Dutch authorities have imposed a fine of 4.75 million euros ($4.98 million) on Netflix for mishandling subscribers’ personal data. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) stated that between 2018 and 2020, Netflix failed to adequately inform its customers about how their personal data was being used, and the information provided was often unclear in certain areas.
The authorities noted that Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved the clarity of the information provided to subscribers regarding data usage. Despite this, Netflix has appealed the fine.
Aleid Wolfsen, chairman of the AP, emphasized that large companies with billions in revenue and millions of customers worldwide must clearly explain how they handle personal data. “This must be crystal clear, especially when customers ask about it,” Wolfsen said. “And that was not the case here.”
The data protection watchdog pointed out several areas where Netflix was unclear or insufficient in its explanations. These included the reasons for collecting personal data, which data is shared with third parties, how long the data is retained, and how it is protected when transmitted outside of Europe.
