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“Smart” home devices spark National Security risk

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The rapid proliferation of Internet-connected “smart” devices in US homes and infrastructure has raised concerns about the security of households and national interests.

Lawmakers are now calling for enhanced security standards to counter the escalating threats posed by cybercriminals and hostile governments.

Recent events, including ransomware attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and JBS in 2021, as well as federal warnings about foreign attacks on the US power grid, have fueled public fears about cybersecurity. Moreover, instances of hackers exploiting devices like Ring cameras to spy on individuals, particularly children, have amplified these concerns.

Rep. Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, is part of a growing contingent of policymakers focusing on the “Internet of Things” (IoT), encompassing non-computer devices with internet connectivity. These IoT devices include smart TVs, wearable fitness trackers, doorbell cameras, thermostats, and control systems for factories and power plants. Of particular concern is the widespread use of Chinese-made cellular modules that enable these devices to connect to the internet.

Lawmakers argue that if China were to gain widespread control of these modules, it could steal sensitive US data or disrupt critical infrastructure remotely. This could potentially involve causing power brownouts by manipulating AC units en masse or taking control of self-driving vehicles and medical devices, as former Vice President Dick Cheney once warned.

In a statement to The Post, Rep. Gallagher highlighted the security risks associated with Chinese-made modules, stating that they could create a backdoor for malign Chinese government actors to compromise devices critical to American infrastructure and safety.

Chinese made

Rep. Gallagher and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi have urged FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to investigate the use of Chinese-made cellular modules. They point out that the Chinese Communist Party has significantly supported this industry and identified Quectel and Fibocom as major producers of modules widely used in various US products, including smart cities, drones, and first responder body cameras.

Rosenworcel has requested that the Justice Department, FBI, and other federal agencies assess whether components from Quectel and Fibocom pose a national security threat.

Quectel has defended its products, stating that its IoT modules do not pose security or privacy risks, emphasizing its engagement with regulators and agencies to address concerns. Meanwhile, Fibocom has yet to respond to these inquiries.

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, a Republican, emphasizes the gravity of state-sponsored attacks on key infrastructure, advocating for ongoing engagement between at-risk companies or operators and regulators. Simington supports the FCC’s initiative to introduce a “US Cyber Trust Mark” label for smart devices adhering to widely accepted cybersecurity standards, with regular software updates post-release.

Simington believes that such a label, set to debut next year, represents the first step toward ensuring the security of smart devices for consumers. He emphasizes the importance of meeting consumer expectations for secure devices and preventing potential cybersecurity threats, underscoring the need for accountability and regulation in this rapidly expanding field of technology.

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Trump’s “very productive” deal: What’s behind the U.S.-China agreement?

US and China agree to new terms amid trade war, following productive talks between Treasury Secretary Bessent and Vice Premier He.

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US and China agree to new terms amid trade war, following productive talks between Treasury Secretary Bessent and Vice Premier He.


The United States and China have reached a new agreement amid an intensifying trade war between the world’s two largest economies. This comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held their first in-person talks since the imposition of heavy tariffs on both sides.

President Trump has described the discussions as “very productive,” signaling cautious optimism as financial markets remain volatile and American consumers feel the pinch of rising prices. Secretary Bessent addressed reporters after long negotiations, underlining the urgency both sides felt to de-escalate the stalemate.

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U.S. and China strike surprise trade deal

US and China reach a significant trade deal amid tensions, signaling thawing relations, while the UK secures symbolic concessions; insights from economist Tim Harcourt.

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US and China reach a significant trade deal amid tensions, signaling thawing relations, while the UK secures symbolic concessions; insights from economist Tim Harcourt.


In a stunning development amid rising tensions, the United States and China have agreed on a new deal as part of their ongoing trade war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held the first in-person meetings in years, signaling a potential thaw in relations.

President Trump called the talks “very productive.”

Meanwhile, the UK has managed to score key trade concessions from the US, including on autos, jet engines, and steel—although the benefits may be more symbolic than substantial. Could this deal impact Australia’s trade position?

We unpack the details with Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist at UTS and host of The Airport Economist.

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Inflation data, earnings reports, and market trends to watch

Investors focus on inflation data, trade meetings, Fed remarks, retail sales, and key earnings reports this week.

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Investors focus on inflation data, trade meetings, Fed remarks, retail sales, and key earnings reports this week.

In Short:
Inflation data will be a key focus this week, alongside trade meeting results and important earnings reports. Investors will monitor Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks and various economic indicators, including retail sales and sentiment surveys.

Inflation data set for Tuesday is expected to be a focal point this week.

Investors will also assess the results of recent U.S. and Chinese trade meetings following a quiet Friday that saw stock declines for the week.

On Thursday, remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be closely monitored as he faces pressure from President Donald Trump regarding interest rate decisions.

Retail sales figures will also be released on Thursday, coinciding with Walmart’s earnings report.

Key earnings announcements this week include those from Cisco Systems, Alibaba Group, Deere & Co., Applied Materials, and Take-Two Interactive.

In addition, consumer and small business sentiment surveys, along with data from the homebuilding and manufacturing sectors, may also draw interest.

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