digital, outlines plans to strengthen consumer protection by targeting communications equipment and services, particularly those originating from China or subject to influence by the
Chinese Communist Party
(CCP).
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The MOU between the attorneys general of Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The FCC confirmed to Fox News Digital that Carr met with the attorneys general on Wednesday morning.
For the first time, the agreement will bring federal and state authorities together to share intelligence on China-linked communications technology, coordinate enforcement against security threats, protect consumers from compromised devices and close jurisdictional enforcement gaps.
“The chairman is actively partnering with state attorneys general across the country to promote national security,” the FCC said.
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A person familiar with the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the discussion as “exceptionally productive,” and said it highlighted the need for faster information sharing and stronger safeguards against CCP-linked companies that attempt to infiltrate U.S. markets by rebranding their products to conceal their Chinese origins.
“This strengthened federal–state partnership reflects the Trump administration’s decisive leadership in turning policy into action and safeguarding the American people from foreign adversaries,” the person told Fox News Digital, warning that U.S. manufacturers and retailers should immediately halt the sale of banned Chinese components “or they will likely face swift federal and state enforcement actions.”
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said that after the meeting, the state attorneys general are “eager to deepen our coordination with the federal government as we work to stop CCP-linked technology from endangering American consumers.”
“We are taking decisive action to keep Communist China out of our homes and networks. This partnership reinforces our commitment to confront and shut down malign Chinese influence in America’s communications infrastructure.”
The move comes amid mounting concerns that Beijing is using Chinese-made communications equipment to undermine U.S. security and gain strategic footholds in critical networks.
Lawmakers from both parties have long warned that the
Chinese government
uses educational exchanges, research partnerships and business investments in the U.S. as cover for espionage activities, concerns that mirror growing fears about Beijing’s expanding footprint in America’s communications networks.
