By Kingsville Independent News Staff
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into a drone distributor over allegations tied to consumer privacy, surveillance concerns and possible connections to companies affiliated with the Chinese government.
According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the investigation involves Florida-based Drone Nerds LLC and its relationship with Anzu Robotics, a company state officials allege has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
In a news release issued May 5, the attorney general’s office said the investigation centers on whether Drone Nerds may have misled consumers about the origin and security of certain drone products sold in Texas.
State officials allege that Anzu marketed and sold drones in the United States while misrepresenting security and privacy protections and concealing connections to Chinese-affiliated entities.
The attorney general’s office also alleges the products raise concerns about potential surveillance capabilities, unauthorized data collection and possible access to user information by the Chinese government.
No findings or court rulings related to the allegations have been announced.
According to the release, the investigation follows a lawsuit filed earlier this year by the attorney general’s office against Anzu Robotics over what the state described as deceptive business practices tied to privacy and national security concerns.
State officials also said evidence suggests Anzu may have attempted to continue distributing products through Drone Nerds following increased scrutiny and restrictions.
As part of the investigation, Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand, commonly referred to as a CID, to Drone Nerds. A CID is a legal tool used by government agencies to request documents, records and other information during an investigation before a lawsuit is filed.
In a statement included in the release, Paxton said the investigation is part of a broader effort to address foreign influence and technology-related security concerns in Texas.
“Under my watch, the Chinese Communist Party will have no influence in Texas,” Paxton said in the statement. “I will thoroughly investigate any potential threat to the privacy and security of Texans and hold any company that enables CCP surveillance accountable.”
Concerns surrounding drones, data collection and foreign technology companies have drawn increasing national attention in recent years as lawmakers and regulators debate privacy protections, cybersecurity risks and the role of foreign-owned technology in the United States.
Drones are widely used across Texas for photography, agriculture, infrastructure inspections, public safety and recreational purposes. The investigation remains ongoing.