FCC Fortifies US Communications Security Against Foreign Threats, Specifically Targeting China

Washington D.C. – Continuing its efforts to safeguard US communications infrastructure from foreign threats, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under the leadership of Chair Brendan Carr, has taken significant steps to bolster national security, with a particular focus on China.

The Commission recently adopted an Order and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) as part of the "Bad Labs" proceeding. The primary goal is to limit national security risks within the FCC's equipment authorization program, with clear attention on China-linked entities.

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What Does the "Bad Labs" Order Mandate?

The Order explicitly prohibits entities with certain ties to foreign adversaries, primarily those of Chinese origin, from participating in the FCC's equipment authorization program. This ban applies to:

• Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs)

• Test Labs

• Laboratory Accreditation Bodies

Next Steps: FNPRM and Post-Market Surveillance

The FNPRM seeks comments on additional proposed regulations aimed at expanding the list of prohibited entities, with a focus on companies having ties to China. Furthermore, it proposes the introduction of new post-market surveillance requirements, a crucial step to ensure the ongoing security of equipment once it's on the market.

A Comprehensive Commitment to National Security

The "Bad Labs" Order and FNPRM are part of a broader FCC effort to address national security risks posed by communications technologies. Among other recent actions, the FCC has:

• Proposed new certification and reporting requirements (via an NPRM) related to connections with foreign adversaries of FCC-regulated entities, with China often cited as the primary adversary.

• Issued a Public Notice to solicit comments on whether the Commission should update its list of communications equipment and services posing a national security threat. This specifically includes connected vehicle technologies, which are the subject of a final rule issued in January 2025 by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which specifically aims to limit Chinese presence in this sector.

These combined initiatives underscore the FCC's ongoing commitment to protecting American communication infrastructure and national security in an evolving technological landscape, placing China at the center of security concerns.