Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc. for deceptively marketing its networking devices and enabling the Chinese Communist Party to access American consumers' devices. The lawsuit alleges that TP Link's products have been used by PRC state-sponsored hackers and that the company is subject to Chinese laws requiring data disclosure. This is part of a coordinated effort to hold China-aligned companies accountable under Texas law.
In-house legal teams should review contracts with networking device providers and technology vendors with supply chain ties to China to ensure they include representations regarding country of origin, compliance with U.S. and state data privacy laws, and prohibitions on unauthorized data sharing with foreign governments or entities. Clauses related to privacy/security marketing warranties, cybersecurity audit requirements, and breach notification for state-sponsored attacks should be added or updated. Teams should also verify that vendors do not have obligations under foreign laws that require disclosure of customer data to intelligence services.
Entity
TP-Link Systems Inc.
Also known as: TP-Link
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-tp-link-allowing-ccp-access-americans-devices-first-several-lawsuits
TP P
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/TP%20P.pdf
Texas Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/privacy
"TP-Link Systems Inc."
"February 17, 2026"
"Texas"
"sued TP-Link Systems Inc."
"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."
"PRC’s national data laws, which require Chinese citizens and firms to support PRC intelligence services by divulging Americans’ data."
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued an investigative subpoena to TP-Link Systems Inc. as part of a consumer protection investigation into the company’s cybersecurity practices, supply-chain infrastructure, and handling of U.S. consumer data, including allegations of unauthorized data sharing with the Chinese Communist Party. The probe will determine if TP-Link misled customers about foreign government access to their personal data, which would violate the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, with no findings of wrongdoing yet.
The Texas Attorney General opened an investigation into TP-Link Systems Inc. for potentially allowing the Chinese government to access Texans' consumer data through back doors in networking equipment. The investigation will examine whether TP Link violated Texas privacy law by misleading consumers about its independence and improperly collecting or disclosing data. This follows a prior privacy notice violation issued to the company.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corp., the U.S. government contractor that administers the VA Community Care Network and the Defense Health Agency's TRICARE West Region, over reports that it wrongfully denied health care claims by falsely treating insureds as having other health insurance (OHI). The OAG has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) and plans to interview consumers and employees to determine whether TriWest violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. No findings or penalties have been imposed yet.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Amazon.com, Inc. on August 31, 2026, alleging Amazon deceived advertisers by claiming to run second-price auctions while secretly applying hidden surcharges and undisclosed 'soft reserve' prices that pushed winners' costs up by roughly 17% on ordinary days and more than 25% during peak events like Prime Day. The hidden surcharges generated roughly $4.5 billion in additional nationwide revenue in 2024, and more than 18,000 Texas sellers and vendors advertise on the platform. The State brings claims under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, seeking civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, an injunction against inaccurate auction descriptions, and per-auction pricing records for every Texas advertiser; the FTC and a coalition of other states filed a parallel federal action the same day.
$1.0B
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a historic settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc. requiring Meta to pay over $1 billion and implement significant new safeguards to protect children online. The settlement includes stricter age-assurance measures, a daily two-hour limit for teen users, default disabling of notifications during school hours, hidden likes/reactions, and a nighttime access mode restricting features for children.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an industry-wide investigation into companies marketing avocado oil products that may contain undisclosed seed oils. Civil Investigative Demands were issued to Primal Kitchen, Siete Foods, and Chosen Foods, with more companies expected to be investigated for potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.