Multiple US Agencies Back TP-Link Router Ban Initiative
The US government is moving closer to banning TP-Link routers as several federal agencies have thrown their support behind a Commerce Department proposal to prohibit future sales of the popular networking equipment. The development marks a significant escalation in a months-long investigation into potential national security risks posed by the California-based company.
According to recent reporting, the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense all participated in an interagency review process over the summer to evaluate the proposed ban. This coordinated effort represents substantial institutional backing for what would be an unprecedented move against one of America’s largest router manufacturers.
The China Connection at the Core of Concerns
The ban proposal centers on longstanding concerns about TP-Link’s remaining ties to China, despite the company’s 2022 separation from Chinese parent company TP-Link Technologies. U.S. officials worry that under Chinese law, TP-Link could be compelled to comply with requests from Beijing’s intelligence agencies—potentially including mandates to deploy malicious software updates across millions of devices used by American consumers, businesses, and government offices.
The concerns echo similar national security arguments that led to previous restrictions on Chinese technology companies. If implemented, this would represent the most significant extraction of Chinese telecom equipment from the US market since the 2019 Huawei ban.
Market Dominance and Impact
TP-Link commands a dominant market position in the United States, controlling somewhere between 36 and 60 percent of the home router market depending on the measurement methodology. This widespread distribution means a ban would require millions of Americans to replace their networking equipment and would reshape the competitive dynamics of the router industry.
Company’s Pushback
TP-Link Systems has vigorously disputed the allegations, maintaining that it operates as an independent American company with no control from China. In statements to the media, the company has asserted it is “not subject to the direction of the PRC intel apparatus” and warned that a ban would harm an American business rather than benefit national security.
Despite these denials, the investigation remains ongoing, with the ban proposal continuing to advance through government channels as of late October 2025.