Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against TP-Link, alleging the company misled consumers about the security of its routers and its corporate ties to China. The state claims that certain TP-Link models were utilized by state-sponsored Chinese hacking groups for cyberattacks. Additionally, the lawsuit highlights that some devices lack automatic security updates, while others are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
The legal action challenges TP-Link's claims regarding the independence of its US operations. While the company asserts it separated from its Chinese parent structure in 2024, Florida authorities argue that research, development, and production remain linked to China. Furthermore, the state disputes the significance of moving production to Vietnam, noting that less than 1% of components used there are of Vietnamese origin.
Federal scrutiny of TP-Link began in 2024, involving the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. While no total ban exists, new FCC regulations require additional approval for importing new router models. TP-Link has applied for such authorization but has not yet received confirmation. Existing models currently on the market remain available for sale.
Florida is not the first state to take legal action against the manufacturer. Similar lawsuits concerning security risks and alleged ties to China have been filed by the states of Iowa, Nebraska, and Montana. TP-Link has previously denied these allegations, maintaining that its US business is legally distinct and that it has been manufacturing routers in Vietnam since 2018.
