Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched what he calls a “coordinated series of actions” against Chinese companies operating in the state, beginning with a lawsuit against networking equipment manufacturer TP-Link for allegedly allowing the Chinese Communist Party access to American consumers’ devices.
The lawsuit, announced by Paxton’s office, accuses TP-Link of deceptive marketing practices and compromising American security interests. It’s part of a broader campaign targeting what Paxton describes as “CCP-aligned companies” operating in Texas.
Putting Texas and America First
“This week, my office is launching a coordinated series of actions against CCP-aligned companies to send a clear message that in the Lone Star State we will always put Texas and America First,” Paxton declared. “TP Link will face the full force of the law for putting Americans’ security at risk. Let this serve as a clear warning to any Chinese entity seeking to compromise our nation’s security.”
The investigation into TP-Link aims to determine whether the company misled consumers about its independence from the Chinese government, vulnerability to exploitation, and potentially improper data collection practices that might violate Texas privacy laws, according to reports.
Why target networking equipment? Such devices serve as gateways to home and business networks, potentially giving backdoor access to sensitive information if compromised. The lawsuit comes amid growing national security concerns about Chinese technology companies’ operations in the United States.
Multiple Companies in Crosshairs
TP-Link isn’t alone in facing scrutiny. Paxton has also notified several other Chinese-owned companies — including Alibaba and CapCut — that they must comply with the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA) or face legal consequences.
“I have notified several Chinese-owned companies that they must stop violating Texas’s privacy laws and protect Texans’ data from falling into the hands of the CCP. Failure to do so will be met with the full force of my office,” Paxton stated.
The Texas Attorney General’s actions aren’t limited to consumer technology companies. His office has also launched an investigation into Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) battery systems at a Texas power storage facility near Mabank, citing potential violations of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act.
Power grid vulnerabilities? That’s precisely what concerns Paxton. “Texas must not allow foreign communists to infiltrate, interfere, or otherwise undermine our power grid or other parts of our state infrastructure,” he warned. “The CCP is a bad actor, and it is unlawful for aligned companies to meddle in our state in order to grant backdoor access to their handlers.”
Part of a Broader Trend
Texas isn’t alone in its concerns about Chinese technology companies. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has also issued an investigative subpoena to TP-Link regarding its cybersecurity practices, supply-chain infrastructure, and handling of U.S. consumer data, as documented by legal observers.
The actions come as the U.S. Department of Commerce has reportedly proposed banning certain TP-Link products from the American market entirely, signaling growing federal concern about potential security risks.
Critics might question the timing of these actions, as they come during an election year when tough stances on China tend to play well with voters. Still, the concerns about data security and critical infrastructure protection reflect legitimate national security considerations that have been building across multiple administrations.
For now, TP-Link and other Chinese companies operating in Texas face a stark choice: demonstrate compliance with Texas privacy laws or prepare for what Paxton promises will be the “full force” of his office’s legal authority. “If you mess with Texas,” Paxton concluded, “I will come after you.”
