Netflix Shells Out 9 Mill Over Privacy Concerns

Netflix Shells Out 9 Mill Over Privacy Concerns

More trouble for the battered company. According to a securities filing released late last week, Netflix will be paying out $9 million to settle a 2011 lawsuit. The lawsuit accused Netflix of violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), which restricts video rental companies from disclosing customer data and requires them to destroy rental history within a year after it is no longer needed.

NetflixThe class action lawsuit was filed when customers returning to Netflix after over a year found the company had kept their video watching histories. Anyone who uses Netflix is aware that the service saves data on what has been watched, and uses that information to provide additional show and movie recommendations.

The VPPA has long been a thorn in Netflix’s side. It was originally implemented over. 20 years ago after Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental history was published. Twenty years ago was the time of VHS rentals at stores. The technology has changed, but the law still applies. Netflix has said they would like the law adapted in such a way that Netflix can provide users with the ability to instantly share what they’re watching through social network sites like Facebook.

In a statement, Steve Swasey, Netflix’s VP of Corporate Communications, said “Netflix has settled a lawsuit related to the company’s compliance with the Video Privacy Protection Act with no admission of wrongdoing. This matter is unrelated to the company’s concerns about the ambiguities contained in the VPPA, which keep Netflix from offering its U.S. members the ability to share their instant watching information with their Facebook friends, an experience Netflix members currently enjoy in 46 other countries.”

The $9 million payout took a 14% dig out of Netflix’s fourth-quarter net income.


Have A Question? Ask Jessica!

  • Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?

Working... ...


Author Profile: Consumer Expert Andria Rib

Andria loves to shop and loves to save money when she's shopping! An avid couponer and bargain hunter, Andria regularly cuts her grocery bill in half through purposeful coupon management. She shares her love of shopping, fun, and entertainment, here at News For Shoppers.

Retrieved Start Time: 
Retrieved End Time: