US states sue popular kitmaker TP-Link over China risks

The attorneys general of four US states have filed a lawsuit against networking equipment manufacturer TP-Link, alleging the company misled consumers about its security and China ties. TP-Link, a California-based firm, is accused of deceptive marketing practices and failing to properly disclose its links to China. The company, which holds significant market share in the US, is said to rely on Chinese components and supply chain, despite claims of moving production to Vietnam.

The states allege that TP-Link routers have been exploited by Chinese and Russian state-backed hackers, and that the company's security claims are false. TP-Link's attorneys argue that the lawsuit is based on false premises and unfairly penalizes a US company, denying allegations of foreign ownership or control.