Texas AG Sues TP-Link for CCP Device Access

Detected February 17th, 2026

Summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued TP-Link Systems Inc. for allegedly deceiving consumers about the privacy and security of its networking devices, and for allowing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) access to American devices. This lawsuit is the first in a series of actions against companies affiliated with Communist China.

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What changed

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc., alleging deceptive marketing practices and enabling the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access American consumers' devices. The lawsuit claims TP-Link's products, with supply chains tied to China, are subject to PRC national data laws, potentially allowing Chinese intelligence services access to American data. This action is framed as a national security threat and the first in a series of lawsuits targeting CCP-affiliated companies.

This enforcement action requires TP-Link to face legal consequences under Texas law. The Attorney General's office has initiated this lawsuit as part of a broader initiative to protect Texans' data. Consumers using TP-Link devices may be at risk of surveillance and data exploitation. The lawsuit follows an investigation announced in October 2025, and TP-Link has also been added to Governor Abbott's list of prohibited technologies for state employees and devices.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Ken Paxton sued TP-Link Systems Inc. (“TP Link”) for deceptively marketing its networking devices and allowing the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) to access American consumers’ devices in their homes. This is the first of several lawsuits that will be filed by Attorney General Paxton this week to stop companies affiliated with Communist China from harming Texans.

Despite its claims of privacy and security, TP Link’s products have been used by People’s Republic of China’s (“PRC”) state-sponsored hacking entities to launch multiple cyber-attack operations against the United States. Further, TP Link’s ownership and supply-chain are tied to China. Through these ties, TP Link is subject to the PRC’s national data laws, which require Chinese citizens and firms to support PRC intelligence services by divulging Americans’ data. With nearly all of its products’ parts imported from China, TP Link’s deliberate deception towards Texans regarding the nationality, privacy, and security capabilities of its networking devices is not just illegal—it is also a national security threat that enables the secret surveillance and exploitation of Texas consumers.

“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,” said Attorney General Paxton. “TP Link will face the full force of the law for putting Americans’ security at risk. Let this serve as a clear warning to any Chinese entity seeking to compromise our nation’s security.”

This lawsuit follows an investigation into TP Link that Attorney General Paxton announced in October 2025. Attorney General Paxton has taken action against numerous CCP-linked companies as part of a broader initiative to protect Texans’ data from illegal exploitation. Additionally, Governor Abbott recently updated the state’s list of prohibited technologies for state employees and devices to include TP Link.

This announcement marks the first of several lawsuits that the Office of the Attorney General will file this week as part of a coordinated effort to hold China accountable under Texas law.

To read the lawsuit, click here.