- Texas Attorney General sues TP-Link over Chinese links and failed security promises
- Chinese components hide behind the label ‘Made in Vietnam’, Paxton claims
- Data collection and multiple vulnerabilities are also mentioned in a lawsuit
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued networking and router giant TP-Link over alleged ties to China, alleging the company misled consumers about its country of origin, misrepresented its privacy and security protections and failed to disclose Chinese affiliations and legal obligations.
Paxton’s lawsuit states that TP-Link claims its US-bound products are manufactured in Vietnam, but Vietnam is the site of TP-Link’s final assembly and the vast majority of parts are imported from China, Texas claims.
Paxton claims the ‘Made in Vietnam’ mark is a misleading geographical indication under state law.
Texas sues TP-Link over Chinese ties and security claims
TextOn the security front, Paxton takes on TP-Link’s HomeShield, which promises to be “100% protection” covering “all security scenarios” against cyber threats and IoT attacks. But several reported vulnerabilities, including the Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon and Salt Typhoon campaigns, an SQL injection flaw and password spraying have all hit the headlines in recent years.
The lawsuit also affects TP-Link’s other apps, such as Kasa, Tapo, Deco and Tether, which collect email addresses, precise locations and device identifiers.
Given TP-Link’s market position (about 65% of the US network device market), Texas is seeking civil penalties of up to $10,000 per infringement (higher for consumers age 65+), a trial by jury, damages potentially exceeding $1 million and numerous injunctions.
However, the network company is not too worried about the lawsuit, which it says is “without merit and will be proven false.” A spokesperson also noted that TP-Link Systems Inc. (the exact division Paxton is after) is an independent US company that operates its core operations and infrastructure in the US.
“We will continue to 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 endangering the security of Americans. Let this serve as a clear warning to any Chinese entity that seeks to compromise our nation’s security,” Paxton wrote.
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