Michigan AG Sues Streaming Platform Over Kids’ Privacy Violations

Michigan’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against a major streaming platform, accusing it of illegally collecting and recording children’s voices, location data, and viewing habits without parental consent.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

The lawsuit, filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alleges that Roku collects and profits from personal data of children without getting proper parental permission. This breaks both the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.

According to the AG’s office, Roku gathers sensitive information like kids’ voice recordings, location, IP addresses, and tracking data, all without parents’ knowledge. The lawsuit also claims Roku misled parents about how their children’s data was being used.

Why This Matters for Michigan Parents

“Roku has blatantly violated children’s privacy laws, illegally exposing kids across Michigan to invasive data collection practices,” Nessel said. “We cannot allow companies to jeopardize the security of our children’s personal information.”

With millions of Michigan households using Roku devices, the case raises important questions about how streaming platforms handle children’s information. It’s a reminder for parents to stay informed and take steps to protect their kids’ privacy online.

What the Attorney General Wants

The Attorney General is seeking to stop Roku’s alleged illegal data collection and sharing practices, require the company to follow federal and state laws, and recover damages, restitution, and civil penalties for years of misconduct.

Michigan parents concerned about their children’s privacy should stay informed about this case and review the privacy settings on their streaming devices to protect their families.

Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Kids

• Check your Roku and app privacy settings regularly.
• Disable voice features if not needed.
• Use parental controls to manage what your kids can access.
• Review privacy policies for apps your children use.

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