GoKawiilis a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years editing the likes of CNET, Gizmodo, and Engadget.
Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
You’ve probably heard the US government has banned foreign-made consumer Wi-Fi routers over national security fears.
You might be wondering: WTF is going on?
Just another day in America under Donald Trump and FCC chairman Brendan Carr. You’re probably fine for now, but if you want to know why there’s so much chaos, read on.
The government’s not taking away my router, right?
No, you can keep using your router in the United States of America no matter where it was made — the FCC is crystal-clear about that. You can even go buy a replacement: “Consumers will continue to be able to purchase previously authorized routers,” it writes.
Is there a recall on “vulnerable” routers? Do I need to patch them?
Nope, despite the alleged national security threat, no action is required. “Consumers currently using covered routers in small and home offices do not need to do anything,” writes the FCC. There are no restrictions on existing routers whatsoever, it adds.
What about outside of the home? Will the government stop using vulnerable routers?
... continue reading