Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lorex Technology Inc., probing whether the security camera company has maintained connections to the Chinese Communist Party through its component supplier Dahua, a firm previously flagged by the U.S. as a national security concern.
The investigation centers on allegations that Lorex may be violating Texas consumer protection laws by selling home security products with potential ties to foreign adversaries while marketing them as safe for residential use.
“Texans should never have to worry that the devices protecting their homes could be tied to foreign adversaries,” Paxton said in a statement announcing the probe. “Any company that gives the CCP a foothold in American life will face the full force of Texas law.”
A Complicated Corporate History
Lorex’s ties to China run deep. Founded in 1991, the security camera manufacturer was acquired by Dahua in 2012 before being sold to Taiwan-based Skywatch in 2022. Despite this ownership change, Dahua — which has been designated as a “Chinese military company” by the U.S. Department of War — continues to supply critical components for Lorex cameras, according to records reviewed by investigators.
What makes this particularly troubling? These cameras remain widely available to Texas consumers through major retailers including Amazon and Costco, even as federal restrictions limit Dahua products due to national security risks.
The attorney general’s office is specifically investigating whether Lorex has engaged in deceptive or unfair trade practices by marketing potentially compromised security cameras as secure options for Texas homes and businesses. Such practices could violate state laws protecting consumers from misleading business activities.
National Security Implications
This isn’t just about consumer protection — it’s the latest chapter in growing tensions between the United States and China over technology and surveillance concerns.
The federal government has increasingly scrutinized Chinese technology companies operating in the American market, particularly those with potential ties to the Chinese government or military. Dahua’s designation as a “Chinese military company” places it among firms believed to support China’s defense industrial base.
For homeowners who’ve installed Lorex systems, the investigation raises uncomfortable questions: Could the cameras meant to protect their homes potentially compromise their privacy instead?
Paxton’s office hasn’t specified a timeline for the investigation, but the attorney general’s strong rhetoric suggests the probe could have significant consequences for Lorex’s Texas operations.
The case reflects a broader national security dilemma facing American consumers and regulators alike — how to balance access to affordable technology with growing concerns about foreign surveillance capabilities embedded in everyday products.
