Florida’s watchdog tasked with enforcing parental rights laws and data collection of minors has filed a civil enforcement action against Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) for unlawfully collecting sensitive data about minors’ online activities.
“Florida families deserve to know what is happening with their children’s personal information,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted on X. “Parents—not technology companies—direct the upbringing of their children. We will hold any company that conceals or exploits that information accountable.”
The Office of Parental Rights accuses Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) and its Florida subsidiary of violating Florida’s Digital Bill of Rights and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by collecting, selling, and enabling reidentification of sensitive personal data from minors that included viewing habits, and voice recordings without authorization or “meaningful notice” without parental consent. The company is also being accused of misrepresenting the effectiveness of its privacy and opt-out controls.
“Through this action, the Attorney General seeks civil penalties, injunctive relief, and measures ensuring that Roku provides transparent disclosures, implements lawful parental-control mechanisms, and ceases unauthorized sale or processing of children’s data,” the Attorney General’s office said.
The latest action against Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) mirrors similar complaints Florida has made against Facebook and Instagram (META) for collecting data without parental consent and exposing them to harmful content.