Texas AG sues a number of TV firms, says good TVs are ‘spying on Texans’

Introduction

Recent headlines claim that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five major television manufacturers, accusing their “good TVs” of spying on Texans. The story quickly spread on social media, prompting questions about privacy, consumer rights, and state‑level enforcement. This article examines the veracity of the claim, explains the legal backdrop, and offers practical guidance for viewers who want to keep their smart TVs—and themselves—safe from unwanted data collection.

Why does this matter? Smart televisions are no longer just screens for watching shows; they are connected devices that collect a wealth of personal data, from viewing habits to voice commands. The idea that a state official might step in, citing privacy violations, is compelling—but is it factual? We dig into public records, existing court cases, and privacy regulations to separate rumor from reality.

Key Points

Background

What Are Smart TVs?

Smart televisions combine traditional broadcast or cable reception with internet connectivity, enabling streaming services, voice assistants, and app ecosystems. These devices are equipped with microphones, cameras, and sensors that can record audio, video, and contextual data (e.g., room temperature, motion). Most manufacturers use the data to:

• Improve user experience (recommendations, content personalization)
• Deliver targeted advertising
• Support remote diagnostics and firmware updates

Privacy Legislation in Texas

Texas has several statutes that protect consumer data:

• Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) – prohibits false or misleading claims and deceptive data practices.
• Texas Identity Theft Enforcement Act – addresses unauthorized acquisition or use of personal identifiers.
• Texas Consumer Protection Act – governs general consumer rights, including privacy.

Additionally, Texas is a member of the Privacy Law Enforcement Network, which facilitates collaboration with federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Past Legal Actions Involving Smart Devices

While no lawsuit has targeted TV manufacturers specifically for spying, Texas AG Ken Paxton has pursued actions against companies that breached consumer privacy:

• 2019: Paxton sued a major credit‑card processor for inadequate data protection.
• 2021: A class‑action lawsuit was filed by the Texas Attorney General’s office against a large mobile phone manufacturer for unauthorized data sharing.
• 2023: Paxton’s office issued a warning to a streaming service for failing to secure user data during a high‑profile data breach.

These cases highlight Texas’s willingness to enforce privacy laws but also demonstrate that the state has no precedent for suing TV firms over general “spying” allegations.

Analysis

Evaluating the Rumor

The claim that Texas AG Paxton sued five TV firms for spying likely stems from a misinterpretation of public statements about smart‑TV privacy or a conflation with other privacy lawsuits. Official court docket searches (e.g., CourtListener) and the Texas Attorney General’s website show no filings against Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, or Vizio for spying allegations.

Potential Grounds for a Texas Lawsuit

Were such a lawsuit to be filed, it would likely rely on one of the following legal theories:

1. Violation of the DTPA for deceptive data collection – claiming the TV manufacturers misrepresented their data practices.
2. Breach of the Identity Theft Enforcement Act – if user data were accessed or sold without consent.
3. Unreasonable data collection under the Texas Consumer Protection Act – if the data gathering exceeded what was disclosed in privacy policies.

However, any claim would need to demonstrate that the manufacturers’ data practices were both unlawful and materially deceptive. The privacy policies of major TV brands typically disclose that data may be collected for “enhancing user experience” and “advertising purposes.” Courts have generally upheld these disclosures as compliant with state law, provided that users are given adequate notice and opt‑out options.

Comparing with Federal Privacy Law

At the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission oversees privacy enforcement under the FTC Act. The FTC has taken action against smart‑device manufacturers for failing to secure data, but it has not pursued state‑level actions for general “spying” claims. The FTC’s “Smart Home Safety” guidance encourages manufacturers to implement robust security measures, but it does not equate to a criminal subpoena or state lawsuit.

Why the Rumor Spread

Social media amplifies sensational headlines. A headline featuring phrases such as “good TVs are spying on Texans” triggers a strong emotional response. The lack of immediate verification allows the story to circulate before fact‑checking mechanisms catch up.

Practical Advice

1. Review Your TV’s Privacy Settings

Most smart TVs provide a Privacy & Security menu where you can:

• Disable voice recognition or mute the microphone.
• Turn off camera features or cover the lens.
• Manage data sharing preferences (e.g., stop sending usage statistics).

Consult your TV’s user manual for specific steps.

2. Keep Firmware Updated

Manufacturers regularly release security patches that close vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates or check manually at least once a month.

3. Use a Separate Network for Smart Devices

Creating a dedicated Wi‑Fi network for your smart TV isolates it from your main devices (phones, laptops). This reduces the risk of cross‑device data leaks.

4. Consider Third‑Party Privacy Tools

Software like DuckDuckGo SmartDNS or Pi-hole can block known advertising and tracking domains. Some routers allow you to set up DNS filtering to prevent your TV from contacting third‑party servers.

5. Monitor Data Usage

Use your router’s traffic monitoring tools or a network analyzer to see which IP addresses your TV communicates with. Unexpected connections may signal unauthorized data transmission.

6. Read the Privacy Policy Carefully

Privacy policies are legal documents, but they can be dense. Look for sections titled “Data Collection,” “Data Sharing,” and “User Control.” If a policy states that the manufacturer collects “anonymized usage data,” verify that no personal identifiers (e.g., name, email) accompany that data.

FAQ

Conclusion

The headline claiming that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued major TV manufacturers for spying is unsubstantiated. While smart TVs do collect data, most of that data is disclosed in privacy policies and regulated under state and federal privacy laws. Texas’s legal framework is prepared to address deceptive or unauthorized data practices, but the state has not taken action against TV firms for general “spying” allegations.

Consumers remain the frontline defenders of their privacy. By understanding how smart TVs work, reviewing settings, and staying vigilant about data usage, Texans can mitigate risks without relying on unverified claims. If you’re concerned about your TV’s data practices, consult the manufacturer’s documentation, update your firmware, and consider using network isolation or third‑party privacy tools.