Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits Monday against five major smart TV manufacturers, alleging that they violated users’ data privacy. The complaints, filed in multiple Texas state courts, target Sony, Samsung, LG, and China-based Hisense and TCL, accusing them of using automated content recognition (ACR) technology to capture real-time audio and visual data from what appears on users’ screens. According to Paxton, this information is then used to target advertising to consumers.
Paxton claims that ACR technology doesn’t only capture TV shows but also records content from security and doorbell cameras, videos, or photos sent via Google Cast or Apple AirPlay, and other devices connected to smart TVs through HDMI. He argues that the companies failed to adequately inform users about the technology, violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In his lawsuit against Sony, Paxton wrote, “Sony Smart TVs aren’t just entertainment devices—they’re a mass surveillance system sitting in millions of American living rooms,” saying consumers were misled about how their data would be used.
The lawsuits also highlight additional privacy concerns regarding Hisense and TCL, which are partially owned by the Chinese government. Paxton asserts that Chinese law requires these companies to provide user data to the Chinese Communist Party upon request, potentially putting Americans at risk. “Nowhere does TCL disclose to Texas consumers that every image and sound on their TCL Smart TV is collected, stored, and will be shared with the Chinese Communist Party upon request,” the complaint states. Paxton warned that such data could be used for espionage or to influence public figures and officials in Texas.
In announcing the lawsuits, Paxton said, “Companies, especially those connected to the Chinese Communist Party, have no business illegally recording Americans’ devices inside their own homes. This conduct is invasive, deceptive, and unlawful. The fundamental right to privacy will be protected in Texas because owning a television does not mean surrendering your personal information to Big Tech or foreign adversaries.” Representatives from LG, Sony, Samsung, Hisense, and TCL did not immediately comment on the lawsuits.