WASHINGTON D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today advanced new rules designed to bolster the security and integrity of the U.S. telecommunications supply chain, specifically targeting "bad labs" and untrustworthy entities involved in equipment authorization.
The FCC approved a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will prohibit Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and laboratory accreditation bodies from participating in the equipment authorization program if they are owned, controlled, or directed by entities posing a national security risk, including foreign adversaries. This move aims to close a potential loophole where insecure or compromised equipment could enter U.S. networks through compromised testing and certification processes.
"Before any electronics can be imported or sold in the U.S., they must be tested in a lab to make sure they comply with FCC regulations," stated FCC Chairman. "It's not hard to imagine that an unreliable lab, one beholden to a foreign adversary, could sign off on insecure gear entering the U.S. market."
The new rules expand current reporting and certification requirements to include details on ownership, control, and equity interests of 5% or more. The FCC will also withdraw recognition from any entity that provides inaccurate information.
Additionally, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on extending these prohibitions to entities subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary and exploring ways to increase equipment authorization testing within the United States or allied countries. Concerns were raised that approximately 75% of all electronics testing currently occurs in labs located in China.
Commissioners Starks, Symington, and Gomez all voiced strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of trustworthy third-party certification in safeguarding national security and preventing undue influence from adversaries. The move builds on previous bipartisan efforts by the FCC to address threats from foreign adversaries, including actions against Huawei and ZTE.
REF:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-4aVCn2KW0
Safeguarding the Equipment Authorization Process from Bad Labs
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-bans-bad-labs-us-equipment-authorization-process
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