Montana Attorney General Sues TP-Link Over Privacy Concerns

One of the many things I've learned about Montana and the people the call this state home is that you don't mess with their way or life... or their privacy.

Now, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen calling out big tech in the name of privacy with the goal of protecting Montanans according to information just released from the Montana Department of Justice

Montana AG Knudsen Sues TP-Link

For many of us, the idea of someone keeping tabs on our private lives without consent is the kind of thing we denounce ten times out of ten. Despite that, we've managed to co-exist with our cell phones that basically track, record, and listen to everything we do.

We've made it work and there's no telling how many other devices we have that are keeping tabs on us without us being aware of it.

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That said, AG Knudsen has focused his attention on TP-Link, suing the China-founded company for "putting users' personal information at risk of being shared with the Chinese government, a foreign adversary of the United States."

How is TP-Link Collecting Personal Information?

Known for producing Wi-Fi systems, security cameras under the name Tapo and internet routers, the Montana DOJ says TP-Link reserved the right to collect personal data from Montanans that includes email addresses, location, mobile phone information, and that they "share the data with 'affiliates.'"

The Montana DOJ is also accusing TP-Link of misleading consumers about the origins of their products, which they say are manufactured in Vietnam.

Officials say that claim is false and that less than one percent of their manufacturing is done in Vietnam and that most of their products pass through China.

How Will This All End?

I have to admit, I'm a little intrigued at the idea of our state AG going after such a massive company like TP-Link and wonder a few things.

For example, federal agencies raised red flags about this very issue with TP-Link back in 2024... will they get involved again?

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How will this affect current consumers in Montana? If the lawsuit is successful, what reassurance will we get that our information remains private?

What do you think about all of this? Share your thoughts with me HERE.