Your personal data, including viewing history and device information, is shared with many external companies, increasing the risk of downstream data misuse or exposure.
Consumer impact
Netflix collects extensive personal data including viewing history, device identifiers, payment details, and advertising interests inferred from your activity on third-party websites and apps, which are used to serve behavioral advertisements on supported tiers. Data is shared with a broad network of service providers, advertising companies, and business partners, and may be transferred internationally. You can opt out of behavioral advertising and manage your cookie preferences through your Netflix account settings or by visiting netflix.com/adchoices.
What you can do
β οΈ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
Delete Your Data
Email privacy@netflix.com to request deletion of your personal data or to ask which third parties your data has been shared with. Identify yourself as a Netflix account holder and specify your request.
Applicable agencies
Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws β primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form