Texas Attorney General Sues Netflix For Allegedly Tracking Users And Addicting Children!

Streaming platforms are facing growing scrutiny over how they collect user data and keep audiences engaged online. The latest case involves Netflix, which is now facing a lawsuit from the state of Texas over allegations tied to user privacy and platform design, particularly involving children and families.

 

TL;DR

 

• Texas sued Netflix over alleged secret user tracking and addictive platform design.
• Claims include data sharing and “dark patterns” like autoplay affecting children.
• Netflix denies the allegations and will fight the case in court.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Netflix, accusing the streaming company of secretly collecting user data without consent and using platform features designed to keep viewers watching for longer periods.

According to the complaint, Texas claims Netflix tracked users’ viewing habits and preferences for years while publicly suggesting it did not collect or share that kind of information. The lawsuit alleges the company shared or sold viewer data to advertising and data technology firms, generating billions of dollars through those activities.

Texas also accused Netflix of using “dark patterns” to encourage continuous viewing. One example highlighted in the complaint is autoplay, a feature that automatically starts another show or episode once the current one ends. The state argues that these features especially affect children by encouraging excessive screen time.

The complaint referenced comments made by Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings in 2020, when he reportedly said, "we don't collect anything," while comparing Netflix’s approach to companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Google.

"Netflix’s endgame is simple and lucrative: get children and families glued to the screen, harvest their data while they are stuck there, and then monetize the data for a handsome profit," according to Texas' complaint filed in ⁠a state court in Collin County, near Dallas. "When you watch Netflix, Netflix watches you," the complaint added.
 
Texas said the alleged actions violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The state wants Netflix to delete any illegally collected data, stop targeted advertising without user consent, and pay civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Netflix denied the allegations and said it plans to fight the case in court. "Respectfully to the great state of Texas and Attorney General Paxton, this lawsuit lacks merit and is based on inaccurate and distorted information," a company spokesperson said. "Netflix takes our members’ privacy seriously and complies with privacy and data protection laws everywhere we operate."