US states sue TP-Link as router ban blocks its latest models
Florida, Montana, Iowa and Nebraska allege the router maker misled consumers about its China ties and security risks. TP-Link denies the claims and still lacks FCC approval for new models.
Four US states have sued TP-Link, alleging it misled consumers about the company’s connections to China and the security risks of its routers. The consumer protection cases were filed by Florida, Montana, Iowa and Nebraska; the claims have not been established in court.
Florida’s lawsuit seeks an injunction, restitution for consumers and financial penalties, according to Attorney-General James Uthmeier. The states allege TP-Link’s routers can be exploited by state-backed hackers and dispute the company’s statements about its manufacturing and independence from foreign government control.
TP-Link denies the allegations. It says devices sold in the US are manufactured in Vietnam and that TP-Link Systems is an independent US company, not owned or controlled by a foreign government. The company also says it complies with US privacy laws, tests its products and does not share customer network data with foreign governments.
The lawsuits add pressure as TP-Link remains without an exemption from the Federal Communications Commission’s ban on consumer routers produced wholly or partly outside the US. Its latest Wi-Fi 8 models are unavailable for sale in the country, though models approved before the ban can still be sold.
The FCC exemption process includes national security review by the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security, as well as a plan to establish or expand US manufacturing. TP-Link says it is following the standard approval process for new products. Ars Technica reported no recent update on the company’s application.
