Netflix Hit With Lawsuit Over Allegations of “Spying” on Children

According to a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Netflix is facing serious allegations over how it collects and uses viewer data, including data linked to children. The case was filed in state court in Collin County and targets the streaming company’s data practices and platform design.

Paxton claims that Netflix has been gathering detailed information about users without proper consent. This includes viewing habits, device information, and other behavioral data tied to both adult and children’s profiles.

In a statement released with the filing, he said, “Netflix is not the ad-free and kid-friendly platform it claims to be. Instead, it has misled consumers while exploiting their private data to make billions.”

Netflix has strongly rejected the accusations. A company spokesperson said the lawsuit is not based on accurate information and defended the company’s privacy policies. The spokesperson said, “Netflix takes our members’ privacy seriously and complies with privacy and data-protection laws everywhere we operate.” They also added that the company has “industry-leading” parental controls and clear privacy tools for users.

The lawsuit argues that Netflix operates what it calls a “surveillance machinery,” which allegedly tracks user behavior across different profiles, including children’s accounts. The filing says this system collects information such as what users watch, what devices they use, and how they interact with the platform. It also claims Netflix has changed its public image over time, suggesting it moved away from being a simple entertainment service into a large-scale data-driven platform.

Paxton’s filing also criticizes features like autoplay, saying they are designed to keep users watching for longer periods. According to the lawsuit, these design choices are meant to increase engagement in ways that benefit the company commercially. The filing also argues that Netflix presents itself as child-friendly while still collecting and analyzing data from younger users.

Netflix is not the only tech company facing scrutiny over data practices. Other platforms, including social media and streaming services, have also been challenged in court over similar claims involving user tracking and platform design.

The lawsuit accuses Netflix of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and is seeking penalties, a jury trial, and an order to stop certain data collection practices. The case is now expected to move forward in the Texas court system as both sides prepare to argue their positions.

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