Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Lorex Technology Inc., a popular security camera company, over what he describes as alarming connections to the Chinese Communist Party that could pose national security risks for Texans.
The investigation centers on concerns that home security devices manufactured by Lorex might be providing sensitive data to foreign adversaries. Paxton’s office announced the probe this week, sending shockwaves through the home security industry and raising questions about who might be watching the watchers.
Corporate connections raise red flags
At issue is Lorex’s complicated corporate history. The company was acquired by Chinese surveillance giant Dahua Technology in 2012, before being sold to Taiwan-based Skywatch in 2022. But here’s the catch: despite the ownership change, Dahua reportedly continues to supply key components for Lorex cameras, according to sources cited by the Houston Stringer.
This ongoing relationship has triggered alarms in Austin, where Paxton has made confronting Chinese influence a cornerstone of his tenure as attorney general. “Texans should never have to worry that the devices protecting their homes could be tied to foreign adversaries,” Paxton said in a statement. “Any company that gives the CCP a foothold in American life will face the full force of Texas law.”
The investigation isn’t occurring in isolation. It comes amid broader national security concerns about Chinese technology companies and their potential obligations to share data with Beijing’s intelligence services. Federal agencies have documented similar worries in recent years, particularly regarding surveillance equipment.
Why does this matter to everyday consumers? Millions of Americans have installed security cameras in and around their homes, often without considering where the footage might end up or who might have access to it. The devices record sensitive information about home layouts, daily routines, and even conversations.
Lorex cameras are sold widely through major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco. The company markets its products as reliable security solutions for homes and small businesses.
Neither Lorex nor its parent company Skywatch have publicly responded to Paxton’s investigation as of this writing. The company’s website makes no mention of its historical ties to Dahua Technology.
This isn’t the first time Chinese-linked surveillance technology has faced scrutiny in the United States. In 2019, Congress banned federal agencies from purchasing equipment from several Chinese manufacturers, including Dahua, citing national security concerns.
For now, Texans who own Lorex cameras aren’t being advised to remove them, but the investigation serves as a stark reminder that in today’s connected world, the very devices meant to keep us secure might themselves pose unexpected risks.
