More from the article ...

... "These companies have been unlawfully collecting personal data through Automated Content Recognition (ACR') technology," Paxton's office alleged in a press release that contains links to all five lawsuits.

"ACR in its simplest terms is an uninvited, invisible digital invader. This software can capture screenshots of a user's television display every 500 milliseconds, monitor viewing activity in real time, and transmit that information back to the company without the user's knowledge or consent.

The companies then sell that consumer information to target ads across platforms for a profit. This technology puts users' privacy and sensitive information, such as passwords, bank information, and other personal information at risk." ...

"Mass surveillance system" in US living rooms

Pointing out that Hisense and TCL are based in China, Paxton's press release said the firms' "Chinese ties pose serious concerns about consumer data harvesting and are exacerbated by China's National Security Law, which gives its government the capability to get its hands on US consumer data."

"Companies, especially those connected to the Chinese Communist Party, have no business illegally recording Americans' devices inside their own homes," Paxton said. "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." ...