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Lawmakers Demand Probe Into Chinese Tech Firm Anker Over Spying Fears
Stefanik and Scott allege Anker's ties to Chinese government pose 'unacceptable risks' to US national security
Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:07pm
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Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have requested a 'formal investigation' into Chinese tech company Anker, alleging the firm's products pose 'unacceptable risks to US national security'. The lawmakers raised concerns about Anker's ties to the Chinese government and its targeting of US military families with sales promotions, warning that this 'could introduce foreign surveillance and destructive capabilities into American households'.
Why it matters
This case highlights growing concerns among US officials about the potential security risks posed by Chinese-made smart home products and components being sold to American consumers. There are fears that these devices could provide backdoor access for the Chinese government to monitor or even cripple US critical infrastructure.
The details
Stefanik and Scott accused Anker of relying heavily on government subsidies from China, which they say has allowed the company to 'gain an unfair and dominant market position'. The lawmakers also pointed to a 2025 settlement between Anker's Eufy-brand security cameras and the New York attorney general's office, which found that the video feeds 'were not always securely encrypted and could be accessible to anyone with the relevant link without authentication'.
- In January 2025, the New York attorney general's office secured a $450,000 settlement from companies that distributed Eufy-brand security cameras.
- On March 2, 2026, Stefanik and Scott sent a letter to the FCC and Commerce Department requesting a 'formal investigation' into Anker.
The players
Elise Stefanik
A Republican Congresswoman from New York who co-authored the letter demanding an investigation into Anker.
Rick Scott
A Republican Senator from Florida who co-authored the letter demanding an investigation into Anker.
Anker
A Chinese tech company that sells 'smart' home goods like security cameras and fast-charging batteries, which the lawmakers allege pose 'unacceptable risks to US national security'.
Brendan Carr
The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who the lawmakers asked to investigate Anker.
Howard Lutnick
The Secretary of the US Department of Commerce, who the lawmakers also asked to investigate Anker.
What they’re saying
“Taking action is essential to not only protect American brands and innovators from unfair Chinese competition but also to protect US citizens from potentially having their personal data exploited by China.”
— Elise Stefanik and Rick Scott, US Lawmakers
What’s next
The FCC and Commerce Department will decide whether to launch a formal investigation into Anker based on the lawmakers' concerns.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing tensions between the US and China over technology and national security, with US officials increasingly wary of Chinese-made products that could provide backdoor access for surveillance or disruption of critical infrastructure.
