FCC Extends Deadline for Foreign-Made Router and Drone Security Ban
The FCC has extended the deadline for its ban on security updates for foreign-made routers and drones to 2029, citing the need for more time for manufacturer compliance.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a delay in the enforcement of its ban on security updates for foreign-made routers and drones. The deadline, which was originally set for March 1, 2027, has been pushed back to at least January 1, 2029 [The Record, Dark Reading].
While the FCC is softening the immediate impact of the ban by extending the timeline, the underlying policy remains in effect. The move is intended to provide manufacturers with more time to comply with the new security requirements, which aim to mitigate risks associated with foreign-manufactured hardware in critical infrastructure [The Record].
The FCC's decision reflects the complexity of balancing national security concerns with the practical realities of global supply chains. Organizations that rely on these devices should continue to monitor for future updates and guidance from the FCC as the new 2029 deadline approaches. Security teams should prioritize the assessment of their current hardware inventory for potential vulnerabilities [Dark Reading].