Paxton claims Netflix uses features like autoplay to encourage binge-watching.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit accusing Netflix of secretly collecting data about what users watch, the devices they use and how they interact with the app, then sharing that information with advertisers and data brokers.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also claims Netflix uses features like autoplay to encourage binge-watching, especially among children.
“Netflix has built a surveillance program designed to illegally collect and profit from Texans’ personal data without their consent, and my office will do everything in our power to stop it,” said Paxton. “Netflix is not the ad-free and kid-friendly platform it claims to be. Instead, it has misled consumers while exploiting their private data to make billions. I will continue to work to protect Texas families from deceptive practices by Big Tech companies and ensure that corporations are held accountable under Texas law.”
Paxton said he is suing Netflix under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. He wants the company to stop allegedly collecting data illegally, disable autoplay by default on kids’ profiles and face possible civil penalties.
Netflix sent KVUE a statement calling the lawsuit meritless and based on “inaccurate and distorted information.” The company said it takes member privacy seriously.
Read the full statement regarding the lawsuit below:
“Respectfully to the great state of Texas and Attorney General Paxton, this lawsuit lacks merit and is based on inaccurate and distorted information. Netflix takes our members’ privacy seriously and complies with privacy and data‑protection laws everywhere we operate. We look forward to addressing the Texas Attorney General’s allegations in court and further explaining our industry-leading, kid‑friendly parental controls and transparent privacy practices.”