Netflix Sued by Republican Texas Attorney General, Who Alleges Service Is Designed to Be 'Addictive' and Is 'Spying' on Users

Key Points:

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by spying on users, including children, and collecting data without consent.
• The lawsuit criticizes Netflix's autoplay feature for fostering addiction, especially among children, and highlights that Netflix previously promised not to introduce advertising but launched an ad-supported plan in late 2022.
• The suit accuses Netflix of operating extensive data collection systems, sharing user information with advertisers and data brokers like Experian and Acxiom, and partnering with major ad-tech platforms to enhance ad targeting.
• Netflix is accused of providing vague and incomplete privacy disclosures, only recently acknowledging detailed data collection practices after external investigations, and continuing to collect behavioral data from children despite claims to the contrary.
• The lawsuit seeks to halt Netflix’s unlawful data collection, require disabling autoplay by default on kids’ profiles, impose civil penalties, and calls out Netflix for deceptive conduct that breaches consumer trust under Texas law.