Netflix news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Florida's attorney general sued Netflix on Wednesday over data collection from minors.
The case tests whether ad-tier data practices invite state scrutiny across the US.
Background
Netflix launched a lower-priced ad-supported plan in November 2022 to boost revenue as subscriber growth slowed. Florida's attorney general accuses the company of a 'bait-and-switch': promising paying subscribers less data collection while still gathering viewing information for advertising. The suit is the latest in Florida's push to hold Big Tech companies accountable for unfair business practices, and follows a similar suit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in May.
How it unfolded
- Nov 2022Netflix introduces an ad-supported plan as part of a push to drive revenue amid slowing subscriber growth.
- May 2026Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files a similar lawsuit against Netflix; a Netflix spokesperson calls that action based on 'inaccurate and distorted information.'
- Sep 9, 2026Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sues Netflix in state court, filing a 66-page complaint alleging a 'bait-and-switch' scheme that collected viewing activity from Floridians, including children.
- Sep 10, 2026Netflix responds to a request for comment, saying the company 'takes our members' privacy seriously.'
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Florida AG James Uthmeier says Netflix told families they could pay to escape Big Tech surveillance, then collected detailed data on children and commercialized it to launch an advertising business it promised never to build.
- Company
- A Netflix spokesperson says the company 'takes our members' privacy seriously'; after Texas's earlier suit, a spokesperson called such legal action based on 'inaccurate and distorted information.'
Still unverified
The merits of Florida's allegations are untested in court; Netflix has not yet filed a full response to the Florida complaint.