The administration of President Donald Trump is developing new regulations aimed at blocking the entry of Chinese components into the United States that are used in data centers. This proposal, being conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seeks to strengthen the protection of essential infrastructure for the functioning and development of artificial intelligence systems.
The initiative was reported by Reuters on Tuesday (4), and if it progresses, it could be published as early as 2026. The plan establishes limitations on the import of optical transceivers manufactured by Chinese companies, which are crucial devices for high-speed data transmission through fiber optic cables within processing centers.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the main objective is to mitigate risks related to national security, preventing sensitive equipment from being integrated into the American technological chain before becoming a fundamental part of the country's infrastructure.
Focus on restricting optical transceivers in processing centers
The proposal under review by the FCC specifically focuses on optical transceivers, vital components for transporting information via fiber optic cables in data centers. Such equipment is indispensable both for communication between servers and for the operation of structures used in training and executing artificial intelligence models.
According to sources consulted by Reuters, the government assesses that these devices can create points of vulnerability, facilitating data theft, the insertion of malicious software, or even the paralysis of strategic services.
The report emphasizes, however, that the restriction has not yet received official approval. People close to the debates confirmed that the proposal is still in the drafting phase and may undergo changes or be discarded before publication.
Divyansh Kaushik, an artificial intelligence policy expert at the consultancy Beacon Global Strategies, commented that supply chain protection must keep pace with the growth of data centers. He told Reuters: “Transceivers definitely represent a risk. As data center expansion scales up, it is necessary to ensure the supply chain is secure from the beginning.”
Similarity to the Huawei case
The apprehension by US authorities lies in preventing a recurrence of a situation similar to that experienced with Huawei equipment. Government members believe that the widespread use of this company's products in telecommunications infrastructure made the replacement process slow, costly, and incomplete after the imposition of sanctions by the United States.
Although the FCC has a history of independence, Reuters recalls that a decision by the US Supreme Court, issued in June, reinforced President Donald Trump's powers over certain regulatory bodies, validating the dismissal of a Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission.
Potential impacts for companies
If the measure is implemented, one of the corporations most susceptible to being affected is the Chinese company Zhongji Innolight, identified as one of the largest global suppliers of optical transceivers. This company was included in June in the U.S. Department of Defense list of organizations accused of maintaining ties with the Chinese military sector.
Data cited by Reuters shows that Innolight holds about 27% of the global market for these data center equipment and generates approximately 90% of its revenue outside of China.
In contrast, American manufacturers such as Coherent and Lumentum are among the companies that could benefit from the regulatory change. However, a report by the Foundation for American Innovation points out that these companies do not yet have sufficient capacity to fully replace Chinese suppliers.
Reuters also indicates that cloud computing companies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), may face increased costs if they need to switch to other manufacturers.
Restrictions are part of a broader strategy
This possible ban is part of a set of recent actions adopted by the FCC against Chinese equipment deemed sensitive. The agency had already announced restrictions covering drones, routers, robots, and inverters, using the so-called “Covered List,” created by the American Congress to prevent the future commercialization of items classified as a threat to national security.
The article also mentions that the Department of Commerce had suspended, following a trade truce signed the previous year, a set of measures that also targeted Chinese equipment for data centers. Given this landscape, the FCC assumed a central role in implementing new restrictions targeting the sector.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington declared that the United States should take into account the opinions of the business community of both countries and cease attacks on Chinese companies through accusations and sanctions. The diplomatic mission added that Beijing will take the necessary measures if its interests suffer material damage.