Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued TP-Link Systems Inc. for allegedly allowing the Chinese Communist Party to access Americans’ home devices.
The company manufactures network equipment and ‘smart home’ products, including security cameras, smart light bulbs/switches, video doorbells, and motion sensors, under the brands Tapo, Kasa Smart, and others.
The lawsuit marks the first in a series of legal actions Paxton plans to file this week against China-affiliated companies. The case highlights growing concerns about Chinese technology companies operating in the United States. It follows similar state-level efforts to restrict Chinese-made products from government networks.
Paxton’s office accuses TP-Link of deceptive marketing regarding the privacy and security features of its networking devices. The lawsuit claims Chinese state-sponsored hackers have exploited the company’s products to launch cyberattacks against the United States.
TP-Link’s ownership and supply-chain ties to China make it subject to Chinese national data laws, according to the lawsuit. These laws require Chinese citizens and companies to share data with intelligence services when requested.
“This week, my office is launching a coordinated series of actions against CCP-aligned companies to send a clear message that in the Lone Star State we will always put Texas and America First,” Paxton said. “TP Link will face the full force of the law for putting Americans’ security at risk.”
Nearly all TP-Link products contain parts imported from China, the lawsuit states. The attorney general’s office characterizes this as both illegal deception and a national security threat.
The legal action follows Paxton’s October 2025 announcement of an investigation into TP-Link. His office has pursued multiple cases against Chinese-linked companies as part of a broader data privacy initiative.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently added TP-Link to the state’s list of prohibited technologies for government employees and devices. The move aligns with federal concerns about Chinese networking equipment.
Paxton’s announcement signals that more lawsuits against Chinese companies are imminent. His office described the actions as a “coordinated effort to hold China accountable under Texas law.”
