Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit accusing Netflix of secretly collecting user data, monitoring children, and designing its streaming platform to maximize addictive behavior.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Monday against Netflix alleging the company unlawfully collected consumer data, tracked children and other users without proper consent, and intentionally designed its platform to encourage addictive viewing behavior.
The lawsuit, filed in state court in Collin County, Texas, claims Netflix misled consumers for years by publicly stating it did not collect or share personal viewing data while allegedly profiting from user information through commercial data brokers and advertising technology firms.
According to the complaint, Netflix tracked subscribers’ viewing habits, preferences, and behavioral data while generating billions of dollars annually from the information.
The state cited comments made in 2020 by former Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who allegedly said, “we don’t collect anything,” while comparing Netflix’s practices to companies such as Amazon, Facebook, and Google.
Texas argued those public statements were false and deceptive.
“When you watch Netflix, Netflix watches you,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit further alleges the company used user behavior analysis and platform design features intended to maximize engagement and increase prolonged viewing activity among subscribers, including minors.
Texas claims those practices allowed Netflix to build extensive consumer profiles while failing to fully disclose how user information was collected, stored, shared, or monetized.
The complaint seeks legal remedies under Texas consumer protection laws and accuses Netflix of violating privacy expectations involving children and families using the platform.
Netflix did not immediately issue a public response following the filing of the lawsuit.
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