Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation into Drone Nerds, LLC over its partnership with CCP-affiliated Anzu Robotics, which markets drones with concealed surveillance capabilities and unauthorized data collection risks. Drone Nerds is accused of deceiving Texas consumers by misrepresenting Anzu’s ties to China and falsely claiming the drones are U.S.-based with secure privacy practices. The investigation is being conducted under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, with a Civil Investigative Demand issued to gather evidence of consumer deception and privacy violations.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements for technology and physical products with data collection capabilities to mandate full disclosure of all corporate affiliations, including ties to foreign adversaries like the CCP. Contracts must require accurate, verifiable representations of data collection practices, security measures, and data storage jurisdictions, with specific indemnification for deceptive privacy or security claims. Teams should also add clauses requiring immediate notice of ownership changes, prohibitions on unauthorized data sharing with foreign governments, and audit rights to verify compliance with privacy representations.
Entity
Drone Nerds, LLC
Industry
Technology"Drone Nerds, LLC (“Drone Nerds”)"
"Attorney General Ken Paxton"
"opened an investigation"
"Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”)"
"unauthorized data collection, surveillance capabilities, and potential access by the Chinese government"
"falsely represents to consumers that Anzu Robotics’ Raptor drone is “headquartered and operated within the United States, giving you the peace of mind that your solution is delivered by your neighbors.”"
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.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced industry-wide investigations into feminine care and cosmetic product brands, including Tampax, Kotex, L., and LOLA, over potential deceptive trade practices related to undisclosed toxic chemicals and heavy metals in their products. The investigations focus on whether consumers were misled about product safety and ingredient composition under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert warning Texans about scams, fraudulent charities, and illegal price gouging related to severe flooding. The guidance provides resources for verifying charities and reporting suspected fraud or price gouging to the AG's office.
$150.0M
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $150 million multistate settlement against 23andMe following a 2023 data breach that exposed genetic and personal data of 6.9 million consumers. The settlement resolves bankruptcy claims and requires enhanced data security, risk assessments, and an independent advisory board, with immediate recovery of $18 million from bankruptcy funds.