Mastodawn

RE: https://infosec.exchange/@briankrebs/116280575943263005

You might wonder how it is the FCC regulates Internet routers. It's complicated.

First, FCC certification has long been required for virtually all microprocessor-equipped electronics, to ensure compliance with RF emission limits.

Then, in 2020, Congress enacted 47 USC § 1601, the "secure networks act", which requires the FCC to maintain a list of networking equipment determined to pose risks to national security: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/1601

Equipment on the list can't receive FCC certification.

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Matt Blaze Mar 24

So the regulatory authority for the FCC here is rather indirect, kind of a backdoor.

They don't regulate the Internet Protocols or Internet security per se, but they do regulate most of the *equipment* that the Internet runs on (because almost everything uses RF-emitting processors that require FCC certification).

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Simon Zerafa

@mattblaze

It's yet another attempt at a manufacturer shake down from Trump. Bribes they were called back in the day.

It sidesteps tariffs and comes directly from manufacturers, not consumers, although they will probably have to pay more to cover these bribes.