Iowa Attorney General Sues Lorex Over Chinese Security Ties

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird filed a lawsuit against home security camera manufacturer Lorex on October 9, alleging the company used deceptive business practices to mislead consumers about security risks. The complaint asserts that Lorex concealed material facts regarding its ties to Zhejiang Dahua Technology, a Chinese surveillance firm currently on the Pentagon's blacklist.

While Lorex is now owned by the Taiwan-based company Skywatch, the lawsuit claims the manufacturer continues to sell products utilizing Dahua components and technology. Bird argues this connection potentially allows the Chinese government to access private data under China's 2017 National Intelligence Law. The Attorney General is seeking civil penalties, fees, and reimbursement for violations of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.

This legal action is part of a broader campaign by Bird, who also filed lawsuits against TP-Link Systems and ADI Global Distribution over similar allegations of concealed Chinese ties. Lorex is facing similar legal challenges in Nebraska, Texas, and Missouri.