Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five major TV manufacturers—Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL—for unlawfully collecting Texans' viewing data using Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology without their knowledge or consent. The ACR software captures screenshots of TV displays every 500 milliseconds and transmits the data to the companies, which then sell it for targeted advertising. The AG's office alleges these practices violate Texas privacy laws and seeks to enjoin the companies from continuing the surveillance.
The lawsuits seek an injunction to stop the companies from collecting and selling Texans' viewing data without consent.
Entity
Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL Technology Group Corporation
Also known as: Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
Sony TV Petition Filed
https://oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
Samsung TV Petition Filed
https://oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
LG TV Petition Filed
https://oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/LG%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
Hisense TV Petition Filed
https://oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Hisense%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
TCL TV Petition Filed
https://oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/TCL%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
Texas Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/privacy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reached an agreement with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. to stop collecting Automated Content Recognition (ACR) data from smart TVs without consumers' express consent. Samsung must update its smart TVs to provide clear and conspicuous disclosures and obtain consent before any data collection, ensuring Texans are informed and in control of their viewing data.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Shein US Services LLC for selling toxic products and exposing consumers' personal data to the Chinese Communist Party. The lawsuit seeks monetary penalties under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This action is part of a broader effort to protect Texans from health risks and CCP influence.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Temu (PDD Holdings, Inc. and WhaleCo Inc.) for deceptive marketing practices and illegally harvesting Texans' personal data, which was then exposed to the Chinese Communist Party. The suit seeks monetary damages under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, with potential penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and higher for seniors. This is part of a broader effort to hold CCP-aligned companies accountable.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against TP-Link Systems Inc. for deceptively marketing its networking devices and enabling the Chinese Communist Party to access American consumers' devices. The lawsuit alleges that TP Link's products have been used by PRC state-sponsored hackers and that the company is subject to Chinese laws requiring data disclosure. This is part of a coordinated effort to hold China-aligned companies accountable under Texas law.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued Civil Investigative Demands to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Conduent Business Services LLC to investigate a data breach that exposed the protected health information of approximately four million Texans. The breach occurred from October 21, 2024, to January 13, 2025, and is considered the largest in U.S. history. The investigation focuses on compliance with Texas data protection laws and potential negligence.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued Civil Investigative Demands to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Conduent Business Services LLC as part of an investigation into a massive data breach at Conduent that exposed the protected health information of approximately four million Texans. The breach occurred between October 21, 2024 and January 13, 2025, affecting Texas Medicaid recipients and other residents. The AG's office is investigating the security failures and compliance with Texas law.