Texas accuses Netflix of spying on users, including children

May 12, 2026

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the streaming platform illegally collects and monetizes user data from children and adults without proper consent, contradicting previous statements by company leadership. The complaint claims Netflix built an extensive data collection system that tracks user behavior including clicks, viewing duration, and content preferences, then shared this information with commercial data brokers starting in 2022. Texas authorities argue this violates state consumer protection laws because Netflix marketed itself as an alternative to Big Tech surveillance while secretly conducting similar practices.

Who is affected

Netflix users in Texas (both children and adults)
Netflix (the streaming company facing legal action)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (bringing the lawsuit)
Commercial data brokers (who allegedly received user data from Netflix)
Families and children who use Netflix in Texas

What action is being taken

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Netflix
Netflix is challenging the claims in court
The Attorney General's office is pursuing action under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act

Why it matters

This lawsuit represents a significant challenge to how streaming platforms collect and use subscriber data, particularly because Netflix previously positioned itself as different from other tech companies regarding data practices. The case tests whether companies can be held accountable when their actual data collection practices contradict their public statements to consumers. Additionally, it addresses growing concerns about addictive design features that keep users engaged, especially children, and could set precedent for similar legal actions against other platforms following recent successful lawsuits against Meta and YouTube in California.

What's next

The court case will proceed with Netflix defending against the allegations
Texas is seeking a court order requiring Netflix to delete data "deceptively collected from Texans"
Texas wants Netflix to stop processing Texan user data for targeted advertising purposes
Texas is requesting that auto-play be turned off by default for children's profiles

Read full article from source: BBC