Following a revelation that a Chinese carrier had redirected traffic, the US Federal Communications Commission has decided to put forth a proposal aimed at enhancing the integrity of data transmitted over the internet.
Since 2022, the US telecommunications regulatory body has been examining vulnerabilities that jeopardize the security and authenticity of the Border Gateway Protocol, which is fundamental to the global internet routing system.
Under the proposal, internet service providers will be mandated to devise security strategies for BGP and submit progress reports on mitigating risks.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel mentioned that Chinese carrier China Telecom exploited BGP vulnerabilities “to redirect US internet traffic on numerous occasions.”
She further stated, “These ‘BGP hijacks’ can lead to exposure of private data, facilitate theft, blackmail, and even national-level spying.”
This initiative is the most recent measure by Washington to limit the activities of Chinese telecom companies, especially regarding undersea cables carrying internet traffic and their operations within the US.
China Telecom has not responded immediately to requests for comments.
The internet is comprised of a vast network of interconnected systems, and BGP is utilized to exchange data for routing traffic.
However, the FCC emphasized that the original design of BGP lacked security features necessary to validate the accuracy of data used for internet traffic routing.
Earlier in April, the FCC issued orders for the US subsidiaries of China’s major telecom firms, including China Unicom and China Mobile, to cease fixed or mobile broadband services in the country.
China Telecom informed Reuters beforehand that it does not offer broadband internet services as defined in the FCC’s directive.
Previously, the commission had prohibited these Chinese companies from providing telecommunication services.
Rosenworcel had earlier disclosed evidence indicating that Chinese telecom providers were indeed offering broadband services in the US.
The FCC framed its actions as motivated by national security concerns, revoking or rejecting Chinese firms from providing telecommunication services in the US.
Prior to this, the FCC had halted approvals for new telecommunications equipment from companies like Huawei Technologies and ZTE, citing an “unacceptable risk” to US national security.
About Author
