Streaming platform Netflix is facing a major lawsuit in Texas over allegations that it secretly tracked users’ viewing habits, collected private data without proper consent, and shared the information with advertising and data firms for commercial gain.
According to the complaint, Netflix allegedly monitored users’ watching behaviour, including what they viewed, how long they watched, search activity, device details and other usage patterns.
The lawsuit further claims the company shared portions of this data with advertising technology firms and data brokers despite publicly portraying itself as a privacy-conscious alternative to major tech companies such as Google, Meta and Amazon.
One of the key concerns raised in the suit involves children’s privacy.
The complaint alleges that Netflix knowingly collected behavioural data from children using kids’ profiles and deployed platform features such as autoplay to encourage prolonged viewing among minors.
Officials behind the lawsuit described such tools as “dark patterns” allegedly designed to increase user engagement and viewing time.
The suit is seeking financial penalties, tighter restrictions on Netflix’s data collection practices, and deletion of any information allegedly gathered unlawfully.
It also calls for autoplay functions on children’s accounts to be disabled by default.
In response, Netflix denied the allegations and maintained that it complies with data protection laws in jurisdictions where it operates.
“We take user privacy seriously and comply with data protection laws in all countries where we operate,” the company said in a statement.
The case adds to growing global scrutiny surrounding how major technology and streaming companies collect, store and monetise user data, especially information involving children and minors.
