Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL Technology Group for using Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology to collect Texans' viewing data without proper consent. A temporary restraining order was secured against Hisense to halt all data collection and sharing. The AG issued a consumer alert with instructions to disable ACR on smart TVs.
A temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued against Hisense, prohibiting it from collecting, using, selling, sharing, disclosing, or transferring data via ACR. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief against all five companies.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor and customer agreements with smart TV manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL) that involve data collection or ACR technology. Focus on clauses governing data collection consent, automated content recognition usage, data sharing with third parties (e.g., advertisers), data retention periods, breach notification obligations, and consumer opt-out rights. Updates may be needed to ensure explicit, informed consent for ACR, implement clear opt-out mechanisms, limit data sharing purposes, align retention schedules with legal requirements, and strengthen breach notification terms. Data processing addendums should be revised to address ACR-specific processing activities.
Entity
Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL Technology Group
Also known as: Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/consumer-alert-ken-paxton-warns-texans-about-ccp-aligned-smart-tvs-are-spying-them
attorney general paxton sues five major tv companies includi
https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans
attorney general ken paxton secures court order stopping ccp
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-court-order-stopping-ccp-aligned-smart-tv-company-spying-texans
Texas Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/privacy
$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.