Dutch authorities have slapped a €4.75 million fine on Netflix for failing to provide clear and sufficient information on how it handles users’ personal data. According to the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP), the company did not adequately inform its customers between 2018 and 2020 about the collection, sharing, and security of their data. The AP’s investigation found that Netflix’s privacy disclosures were unclear, particularly regarding the reasons for collecting personal data, how long it was retained, and how it was secured when transmitted outside of Europe.
The AP emphasized that companies, especially those with billions in revenue and millions of customers worldwide, must provide transparent and accessible explanations about their data practices. “That must be crystal clear. Especially if the customer asks about this. And that was not in order,” said AP Chairman Aleid Wolfsen.
Netflix has since updated its privacy policies, offering clearer information to subscribers on data use. The streaming giant expressed its disagreement with the fine, stating it had cooperated fully with the authorities throughout the investigation and had proactively made improvements to its privacy practices. Despite this, the company has appealed the decision, maintaining that the adjustments made were sufficient to meet legal requirements.
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