Lawsuit Filed Over Security Claims
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced that the state is suing TP-Link, alleging that the manufacturer misrepresented the safety of its routers and its connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
The state's legal action claims that TP-Link sold consumer networking equipment while misrepresenting how secure the devices were, the degree of separation between the company and China, and the handling of user data.
Allegations Regarding Manufacturing and Support
The Florida Attorney General stated that Chinese state-sponsored hackers have targeted TP-Link routers deployed in American homes, noting that many older models lack automatic update capabilities and have reached the end of their support lifecycle. Officials also contested TP-Link's claims regarding its supply chain, stating that research and manufacturing remain largely based in China rather than Vietnam.
Federal Scrutiny and Corporate Restructuring
Federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and Department of Justice have previously investigated the company regarding national security and trade practices. TP-Link has maintained that its U.S. division separated from its Chinese parent company in 2024 and that it has maintained manufacturing operations in Vietnam since 2018.
Regulatory Challenges and Sales Status
While avoiding a complete U.S. ban similar to Huawei, TP-Link faces regulatory hurdles as the FCC implements import restrictions on new consumer routers. The company has applied for conditional approval to bypass the restriction, though existing models remain available for sale in the United States.
Multi-State Legal Actions
Florida joins other states including Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana in filing legal proceedings against TP-Link over router security and alleged ties to Beijing.
