Florida attorney general James Uthmeier issues subpoena to TP Link over alleged cybersecurity threats and data sharing concerns
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday that his office has issued an investigative subpoena to TP-Link Systems Inc., the California-based manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers and networking devices, as part of a broad probe into potential cybersecurity risks and the handling of U.S. consumer data.
The investigation focuses on TP-Link’s supply-chain operations, software development practices, and data management, including whether sensitive information collected from American consumers may be shared with foreign entities. “Floridians deserve to know the truth about the security of the products they bring into their homes,” Attorney General Uthmeier said. “If a company is going to make claims about their cybersecurity or foreign relationship practices, then they had better be accurate. We will not allow Floridians to be misled into handing their personal data to the Chinese Communist Party.”
The subpoena demands TP-Link provide extensive documentation related to corporate operations, manufacturing processes, and software protocols. Additionally, the company must supply evidence supporting any public statements it has made regarding product security. The legal action comes amid growing scrutiny of U.S. companies that maintain ties to China, especially when handling sensitive American consumer information.
Federal officials, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, have previously flagged TP-Link products as potential national security concerns. The agency has proposed a ban on TP-Link devices, noting that the company handles sensitive U.S. data and may be subject to Chinese government influence. While TP-Link has not admitted to any wrongdoing, these warnings have intensified state-level inquiries into the company’s practices.
Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized that the subpoena does not imply guilt. Rather, it represents a step in the investigative process to determine whether TP-Link has engaged in practices that could violate the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. “We are examining whether Floridians are being exposed to cybersecurity threats or misled about foreign government access to their data,” Uthmeier explained.
This action is part of a larger effort by the Attorney General’s office to monitor the cybersecurity claims of companies operating in Florida. Uthmeier recently pursued similar investigations into other firms, including Contec, over cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and Lorex, regarding alleged ties to the Chinese military. These probes reflect a growing concern at both state and national levels about the safety of consumer data and the integrity of technology products in American homes.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the investigation, noting the importance of transparency in an era where digital devices increasingly manage personal, financial, and professional information. Floridians who feel they may have been misled about the security or privacy of a technology product are encouraged to file complaints through MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
The Attorney General’s office stated that it will continue to work closely with federal authorities and industry experts to assess the findings. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, TP-Link could face civil penalties, injunctions, or other legal consequences if the company is found to have misrepresented its cybersecurity measures or improperly handled U.S. consumer data.
As Americans continue to rely on connected devices for work, education, and daily life, scrutiny of companies like TP-Link underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity and responsible data management. The investigation also highlights ongoing state efforts to ensure that foreign influence does not compromise personal information or undermine consumer trust.
The subpoena and related documents are publicly available, and the Attorney General’s office encouraged residents to remain informed about potential risks in the products they use. “It’s essential that Floridians can trust the technology they bring into their homes,” Uthmeier said. “Our office will continue to take strong action to protect that trust and safeguard personal data.”
