A planned federal ban on TP-Link routers has been shelved, but Texas is pursuing legal action against the company over security concerns. The routers, which account for 65% of the US market, have been identified as vulnerable to Chinese hacking groups, raising alarms about national security.

Security researchers discovered that Chinese actors were exploiting vulnerabilities in TP-Link devices to launch cyberattacks against Western targets, including government organizations and defense suppliers. While three federal investigations were launched, the White House reportedly shelved the ban ahead of diplomatic talks with China. This decision has frustrated security experts who warned about the widespread use of these devices in millions of American homes.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing TP-Link for deceptive marketing and allowing Chinese hacking groups to access American devices. The state had already prohibited government employees from using TP-Link products. The company denies the claims, stating it's now US-owned with Vietnamese assembly, but Texas argues Chinese-made components still pose security risks. Consumers concerned about security can choose alternative routers regardless of ISP-supplied equipment.