Quick Answer: A class action lawsuit filed in September 2026 alleges Netflix secretly collects and monetizes children’s viewing data through its Kids Profiles, despite marketing itself as a family-friendly, privacy-conscious platform. There is no settlement yet and no claim form to file. If you are an Ohio resident with children who used Netflix Kids Profiles since September 2024, you may be included in the proposed class.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix faces a new class action alleging it secretly collected and sold children’s viewing and behavioral data
- The lawsuit was filed September 28, 2026 in the case Mosley et al. v. Netflix, Inc. (No. 5:26-cv-02534)
- Netflix marketed itself as ad-free and privacy-friendly while allegedly building a data-collection and advertising business behind the scenes
- The alleged data-sharing partners include Meta, Google, The Trade Desk, Amazon, Yahoo, Experian, Acxiom, and LiveRamp
- No settlement has been reached; the case is in its early stage
- No claim form exists yet, we will update this page when one becomes available
What the Netflix Lawsuit Alleges
Netflix built its reputation, at least in part, on being different from social media. No algorithmic doom-scrolling, no ads, no data harvesting. Parents have long trusted the platform’s Kids Profiles as a safe, contained space for their children.
The new class action lawsuit says that image does not match the reality.
Filed September 28, 2026, Mosley et al. v. Netflix, Inc. alleges that Netflix constructed a secret surveillance and advertising infrastructure that collects children’s viewing behaviors, then shares or monetizes that data with third-party companies, all without meaningful disclosure to subscribers or parental consent.
The lawsuit cites Netflix’s 2022 launch of an ad-supported subscription tier as the turning point. Around that time, the complaint alleges, Netflix began routing user data, including what children watched, when, and for how long, through a network of ad-tech and data-broker companies.
The complaint names the following companies as alleged data-sharing partners: Meta, Google, The Trade Desk, Yahoo, Amazon, LiveRamp, Experian, and Acxiom.
Netflix’s revenue reportedly grew from about $15 billion in 2018 to a projected $50 billion or more in 2026. The lawsuit suggests that children’s data was a contributing factor in that growth.
What Are Netflix Kids Profiles?
Netflix Kids Profiles are a mode within a Netflix account that parents can activate for their children. They show only age-appropriate content, prevent access to adult titles, and present a simplified, child-friendly interface.
The profiles are presented in Netflix’s marketing as a safe environment for families. However, the lawsuit alleges that behavioral data collected through Kids Profiles, what children watch, how long they watch, what they skip, what they replay, was not kept separate from Netflix’s broader advertising data infrastructure.
The complaint also calls out Netflix’s use of autoplay, which it describes as a “dark pattern.” Autoplay is enabled by default on both standard and Kids Profiles, and the lawsuit alleges it was specifically designed to extend viewing sessions and increase the amount of behavioral data collected.
Who Is Covered by the Proposed Class?
The lawsuit proposes a class of:
- Ohio residents who subscribed to Netflix as a Household or Extra Member at any time since September 26, 2024
- Who are parents or legal guardians of one or more minor children, whose claims are included through their adult representation
The case was filed under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. If the case expands to a national class or other states file parallel suits, coverage could broaden.
What Laws Does the Lawsuit Cite?
The complaint cites the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices by suppliers in consumer transactions. The law allows for class actions and statutory damages.
The lawsuit also references parallel legal pressure from state attorneys general. The complaint notes that Texas and Florida attorneys general have filed separate actions against Netflix related to similar claims about misleading data-use disclosures.
Is There a Settlement? Can I File a Claim?
No settlement has been announced. The case was filed less than two weeks ago, as of this writing, and is in its earliest procedural stage. Netflix has not yet publicly responded to the complaint.
There is currently no claim form to file and no settlement website.
What you should do now: If you believe you may be part of the proposed class, note the case name and number (Mosley et al. v. Netflix, Inc., No. 5:26-cv-02534). Keep records of your Netflix subscription history and any communications from Netflix about data or privacy.
We will update this page when a settlement is reached or a claim form becomes available.
How to Protect Your Children’s Privacy on Netflix Right Now
While the lawsuit plays out, these steps can limit Netflix’s access to your household’s viewing data:
Turn off autoplay: In your Netflix account settings, go to “Manage Profiles,” select your child’s profile, and disable the autoplay option for next episodes and previews.
Review your data settings: Netflix allows some data download and deletion requests through its Privacy Center at netflix.com/privacy. You can see what data Netflix holds and request deletion under applicable state privacy laws.
Check if your state has a children’s privacy law: Several states, including California, Colorado, and Connecticut, have passed children’s data privacy laws that may give you additional rights. California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) may also apply depending on your child’s age and the platform’s use of data.
File a complaint: If you believe Netflix violated your privacy rights, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general’s office.
The Bigger Picture: Platform Data and Kids
The Netflix lawsuit is part of a growing wave of children’s data privacy litigation. Over the past several years, courts have seen class actions against YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others over the collection and use of minors’ data. A separate social media addiction lawsuit against Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and Facebook is also currently in litigation.
Congress and state legislatures have been slow to pass comprehensive federal children’s online privacy protections beyond COPPA, which dates to 1998 and covers only children under 13. Advocates argue that modern platforms collect far more data, from far older minors, than COPPA ever anticipated.
The Netflix case is notable because it targets a subscription-based platform that many parents specifically chose to avoid the data-harvesting model of free, ad-supported competitors.
Common Questions About the Netflix Kids Lawsuit
My child uses Netflix in a different state, not Ohio. Are we covered?
The current proposed class is limited to Ohio residents. However, class action lawsuits often expand, either by adding additional state classes or by certification of a national class. We will update this page if the class definition changes. If you are in a state with a pending similar action, you may be covered by separate litigation.
What is the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act?
It is an Ohio state law that prohibits suppliers from committing unfair or deceptive acts or practices in consumer transactions. It allows private lawsuits and class actions, and courts can award actual damages, statutory damages, and attorney’s fees.
Does my child need to be under 13 for this to apply?
The proposed class includes parents or guardians of any minor child under 18, who used Netflix Kids Profiles. COPPA protections apply specifically to children under 13, but the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act does not have the same age cutoff for its deceptive-practices claims.
What are “dark patterns” in the context of streaming?
Dark patterns are interface design choices that nudge users toward behaviors that benefit the company rather than the user. In the Netflix context, the lawsuit points to autoplay as a dark pattern because it extends viewing sessions without requiring the user to actively choose to keep watching and more viewing means more behavioral data collected.
Can I opt out of Netflix’s data sharing right now?
Netflix provides some privacy controls in its account settings and Privacy Center. Under state laws like California’s CCPA, you may have the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information. Visit netflix.com/privacy for current options. The exact controls available depend on your state of residence.
Has Netflix commented on the lawsuit?
Netflix has not publicly responded to this specific complaint as of the time of writing. We will update this page when Netflix’s formal legal response is filed.
Summary
The Netflix kids privacy lawsuit, filed in late September 2026, challenges the platform’s long-standing image as a safe, private alternative to ad-supported streaming. The complaint alleges that children’s viewing data was systematically collected and shared with a network of advertising and data-broker companies, without parental knowledge or meaningful consent.
No settlement exists yet, and no claim form is available. If you are an Ohio resident with children who used Netflix Kids Profiles, watch this page for updates. In the meantime, review your Netflix privacy settings, disable autoplay on children’s profiles, and take advantage of any data access or deletion rights available in your state.
This page will be updated as the case develops.
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