China's Plan to Rule the World's Smart Devices
Newsweek Europe|September 08 - 15, 2023 (Double Issue)
Police, firefighters and other first responders in the U.S. rely on Chinese communications devices. Spies may be listening in
SHAUN WATERMAN and DIDI KIRSTEN TATLOW
China's Plan to Rule the World's Smart Devices

CHINESE-MADE COMPONENTS IN DEVICES CERTIfied for use on a federally managed public safety network are designed to be able to send information to servers in China and it's not clear how effective security measures to prevent that are, according to engineers and industry sources with knowledge of the equipment who spoke to Newsweek. The components, or cellular internet modules, are generally used to connect objects, from cars to medical equipment to refrigerators, to the internet.

The ubiquity of Chinese cellular internet modules in these and other devices in the so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has prompted concerns in Congress, including an August 7 letter from the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party urging regulators to address the potential security risk.

"Using these modules may create a back door for malign Chinese government actors to access and potentially cripple first-response devices," Select Committee Chairman Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, tells Newsweek. He adds, "It's just common sense: American critical infrastructure must not be dependent upon CCP [Chinese Communist Party] technology." The letter was also signed by the committee's ranking Democrat, Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Officials from the FirstNet Authority, the federal agency that manages the emergency network, tell Newsweek that Chinese modules are used in devices certified for their system, but say their testing and other measures keep them secure. Security experts and former officials say they are much less confident.

This story is from the September 08 - 15, 2023 (Double Issue) edition of Newsweek Europe.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 08 - 15, 2023 (Double Issue) edition of Newsweek Europe.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEWSWEEK EUROPEView All
The Invisible Scars Of War
Newsweek Europe

The Invisible Scars Of War

The ongoing conflict with Russia has left 10 million Ukrainians affected by mental health conditions. Now, a community-led program is giving citizens the tools they need to help them overcome their trauma

time-read
6 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Navigating New Horizons: Tayca's Tech Innovation
Newsweek Europe

Navigating New Horizons: Tayca's Tech Innovation

Amidst evolving global markets and demographic shifts, Tayca Corporation harnesses cutting-edge Japanese technology to stay at the forefront, leading in innovation and adapting to changing economic conditions.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Leading the Waves in LCL Shipping
Newsweek Europe

Leading the Waves in LCL Shipping

With a unique combination of speed, innovation, and a customer-focused approach, Seino Logix dominates the LCL shipping sector, providing top-tier logistics solutions.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Nikki Glaser
Newsweek Europe

Nikki Glaser

COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER NEVER WANTS TO OFFEND. \"I NEVER WANT TO say offensive or raunchy [things] or push the envelope, because that speaks to some kind of comedian who wants to rile people up.\"

time-read
2 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years
Newsweek Europe

Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years

Its stars thought it would flop. Now a quarter of a century after its release, Arnold Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor reflect on the cult classic

time-read
6 mins  |
May 24, 2024
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS 2024
Newsweek Europe

PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS 2024

A COMPANY'S ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE with the public is essential. Managing a firm's reputation, driving interest in its products and limiting damage during times of crisis hinge in large part on the abilities of its public relations professionals.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Work Less, Relax More
Newsweek Europe

Work Less, Relax More

Millennials are ready for a four-day week. The younger generation wants to work fewer hours

time-read
4 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity
Newsweek Europe

Wildlife Crossings Are a Bear Necessity

Safe passages for animals under or over highways are reducing road collisions and could help them to adapt to climate change by seeking out new habitats

time-read
4 mins  |
May 17, 2024
'I Don't Live My Life With the Cameras On'
Newsweek Europe

'I Don't Live My Life With the Cameras On'

Canada's first lady Sophie Grégoire Trudeau talks working through trauma, relationships in the public eye and her new book exploring mental health

time-read
4 mins  |
May 17, 2024
AMERICA'S BEST Maternity HOSPITALS 2024
Newsweek Europe

AMERICA'S BEST Maternity HOSPITALS 2024

THE ARRIVAL OF A HEALTHY BABY BRINGS UNPARALLELED joy. It's no wonder that families welcoming their newest members are looking for high-quality health care to ensure a smooth delivery and reliable postpartum care.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 17, 2024