Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against five major TV manufacturers—Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL—for illegally collecting consumers' viewing data through Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology without knowledge or consent. The companies capture screenshots and monitor TV usage in real-time, then sell the data for targeted advertising, risking sensitive information. The suit seeks to halt these invasive practices and protect Texans' privacy.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor agreements with smart device manufacturers, ACR technology providers, and targeted advertising vendors to ensure compliance with privacy requirements highlighted in this enforcement action. Key clauses to audit include data collection disclosures, user consent mechanisms, data sharing and sale restrictions, and notice requirements. Contracts should explicitly prohibit vendors from collecting viewing or usage data without affirmative user consent, mandate clear and conspicuous notice of all data collection practices (including ACR), and ban the unauthorized sale or sharing of consumer viewing data. Additionally, update data processing agreements to require vendors to implement reasonable security measures, delete user data upon request, and comply with all applicable state and federal privacy laws.
Entity
Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL Technology Group Corporation
Also known as: Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans
Sony TV Petition Filed
https://www.oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
Samsung TV Petition Filed
https://www.oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
LG TV Petition Filed
https://www.oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/LG%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
Hisense TV Petition Filed
https://www.oag.texas.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Hisense%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf
TCL TV Petition Filed
https://www.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
"The five major corporations being sued are as follows: Sony, Samsung, LG, as well as Hisense and TCL Technology Group Corporation (“TCL”), which are both based in China."
"December 15, 2025 | Press Release"
"Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed suit against five major television companies for spying on Texans"
"Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed suit against five major television companies"
"secretly recording what consumers watch in their own homes"
"transmit that information back to the company without the user’s knowledge or consent"
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.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into LinkedIn Corporation over allegations that the company advertised and profited from fake or misleading job opportunities ("ghost jobs") on its platform. The investigation focuses on whether LinkedIn misled consumers who paid for Premium subscriptions by failing to disclose that a significant percentage of job postings may be inactive or not genuine hiring opportunities.
$45.0M
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc. (Cash App) for misleading consumers about the safety of its platform and failing to protect users from fraud. The settlement requires Cash App to maintain 24-hour customer support, cease deceptive safety claims, and fulfill its legal duty to investigate and reimburse unauthorized transactions.
$13.0M
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a settlement with Walmart over deceptive practices in its Spark Driver program. Walmart misrepresented driver pay, including failing to pass on customer tips and altering base pay after drivers accepted offers. The $13 million settlement provides direct payments to affected Texas drivers and requires Walmart to implement honest compensation practices.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into StubHub for failing to deliver FIFA World Cup tickets that fans purchased. The investigation focuses on reports of 'ghost ticketing,' where sellers list tickets they do not possess, collect payment, and cancel when unable to deliver.