2026-05-12 15:05:23
Netflix has been sued by the state of Texas over claims it secretly collected user data without consent and used “addictive” platform features to keep viewers engaged.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the streaming giant of “spying” on adults and children in the state while misleading users about its privacy practices.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday (11.05.26), alleges Netflix “records and monetises billions” of pieces of behavioural information gathered from users as they browse and watch content.
The complaint states: “When you watch Netflix, Netflix watches you.”
According to the filing, the company tracked extensive user activity, including what subscribers clicked on, how long they lingered over titles and how they interacted with content recommendations.
Paxton’s office said: “Every interaction on the platform became a data point revealing information about the user.”
The lawsuit also accuses Netflix of relying on “addictive” design features, including auto-play, to keep viewers on the platform for longer periods of time.
Texas prosecutors claim Netflix publicly positioned itself as an alternative to other technology firms that monetise user data, while privately building extensive tracking systems.
The filing references comments made by former Netflix chief executive Reed Hastings in 2019 and 2020 in which he reportedly said the company did not and would not collect or monetise subscriber data.
However, the complaint alleges Netflix later shared user information with commercial data brokers to support its advertising business.
The lawsuit states: “In short, Netflix sold subscriptions to its programming as an escape from Big Tech surveillance: pay monthly, avoid tracking.
“Texans trusted that bargain. Netflix broke it.”
Netflix has denied the allegations and said it plans to challenge the case in court.
A spokesperson for the streaming giant said: “Respectfully to the great state of Texas and Attorney General Paxton, this lawsuit lacks merit and is based on inaccurate and distorted information.
“Netflix takes our members’ privacy seriously and complies with privacy and data protection laws everywhere we operate.”
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