Wi-Fi router manufacturer TP-Link is facing a series of new lawsuits in four states in the United States. These states accuse the company of misleading consumers on the security of its Wi-Fi routers and its connections with the Chinese Communist Party.
The Attorneys General of Florida, Iowa, Montana, and Nebraska allege that despite TP-Link relocating its global headquarters to Irvine, California in 2024, the company has never truly severed its ties with Chinese business operations.
Brenna Bird, Attorney General of Iowa, stated that this consumer protection lawsuit is based on TP-Link’s association with China.
Bird mentioned that TP-Link has tried to create an image of having no connection with China, but the reality is different. She emphasized the importance of routers, as they handle a large amount of information, and if the security of routers is compromised, this data could potentially be accessed by the Chinese (CCP) government.
TP-Link claimed that its routers were secure and reliable, manufactured in Vietnam. However, the components used in these routers are mostly imported from China or pass through China, and the firmware used in them could potentially allow the Chinese government to access devices and data of residents in Iowa.
James Uthmeier, Attorney General of Florida, stated in a video speech that TP-Link engaged in false advertising, claiming that their routers and HomeShield security service could cover all security scenarios and provide 100% protection.
“These claims are false, and we will be filing a lawsuit against TP-Link,” said Uthmeier. He pointed out that hackers supported by the Chinese government have used TP-Link routers in American households to carry out attacks. Many models of routers cannot receive automatic updates, and TP-Link has ceased support for these models.
Austin Knudsen, Attorney General of Montana, expressed that due to their malicious actions, millions of Americans unknowingly invited a foreign hostile force into their homes, putting their personal information at risk of exposure.
Mike Hilgers, Attorney General of Nebraska, stated that the lawsuit against TP-Link aims to protect Nebraskans from infringement by the Chinese Communist Party. He emphasized that TP-Link holds a market share of at least 60% in the U.S. Wi-Fi systems and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) router retail market and sells products through large retailers across Nebraska.
Hilgers also mentioned that TP-Link did not disclose to consumers that the company still has ongoing ties with a Chinese military subcontractor and that its products have security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Russian intelligence agencies and hackers associated with the Chinese government.
In response to the lawsuits from the four states mentioned above, TP-Link stated that over the past few months, the company has consistently provided clear and verifiable documentation to state regulatory agencies to prove two fundamental facts: 1. The devices sold by TP-Link Systems in the U.S. are manufactured in Vietnam; 2. TP-Link Systems is an independent American company, not owned or controlled by any foreign government.
“These coordinated lawsuits are based on falsehoods. They not only fail to enhance national security but unfairly target a leading American company in the industry,” said Steve Kovsky, Corporate Affairs Officer at TP-Link.