Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files lawsuit against Netflix for unauthorized user data collection

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against Netflix, alleging that the streaming platform has been collecting user data without their permission. According to a recent news release, Paxton claims that Netflix has been using deliberate engineering to track users’ viewing habits, preferences, devices, household networks, and other data. This tracking allegedly extends to both adult and children’s profiles on the platform.

Furthermore, Paxton argues that Netflix has been sharing this data with commercial data brokers and advertising technology companies without users’ consent. In response to these allegations, Paxton is seeking to hold Netflix accountable under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

The lawsuit also addresses concerns about the addictive nature of Netflix’s platform, particularly pointing to the autoplay feature designed to keep users, including children, watching for extended periods. The lawsuit requests that Netflix cease collecting and disclosing user data without consent and disable autoplay by default on children’s profiles.

In a statement to KSAT, a Netflix spokesperson defended the platform, stating that the lawsuit lacks merit and is based on inaccurate information. Netflix maintains that they take user privacy seriously and comply with privacy and data protection laws in all regions where they operate. They look forward to addressing the allegations in court and highlighting their industry-leading privacy practices and kid-friendly parental controls.

While the legal battle between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Netflix continues, it’s essential for users to stay informed about their data privacy rights when using streaming platforms like Netflix. Stay tuned for further developments on this story as it unfolds.