Texas Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against TP-Link Over Alleged China Ties

A recent lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses router-maker TP-Link of deceiving customers regarding its connections to China. Paxton claims that TP-Link is concealing its Chinese affiliations, potentially exposing users to security risks posed by Chinese threat actors and intelligence agencies.

Allegations of Misleading Practices and Chinese Sourcing

Despite TP-Link’s marketing claims of its products being “Made in Vietnam,” Paxton alleges that the company heavily relies on Chinese components for manufacturing. The lawsuit asserts that TP-Link’s supply chain operates within China with Chinese support, undermining the credibility of its Vietnam-based production. The lawsuit contends that TP-Link’s misrepresentation of its Chinese ties is misleading and deceptive.

Increased Scrutiny and Legal Action

TP-Link’s connections to China have attracted attention from the Trump administration, leading to investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Texas. The lawsuit accuses TP-Link of violating consumer protection laws by falsely claiming product security and failing to disclose vulnerabilities. Texas aims to address concerns about Chinese company practices through legal action.

Expanding Legal Actions Against Chinese Companies

In a broader effort to address concerns about Chinese companies, Texas Attorney General Paxton has also targeted Anzu Robotics, alleging misleading practices related to drone origin, data handling, and security risks. The lawsuit claims that Anzu’s drones are rebranded products from DJI, a Chinese company recently banned by the FCC from importing drones into the US, further highlighting the scrutiny on Chinese technology companies.