Story perspectives

Florida sues Netflix over alleged deceptive child data collection

9/10/2026

Summary

Uthmeier Sues Netflix

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Netflix for allegedly deceptive data collection targeting children.
The complaint says Netflix recorded billions of user actions and device details.
After adding an ad-supported tier in November 2022, Netflix allegedly shared Floridian data with commercial brokers.
Uthmeier seeks a permanent injunction, data deletion, a ban on dark-pattern designs, and civil penalties.

Summary

Uthmeier Targets Tech

Attorney General James Uthmeier framed the Netflix lawsuit as part of a campaign against major tech.
He recently announced investigations into OpenAI over alleged ChatGPT misuse in a university shooting.
In April 2025 he filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., targeting its youth-safety measures.
Florida declined to join the national Meta settlement, criticizing its teen-protection provisions.
Uthmeier cited a pending Roblox lawsuit as evidence of a broader pattern endangering minors.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed COPPA in 1998, taking effect on April 21, 2000 to require verifiable parental consent for data from users under 13. After the FTC fined YouTube $170 million in 2019 for COPPA violations, Florida state Attorney General James Uthmeier launched 2024-2025 lawsuits against Netflix, Snap and OpenAI, reviving the act’s enforcement pressure.

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Uthmeier Sues Netflix

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Netflix for allegedly deceptive data collection targeting children.
The complaint says Netflix recorded billions of user actions and device details.
After adding an ad-supported tier in November 2022, Netflix allegedly shared Floridian data with commercial brokers.
Uthmeier seeks a permanent injunction, data deletion, a ban on dark-pattern designs, and civil penalties.

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