Eken Faces $700K Fine from FCC Over Inactive Address on Filings

FCC Proposes Fines Against Eken for Security Violations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a process to impose over $700,000 in fines against Eken, a Hong Kong-based video doorbell manufacturer. This decision comes after alarming security vulnerabilities were discovered in its products, allowing potential hackers to gain remote access to image feeds.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation into Eken commenced when Consumer Reports revealed serious security issues in February 2024. Eken’s video doorbells, sold under various brand names including Aiwit, Andoe, Bitepass, CutePanda, Fishbot, Gemee, Guggre, Luckwolf, Rakeblue, and Tuck, were found to have vulnerabilities. Specifically, anyone possessing a serial number could remotely access the video feed.

FCC’s Findings

During its investigation, the FCC also uncovered that Eken flouted regulations by failing to provide a valid US-based agent for communications with the commission. The enforcement bureau of the FCC addressed a Letter of Inquiry to Eken’s designated agent in Colorado Springs, only to discover that the address had been inactive since 2019.

Details of the Proposed Fines

The FCC proposed fines totaling $734,872 due to the misrepresentation of the designated agent’s address on three separate FCC applications, each constituting a violation of the commission’s rules. The agency claimed that Eken’s representative had not responded to multiple communication attempts, including emails.

Conclusion

The commission's investigation into Eken’s products and the associated security vulnerabilities is ongoing. This situation underscores the importance of compliance with FCC regulations and the potential risks consumers may face when using IoT devices with inadequate security measures.

Call to Action

Consumers are encouraged to review their video doorbell security settings and stay informed about potential vulnerabilities that may impact their privacy.

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