Texas is suing TP-Link over its ties to China

Texas sues TP-Link over Chinese ties

The state of Texas is suing router-maker TP-Link, alleging the company misleads consumers about its connections to China. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit this week, claiming TP-Link serves as "an open window for Chinese-sponsored threat actors."

Paxton accuses the company of "masking its Chinese connections" and putting consumers at risk of cyberattacks. The lawsuit is part of a broader state effort to crack down on Chinese companies operating in Texas.

Allegations of deception and security risks

TP-Link was founded in China but has worked to distance itself in recent years. It established a manufacturing facility in Vietnam in 2018 and centralized its global headquarters in the US in 2024 under the name TP-Link Systems.

Despite marketing its products as "Made in Vietnam," Paxton alleges the company sources nearly all components from China. "The final touches TP-Link makes in Vietnam do not cure the company’s deceit," the lawsuit states.

Texas alleges TP-Link violates consumer protection laws on two key fronts:

• Misrepresenting products as "secure" despite alleged vulnerabilities
• Misleading customers about its ongoing affiliation with China

Growing scrutiny from regulators

TP-Link's ties to China have drawn increasing attention from US authorities. The Trump administration previously scrutinized the company, leading to a Federal Trade Commission investigation.

Texas opened its own probe in October, culminating in this week's lawsuit. The state claims TP-Link operates its supply chain "deep inside of China, with China’s support, and through Chinese exports."

Broader crackdown on Chinese tech

Paxton filed a separate lawsuit on Wednesday against Texas-based drone company Anzu Robotics. He alleges Anzu sells "rebranded" drones made by China's DJI while misleading consumers about data practices and security risks.

The Federal Communications Commission recently banned DJI from importing new drones into the US. These actions reflect growing concerns about Chinese technology and data security among US regulators.

Both lawsuits demonstrate Texas's aggressive approach to companies with Chinese connections. The state is pursuing legal action based on consumer protection laws rather than waiting for federal action.