- Texas Attorney General Sues TP-Link Over Chinese Ties, Failed Security Promises
- Chinese components hiding behind ‘Made in Vietnam’ label, Paxton alleges
- Data collection and multiple vulnerabilities also cited in lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued router and networking giant TP-Link over alleged ties to China, alleging that the company had misled consumers about its country of origin, misrepresented its privacy and security protections, and failed to disclose affiliations and legal obligations with China.
Paxton’s lawsuit claims that TP-Link claims its U.S.-bound products are manufactured in Vietnam, however, Vietnam is the location for TP-Link’s final assembly and the vast majority of parts are imported from China, Texas claims.
Paxton contends that the “Made in Vietnam” label is a misleading geographic designation under state law.
Texas sues TP-Link over China ties, security claims
TextOn the security front, Paxton takes on TP-Link’s HomeShield, which promises to be “100% protection” that covers “all security scenarios” against cyber threats and IoT attacks. However, multiple reported vulnerabilities have made headlines in recent years, including the Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon campaigns, a SQL injection flaw, and password spraying.
The lawsuit also affects other TP-Link apps, such as Kasa, Tapo, Deco and Tether, which collect email addresses, precise locations and device identifiers.
Taking into account TP-Link’s market position (about 65% of the US network device market), Texas seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation (higher for consumers over 65), a jury trial, damages potentially exceeding $1 million, and various injunctive relief.
However, the networking company isn’t too worried about the lawsuit, which it says is “baseless and will be proven false.” A spokesperson also noted that TP-Link Systems Inc. (the exact division Paxton is seeking) is an independent U.S. company, managing its core operations and infrastructure within the U.S.
“We will continue to vigorously defend our reputation as a trusted provider of secure connectivity for American families,” they added.
“TP Link will face the full force of the law for putting the security of Americans at risk. Let this serve as a clear warning to any Chinese entity seeking to compromise the security of our nation,” Paxton wrote.
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