FCC to allow banned drones and routers to receive critical updates until 2029
Mashable • • business
Key Points:
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended the deadline for firmware updates on foreign-made drones and routers from March 1, 2027, to January 1, 2029, allowing nearly two more years of software support.
- The extension addresses concerns about cybersecurity risks such as espionage, unauthorized surveillance, and data theft, particularly from devices manufactured in China, which make up a significant portion of U.S. routers and drones.
- The move follows pressure from the Consumer Technology Association, which advocated for clearer regulations and leniency to protect American consumers who have already invested in these devices.
- The ongoing threat of cyberattacks, including the Volt Typhoon advanced persistent threat exploiting compromised hardware, highlights the critical need for secure firmware updates.
- Despite the extension, there is an expectation that manufacturers and supply chains will increasingly localize production to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the future.