TP-Link sued by U.S. attorneys general over security and China ties

Republican attorneys general from Nebraska, Florida, Iowa, and Montana have filed lawsuits against TP-Link, accusing the Wi-Fi router manufacturer of misleading consumers regarding product security and its connections to China.

The lawsuits allege that TP-Link falsely claimed its routers and HomeShield security service provided total protection. Officials, including Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, claim that Chinese state-sponsored hackers have exploited vulnerabilities in these devices. The litigation further disputes TP-Link’s assertions that it has severed ties with its Chinese predecessor and that its U.S. products are manufactured in Vietnam, alleging that research and manufacturing remain deeply rooted in China.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers warned consumers that older, unsupported routers could be easily exploited by foreign intelligence agencies. He advised users to install firmware updates and change default passwords. TP-Link has denied the allegations, stating that its coordinated lawsuits are built on ‘false premises’ and maintaining that its ties to China have been severed.