Four States Sue Wi-Fi Router Maker Over Security and China Ties What Shoppers Need to Know

Four state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against TP-Link, one of the world’s largest wi-fi router manufacturers, alleging the company misled consumers about where its products are made and potential security risks tied to Chinese involvement. The legal action from Florida, Iowa, Montana, and Nebraska represents a significant escalation in scrutiny over the company’s manufacturing practices and national security concerns.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

State officials claim TP-Link has not genuinely severed its relationship with China despite moving its global headquarters to Irvine, California in 2024. Florida’s attorney general states that TP-Link’s claim to manufacture routers in Vietnam is misleading, noting that less than 1% of components in Vietnamese facilities actually originate from that country. According to a November 2025 Bloomberg investigation, nearly all other components come directly from China.

The lawsuit documents also highlight concerns about firmware and potential access routes for foreign actors. Iowa’s attorney general specifically warned that TP-Link concealed its Chinese ties and the possibility that the Chinese Communist Party could gain access to users’ devices through routers sold to Iowa residents. Montana’s attorney general characterized the situation as placing millions of Americans at risk by unknowingly inviting foreign adversaries into their homes and exposing personal information.

TP-Link’s Response

TP-Link has firmly rejected the accusations. The company’s corporate affairs officer stated that the coordinated lawsuits rest on false premises and do nothing to advance national security while unfairly targeting an industry leader in the U.S. market. TP-Link claims it has provided state regulators with verifiable documentation proving that routers sold in America are manufactured in Vietnam and that the company itself is independent and not controlled by any foreign government.

The manufacturer also denies any security threat to users, stating it does not and will not share customer network data with foreign governments or unauthorized parties. TP-Link emphasized that it maintains careful control over supply chains, implements rigorous secure development practices, and takes prompt action to address any vulnerabilities that emerge.

Background and Earlier Concerns

This legal battle builds on existing suspicions about Chinese-linked networking equipment. A former NSA cybersecurity director previously identified TP-Link routers among devices exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers during major cyberattacks. However, TP-Link countered that Chinese hackers targeted routers from many manufacturers, not exclusively their products.

The Pentagon has classified TP-Link Technologies, the company’s Chinese counterpart, as directly affiliated with China’s military. Additionally, a former employee posted on a job review site that despite efforts to present itself as American, TP-Link remains fundamentally a Chinese company with U.S. leaders having less authority than their titles suggest.

What This Means for Buyers

The most immediate impact is availability. The U.S. government has effectively blocked TP-Link from selling new routers domestically under a ban on foreign-manufactured networking equipment. While TP-Link announced plans in April to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in bringing manufacturing and research operations to the United States, the company has not yet received the exemptions granted to competitors like Netgear, Amazon’s Eero, and Asus.

For consumers currently using TP-Link routers, the company maintains that its products are secure and poses no risk. However, ongoing legal battles and regulatory scrutiny add uncertainty to the brand’s future in the American market. Wi-fi routers under $200 from other manufacturers remain available, and many consumers may prefer to choose alternatives while legal questions linger.

The Broader Picture

These lawsuits are not new territory for TP-Link. A similar case filed by Texas’s attorney general in February remains pending with a jury trial scheduled for October 2027. Recent court filings indicate Texas is seeking a permanent injunction that could bar TP-Link from continuing the disputed business practices.

The company has begun selling its newest Wi-Fi 8 routers but currently offers them only in markets outside the United States. This restriction highlights the tension between TP-Link’s global operations and regulatory restrictions in America.

For shoppers evaluating wi-fi routers under $100 and higher price points, the current environment offers clarity: domestic brands and companies with proven exemptions provide alternative options without the legal and security questions surrounding TP-Link. As these cases proceed through the courts and potential settlement discussions unfold, the networking equipment market will likely continue shifting toward manufacturers with unambiguous American ties and regulatory approval.

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