ROUTERS Act: New Bill Flags Security Risks in Home Routers and Modems from 'Covered Countries'

The "Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security Act" (or "ROUTERS Act") mandates a deep dive into the security of your home internet setup. Specifically, it orders the Secretary of Commerce to study whether routers and modems from companies with ties to certain foreign countries pose a national security risk.

Decoding the ROUTERS Act

The bill instructs the Commerce Department to scrutinize routers and modems (including those all-in-one devices) from companies that are owned, controlled, or influenced by what it calls "covered countries." These countries are listed in section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code. The goal? To figure out if these devices could be used to spy on Americans or disrupt our networks. The Secretary of Commerce has one year from the bill's enactment to report the findings to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (SEC. 2)

Real-World Routers, Real-World Risks

Imagine your home router. It's the gateway to your internet, handling everything from your work emails to your kids' online games. This bill is concerned that routers made by companies with close ties to certain governments could have hidden vulnerabilities – backdoors, maybe – that those governments could exploit. It's like finding out the lock on your front door might have a secret key that someone else could use.

For example, if you bought a router from a company based in one of these "covered countries," and that company is influenced by its government, this study will be looking at whether that router could be a weak link in your – and the nation's – security. The definition of what constitutes influence is crucial, and could potentially be very broad.

Potential Challenges: A Balancing Act

While the bill aims to boost cybersecurity, it's not without potential downsides. The study's findings could lead to restrictions on devices from certain manufacturers, limiting consumer choice. The broad definition of 'influence' could also lead to unfair targeting of specific companies. It's a balancing act between protecting national security and ensuring fair competition.

Connection to Existing Laws

The "ROUTERS Act" doesn't exist in a vacuum. The "covered countries" it references are defined in another piece of legislation (section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code). This means the list of countries under scrutiny could change if that other law is updated. It's like building a house on a foundation that might shift.