Texas sues Netflix over kids' data collection and autoplay
Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Netflix, alleging the company illegally collected and monetized Texans' user data, including that of children, without consent. The lawsuit claims Netflix operates a "surveillance program" by tracking viewing habits, devices, and network usage, and sharing this data with brokers and ad tech companies. Paxton seeks to stop data collection and disclosure, disable autoplay on kids' profiles by default, and secure injunctive relief and civil penalties under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Key Takeaways
- Paxton’s office says Netflix tracked viewing habits, devices, household networks, app usage, and other behavioral data.
- The lawsuit alleges Netflix disclosed user data to commercial data brokers and advertising technology companies.
- Texas says the tracking applied to both adults’ accounts and kids’ profiles.
- The complaint says Netflix uses autoplay on kids’ profiles to keep users watching for longer periods.
- Paxton is seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, and a default autoplay change on kids’ profiles under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Why It Matters
If Texas gets traction, Netflix could face limits on how it collects, discloses, and monetizes user data in one of the largest U.S. states. The complaint also puts kids’ profiles and autoplay design directly in scope, which broadens the fight from privacy to product behavior. For the streaming stack, the case touches ad tech, data brokers, and platform-side behavioral tracking. Watch for whether the lawsuit advances toward injunctions or a required change to autoplay on kids’ profiles.
Read full article at texasattorneygeneral.gov
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