Obernolte, Jacobs introduce bipartisan bill Protecting Against Compromised IOT Tech Act

U.S. Representatives Jay Obernolte (CA-08) and Sara Jacobs (CA-53) today introduced the bipartisan H.R. 7138, Protecting Against Compromised IOT Technology Act to protect American consumers and businesses from products that could be manipulated or compromised by foreign actors. The bill requires regular review of companies that sell “Internet of Things” (IOT) devices such as internet-connected refrigerators, smart thermostats and home security cameras to prevent compromised products from entering American homes.

“The Internet of Things has greatly improved efficiency for Americans, allowing us to change our thermostats, lock our doors, and start our coffeemakers remotely from our phones. Unfortunately, it also presents significant security risks.” said Rep. Obernolte. “This bill would require a review of the IOT product ecosystem and would place bad actors on the Entity List before compromised products reach American homes and businesses, keeping Americans and their data safe.”

“As the Internet of Things expands and more of our devices become connected, it is essential that we make sure that these connections are safe and secure. The Protecting Against Compromised IOT Technology Act will increase federal consumer protections and boost our efforts to strengthen cybersecurity. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Obernolte.” said Rep. Jacobs.

IOT devices are being used in American homes to connect everyday products to the internet, simplify daily life, and improve home security. They are also being utilized in American manufacturing and businesses across the country to monitor and control steps in the production process to boost output and reduce error. These efficiencies have improved American life, but they also pose significant digital security risks. Companies that make the devices can have access to the activity each device monitors, which can result in nefarious use of that data when those companies are connected to China or other known malicious actors.

The U.S. Government has established a proven pattern of concerning behavior from China and other nations related to corporate espionage, intellectual property theft, end national security. While Chinese-connected companies such as Huawei and ZTE have been banned from selling telecommunications products in the U.S. due to of the risk of data being released to the CCP, there are a growing number of smart devices entering American homes and businesses that present similar security concerns. H.R. 7138, the Protecting Against Compromised IOT Technology Act would require regular review of companies that sell IOT devices.  Malicious actors would be placed on the Entity List to prevent them from selling compromised products in America to help keep American homes and businesses safe.