Key points
- The FCC is exercising a new authority to block gadgets containing chips from listed national security risks.
- Two specific gadgets are being blocked due to the inclusion of a HiVision Hi3516CV610 system-on-chip.
- HiVision is a Huawei subsidiary, and the agency claims the component is a foreign surveillance chip.
The Federal Communications Commission is blocking two electronic gadgets for containing a computer chip made by a company the US government considers a national security threat. This action marks the first use of a new regulatory power that allows the agency to prohibit devices containing components from entities on its Covered List.
The specific component involved is the HiVision Hi3516CV610 UHD Smart Vision SoC. This chip converts raw camera sensor data into functional video streams for products such as home security cameras and dashcams. The FCC claims this component constitutes a foreign surveillance chip, justifying the block on the two identified devices.
Regulatory context and scope
The agency gained this new blocking authority on 13 October, as reported by The Verge. The rule closes a previous loophole where manufacturers could incorporate banned components into consumer electronics. By targeting the chip itself, the FCC aims to prevent products from companies on the Covered List from entering the US market indirectly.
Huawei is explicitly named on the FCC’s Covered List. HiVision is a subsidiary of Huawei. The FCC cites HiVision’s own marketing materials, which describe the chip as designed for the surveillance market with built-in human face detection algorithms, as the basis for its classification.
Who is affected
The Verge reports that the FCC has not publicly named the two specific gadgets being blocked. The agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the identities of the manufacturers or the specific product models. Consequently, users of home security cameras and dashcams should verify the components of their devices if they suspect they contain hardware from HiVision or related Huawei entities.
Our take on the response
The lack of specific product names creates immediate uncertainty for consumers and security operations teams. Without a definitive list of affected models, users cannot easily self-assess their risk. The FCC’s assertion that the chip is a surveillance tool relies on the manufacturer’s own feature descriptions, raising questions about the threshold for such regulatory blocks.
What affected people can do
Users should review the technical specifications of their connected video devices to identify the manufacturer of internal components. If a device is found to contain the flagged chip, teams should isolate the hardware from the corporate network to prevent potential data exfiltration. Monitor email and support channels for official communications from the vendor regarding recalls or firmware updates. Be wary of phishing attempts that exploit this regulatory news to trick users into revealing credentials or downloading malicious software under the guise of compliance guidance.
Background: Data exfiltration
Data exfiltration is the unauthorised transfer of sensitive information from a protected system to an external destination. Attackers use this technique to steal intellectual property, financial records or personal data. You can reduce risk by monitoring outbound traffic, enforcing least privilege access and maintaining a clear view of where your data resides.
Read the full guide: Data Exfiltration: How Attackers Steal Information and How to Stop It
What to do and how to stay safe: FCC
- Check device documentation or manufacturer websites to confirm whether the hardware contains the HiVision Hi3516CV610 chip.
- Segment any identified devices on a separate network VLAN to restrict their communication with critical corporate assets.
- Monitor vendor channels for official statements on product compliance and potential remediation steps.
- Educate staff on recognising phishing emails that reference this FCC action to harvest login details.
Step-by-step guide: Detect Online Tracking: Signs in Logs, Browsers and Network Traffic
General security guidance from the Breach Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Which specific gadgets did the FCC block?
The FCC did not name the specific gadgets in its initial announcement, according to The Verge.
Why did the FCC block these chips?
The agency claims the HiVision chip is a foreign surveillance chip due to its face detection features and Huawei ownership.
When did the FCC get the power to do this?
The FCC was granted this new authority on 13 October, as reported by The Verge.