Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into TP-Link Systems Inc., a company that makes networking devices, over concerns that it might be helping the Chinese government access users’ data. Paxton’s office will look into whether TP-Link has been honest with consumers about its connection to China, if its products have security weaknesses compared to other U.S. brands, and whether its devices are improperly collecting or sharing personal information in violation of state privacy laws.
Paxton expressed strong concerns about American data falling into the hands of the Chinese government, calling it a serious threat. “If TP-Link is breaking the law and putting Texans at risk, we will make sure they face consequences,” he said.
TP-Link was started in Shenzhen, China, but has become a major player in office networking equipment sold in the U.S. This investigation follows earlier warnings from Paxton in May against several Chinese companies including TP-Link, Alibaba, and CapCut. He accused these companies of violating Texans’ privacy rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. This law requires companies to clearly explain how they handle consumer data, offer options to opt out of data collection, and let consumers delete their data if they want.
If these companies don’t follow the law, Paxton says more legal action will come. This move is part of a larger effort in Texas to protect personal information and keep data from foreign governments that may not have America’s best interests in mind.