Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc., accusing the Wi-Fi router manufacturer of deceptive trade practices by concealing its ties to China and misrepresenting the security and origin of its products, allegedly exposing American consumers to cybersecurity risks and exploitation by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. Paxton claims that although TP-Link products are labeled “Made in Vietnam,” their supply chain remains deeply tied to China and that vulnerabilities in the devices have been exploited, potentially giving foreign entities access to U.S. home networks; TP-Link denies the allegations and says it will vigorously defend itself. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, seeks civil penalties and injunctions and marks the first in a coordinated series of actions by the state against companies with alleged Chinese affiliations while also building on previous investigative actions and prohibitions on TP-Link products for Texas government use.
Sources
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/texas-sues-wi-fi-router-maker-over-alleged-china-links-5986772
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/texas-sues-tp-link-alleging-chinese-government-access-its-devices-2026-02-17/
https://www.courthousenews.com/texas-ag-sues-wi-fi-company-over-links-to-china/
Key Takeaways
• Texas alleges TP-Link deceived consumers about the security and origin of its networking devices, hiding a China-linked supply chain and exposing users to cybersecurity risks.
• The lawsuit, brought under state deceptive trade practices laws, seeks penalties and injunctions to force truthful representations and halt harmful practices, and is part of a broader series of actions against companies with alleged ties to China.
• TP-Link disputes the claims, asserting it is an independent company with U.S.-based operations and that the lawsuit’s allegations are unfounded and will be proven false.
In-Depth
In a high-profile legal move that underscores growing concern in the United States about foreign influence and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc., the well-known maker of Wi-Fi routers and networking equipment. According to the complaint, the state alleges that TP-Link engaged in deceptive trade practices by concealing the true nature of its supply chain and affiliations and by misrepresenting the security of its products to American consumers. At the heart of the case is the accusation that while TP-Link devices are marketed in the U.S. as being manufactured in Vietnam and as secure networking solutions, the reality is that the supply chain remains heavily rooted in China with critical components sourced from Chinese facilities. This, Paxton’s office says, means the devices carry inherent vulnerabilities that have been exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups, potentially exposing users’ home networks and personal data to foreign access and misuse.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Texas state court under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, seeks significant civil monetary penalties for each violation and permanent injunctions requiring TP-Link to correct its marketing and disclosure practices. Specifically, the state wants the company to stop representing its products as secure and to accurately disclose their nation of origin and any data-sharing practices. The complaint also connects this action to Texas’s recent prohibition of TP-Link products for government use, a move that reflects broader concerns about national and state-level cybersecurity protections.
Texas officials argue this legal action is the first of several against what they describe as companies with ties to the Chinese government or Communist Party that could pose risks to U.S. consumers and critical infrastructure. Paxton’s announcement of the lawsuit comes as part of a concerted strategy intended to “put Texas and America first,” according to his public statements, and to hold companies accountable for misleading American consumers and exposing them to what the state considers undue foreign influence or risk.
TP-Link, for its part, has strongly rejected the premise of the lawsuit. The company asserts that it is an independent entity with its core operations and infrastructure based in the United States and that its products and user data are securely handled, with no control or ownership by the Chinese government or Communist Party. TP-Link’s leadership has indicated that the company intends to vigorously defend its reputation and challenge the lawsuit’s claims in court. While the legal process unfolds, the case draws attention to the ongoing debate over foreign-linked technology and its place in American homes and critical networks, highlighting both consumer protection concerns and geopolitical tensions.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have implications not only for TP-Link but also for other foreign-linked technology companies operating in the U.S. market, especially if it sets precedents regarding the disclosure of supply chains, product security, and transparency in marketing. As the matter makes its way through the courts, it is likely to attract scrutiny from industry observers, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers alike.