Fascist FCC bans all new consumer routers not made in the USA -- but the number made in the U.S. may be zero

https://gizmodo.com/fcc-bans-all-new-routers-not-made-in-america-2000737176

@lauren
Wrt on a unix box.?.

On the other hand, that could mean the the same way Trumps products are all made in the USSA.

On the other hand i can imagine how a trump branded router might work. .. I’ll leave that to your imagination. .. I think I could do at least 3 min on it’s eratic functioning.
Lol

@lauren When dealing with an untrustworthy CEO, make it a rule that whenever they take an act, you ask the rest of the board "what is the hidden agenda?"
@lauren So what's the angle here? Will the US made routers also be required to have government controlled monitoring software? Or is it simple grift, someone owns some US companies that could quickly make crap routers?
artemist (@[email protected])

found the instructions for applying for an exemption to import a foreign-made router in the US: https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/Guidance-for-Conditional-Approvals-Submissions0326.pdf "A detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States for the router for which the applicant is seeking Conditional Approval in order for that device to qualify for FCC authorization;" lmao

Mildly Functional Gays

@lauren There is a true kernel hidden in this madness: routers are important infrastructure elements, and should not be treated with more respect.

That said: moving electronic device production to the USA will mostly just create very expensive devices. It will not increase security, as that would be controlled by software. Nor will it reduce supply chain risk, unless you onshore component production, which, if even possible, would explode prices.

So… it’s mostly just madness. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

@ketchup71 The overwhelming vast majority of attacks on U.S.-based firms, etc. -- just look at the malware and phishing torrent 24/7, have nothing to do with routers (or drones). It's bullshit. Really. Don't buy into the "well, it *could* happen" Kool-Aid. This is all politics and billionaires. Trust me on this.

@lauren I absolutely agree. This is bullshit and fearmongering. Plus I fail to see how anyone can turn a profit from it, besides selling exemption permits.

Considering your router as an important part of your network is one thing. Assuming it will become safer by assembling its hardware in another location is stupid. I’m sorry if I made the impression I bought into that: I’m not. This is all most ridiculous. (1/3)

My context: In Germany, there was a motion by some members of the Chaos Computer Club years ago to force router manufacturers to provide security updates for some years, and open devices for OSS systems after EoL. This seems to be a good idea, at least to me.
However, manufacturers tried to turn this into a marketing device, calling for „Made in Germany“ certificates. Same bullshit. (2/3)
At least there are German manufacturers; I assume devices are assembled in China nonetheless. (So… not really manufacturing here? Idk. That new rule would not work in Germany as well.) (3/3)
@ketchup71 It's a mess all around ...

@lauren Agree. 😢

(Also: Turning a profit shouldn’t even be a consideration for this kind of regulation. I just fail to see any other angle.)

@lauren Oh, just noticed the typo: Of course routers *should* be treated with more respect. I really should proofread the whole post after trimming it to fit into the character limits… 🙄