Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued warning letters to over 100 data brokers for failing to register with the Texas Secretary of State as required by the Texas Data Broker Law. The law, which took effect March 1, 2024, mandates that data brokers register and implement data protection safeguards. This enforcement action is part of a new initiative to protect Texans' privacy.
Data brokers must register with the Texas Secretary of State and implement adequate data protection safeguards as required by the Texas Data Broker Law.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor and data processing agreements, particularly those with entities acting as data brokers or handling significant personal data. Focus on clauses related to regulatory compliance (specifically registration requirements under the Texas Data Broker Law), data security obligations, data sharing permissions, audit rights, and breach notification procedures. Agreements may need amendments to explicitly require the data broker's certification of registration with the Texas Secretary of State, mandate adherence to the law's data protection safeguards, and include indemnification or termination rights for non-compliance.
Entity
data brokers
Also known as: Data Brokers
Industry
Data Broker$1.0B
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a historic settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc. requiring Meta to pay over $1 billion and implement significant new safeguards to protect children online. The settlement includes stricter age-assurance measures, a daily two-hour limit for teen users, default disabling of notifications during school hours, hidden likes/reactions, and a nighttime access mode restricting features for children.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an industry-wide investigation into companies marketing avocado oil products that may contain undisclosed seed oils. Civil Investigative Demands were issued to Primal Kitchen, Siete Foods, and Chosen Foods, with more companies expected to be investigated for potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured settlements with WK Kellogg Co. and General Mills Inc. requiring the removal of synthetic dyes from cereals served in schools. The companies have already removed these dyes from K-12 cereals, with full removal from all products by the end of 2027.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over concerns that the organization may be promoting and recommending childhood vaccines for financial gain. The AAP has been issued a Civil Investigative Demand to determine the basis of its vaccine recommendations and whether they are influenced by financial incentives from pharmaceutical donors.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into major food manufacturers, including Frito Lay, Flora Food Group, and ACH Foods, over misleading 'heart healthy' labeling. The investigation will examine whether their advertising practices violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misrepresenting the health value of their products. Civil Investigative Demands have been issued to these companies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Lone Star Pups, LLC for misleading consumers about the origin and veterinary care of puppies sold online. The company allegedly misrepresents breeder certifications and a '10 Year Health Guarantee' with restrictive fine print. The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.