Texas Sues Netflix Over Allegations of “Spying” on Users and Addictive Design
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, accusing the streaming platform of unlawfully collecting user data, including that of children, and using addictive design features to keep users engaged for longer periods.
The lawsuit alleges that Netflix “spies” on users by tracking viewing behavior and collecting extensive data on how subscribers interact with the platform, without proper consent.
“When you watch Netflix, Netflix watches you,” the complaint states.
Allegations of Data Collection and User Tracking
According to the filing, Netflix records billions of data points related to user activity, including what content users click on, how long they watch, and their browsing behavior within the platform.
The Texas Attorney General’s office claims the company previously presented itself as different from other major tech platforms by suggesting it did not collect or monetize user data.
The lawsuit also references statements attributed to former Netflix leadership denying the use of consumer data for advertising purposes.
However, the complaint alleges that Netflix later used detailed user data—particularly from children and families—to support commercial data-sharing practices and generate revenue.
Claims of “Addictive” Platform Design
The lawsuit also targets Netflix’s interface design, including features such as autoplay and continuous content recommendations. It argues these features are intentionally designed to increase screen time and user dependency.
Texas officials are asking the court to order Netflix to delete allegedly improperly collected data, disable targeted advertising based on such data, and turn off autoplay by default for children’s accounts.
The state says these practices violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which prohibits misleading or deceptive business conduct.
Netflix Rejects Allegations
Netflix has strongly denied the claims and said it will challenge the lawsuit 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 Netflix spokesperson said.
The company added that it complies with privacy and data protection laws in all regions where it operates and takes user privacy seriously.
Broader Tech Industry Scrutiny
The case comes amid increasing scrutiny of digital platforms over data privacy and so-called addictive design features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling.
Recent legal developments in the United States have also raised the possibility of further lawsuits targeting major tech companies over similar allegations.
The outcome of the Texas case could influence how streaming and social media platforms handle user data and interface design in the future.
