Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the streaming service unlawfully collects and retains personal data from children’s accounts without obtaining proper parental consent.
The legal action, announced on June 12, 2024, centers on Netflix’s alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and Texas consumer protection laws. According to the complaint, Netflix gathered data such as viewing history, device identifiers, and other personally identifiable information from accounts belonging to users under the age of 18.
In a statement, Paxton emphasized the importance of protecting children’s privacy, stating:
"Protecting the privacy of Texas children is a top priority. Netflix has allegedly violated state and federal laws by collecting and retaining children’s personal data without parental consent. We will hold them accountable for these actions."
The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and injunctive relief to prevent further violations. Netflix has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
This case highlights growing concerns over data privacy in the streaming industry, particularly regarding minors. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also took action against other major tech companies for similar alleged violations.