Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 10 hrs ago
FCC blocks two devices containing chips made by Huawei subsidiary
The FCC blocked two devices from the US market because they contain surveillance chips made by HiSilicon, a Huawei subsidiary.
The devices are a wireless video transmitter and a dashboard camera, though the FCC did not identify their specific models.
HiSilicon promotes the chips for surveillance and says they include technology to detect human faces.
New FCC rules took effect on October 13, allowing the agency to block devices containing components made by companies on its national security list.
HiSilicon is on that list, and the rules address a gap that previously allowed listed companies’ components to be used inside other firms’ products.
The FCC says video devices with these chips pose a security risk, while critics have questioned whether its actions protect the public or favor certain companies.
The FCC says it will continue enforcing the rules, but no further actions are specified.
The FCC blocked two devices containing chips made by Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon from entering the U.S. market.
The agency said the chips pose a national security risk because they are designed for surveillance and include human-face detection algorithms.
The devices were identified as a wireless video transmitter and a dashboard camera.
The decision is the first use of new FCC rules that took effect on October 13.
The rules bar devices containing smart components made by companies on the FCC’s Covered List.
- Who
- The Federal Communications Commission blocked the devices; the chips were made by HiSilicon, a Huawei subsidiary.
- What
- The FCC blocked two devices containing HiSilicon chips from entering the U.S. market.
- When
- The decision was announced on Thursday; the articles were published on October 22 and 23, 2026.
- Where
- The United States market.
- Why
- The FCC said surveillance chips made by companies on its Covered List pose a national security risk.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
New FCC rules took effect, allowing the agency to block devices containing smart components made by companies on its Covered List.
The Verge reported that the FCC was using the new power for the first time to block two devices.
The FCC said it would not allow the two devices containing HiSilicon chips into the U.S. market.
- Blocked devices
- Wireless video transmitter and dashboard camera
- Chip maker
- HiSilicon, a Huawei subsidiary
- Chip named by The Verge
- HiVision Hi3516CV610 UHD Smart Vision SoC
- Rules took effect
- October 13
- Market affected
- United States
3 sources
What people are saying
The FCC will continue to act with vigilance in protecting and promoting America’s national security
Video devices containing surveillance chips produced by Covered List entities pose an obvious and unacceptable risk to the nation and our people.