Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation into multiple car manufacturers for allegedly collecting drivers' data without consent and selling it to third parties, including insurance providers. The investigation, authorized under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices – Consumer Protection Act, requires manufacturers and data purchasers to produce documents related to their data practices and customer disclosures. The AG highlighted concerns about invasive, non-consensual data collection and sale occurring without consumer knowledge.
Car manufacturers and third-party data buyers are required to produce documents relevant to their data collection and sale practices, including all disclosures provided to customers regarding data use and sharing.
In-house legal teams in the automotive industry or those contracting with car manufacturers should review all customer and vendor agreements for compliance with data privacy disclosure and consent requirements. Ensure contracts clearly outline what driver data is collected, how it is used, and all third parties (including insurance providers) with whom data is shared. Verify that valid, informed consumer consent is obtained prior to collecting or selling driver data, and that contracts include transparency obligations and opt-out mechanisms where required. Additionally, review agreements with third-party data buyers to confirm data use is restricted to authorized purposes and proper safeguards are in place.
Entity
Several Car Manufacturers
Industry
Automotive"Attorney General Ken Paxton Opens Investigation into Car Manufacturers’ Collection and Sale of Drivers’ Data"
"June 06, 2024"
"Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton"
"opened an investigation into several car manufacturers"
"several car manufacturers"
"The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices – Consumer Protection Act authorizes the Office of the Attorney General to investigate false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices."
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.