Austin, Texas — May 12, 2026 Texas sues Netflix 2026 over data collection and addictive features
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging the streaming service collects extensive user data and employs addictive design tactics to keep viewers engaged.
Allegations of Data Collection and Addictive Design
The lawsuit claims Netflix monitors user behavior extensively, logging viewing habits and other sensitive data to share with advertisers. "Wenn Sie Netflix schauen, beobachtet Netflix Sie" ("When you watch Netflix, Netflix watches you"), states the legal filing, which further alleges the platform records "andere sensible Verhaltensdaten" ("other sensitive behavioral data") for commercial use.
Paxton accused Netflix of deliberately crafting its service to maximize screen time, particularly among children. "Die Strategie von Netflix bestehe darin, 'die Texaner und ihre Kinder an den Bildschirm zu fesseln, um so viele Daten wie möglich zu sammeln'" ("Netflix's strategy consists of 'hooking Texans and their children to the screen to collect as much data as possible'"), he said. The lawsuit specifically targets the platform’s "Autoplay" feature, which automatically starts the next episode or video, arguing it fosters compulsive viewing.