A letter from Congressmen Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel recently raised concern about a potential security threat from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), according to a press release. The letter explains the power of "cellular connectivity modules" and the PRC’s involvement in their industry today.
In the letter, the two committee members voiced concerns about the potential control and sabotage of internet-connected devices through “Chinese cellular modules” and requested further information on the subject. “Connectivity modules” are inside all sorts of devices in the United States, such as “smart devices”, “electric cars” and more, according to the letter. They are remotely controlled and are responsible for connecting the device to the internet.
Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi cited an instance from last year in which Russia tried to steal “$5 million worth of farm equipment” from Ukraine but was stopped through the use of these connectivity modules, which allowed for a remotely controlled shutdown of all the vehicles, rendering them utterly useless, according to the letter. Given this demonstration of power, the lawmakers said that if control of these modules lies in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), they are liable to steal data and shut down connected devices.
The letter also states that Chinese companies that produce these “IoT modules” are subject to PRC laws. Companies “Quectel and Fibocom” are cited in the letter as leading PRC companies for the production of the modules, both of which have reportedly been accused of collaboration with the Chinese state and military.
In the letter, Gallagher and Krithnamoorthi recognized the work done by the FCC to protect America against technological threats in the past and urged them to look into the subject of IoT modules made by PRC-linked companies. They additionally requested information about the FCC’s position on the matter, their ability to “track the presence” of PRC involvement in the IoT module industry and several other questions.
