Netflix · Netflix Privacy Statement

Viewing History Used for Ad Targeting (VPPA Exposure)

High severity
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What it is

We collect information about your interaction with the Netflix service (including playback events, such as play, pause, etc.)... Netflix viewing and gaming history... We collect information about the ads on the Netflix service that you view or interact with... We use this information to support Advertisements (including behavioral advertisements in accordance with your preferences).

Why it matters

The Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) specifically protects the privacy of video rental and streaming history — using viewing history for ad targeting without adequate written consent creates significant federal litigation exposure.

Consumer impact

Netflix collects a wide range of personal data including viewing history, device identifiers, payment information, and behavioral data inferred from your activity on third-party websites and apps, particularly for users on the ad-supported plan. Users have rights to access, correct, delete, and export their data, and can control certain advertising preferences, but the policy's vague retention language and broad third-party data sharing create residual privacy risk. You can manage your advertising and data preferences by visiting your Netflix account settings at netflix.com and navigating to 'Privacy and Data Settings'.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Opt Out of Arbitration
    Log in to Netflix, go to Account > Privacy and Data Settings, and review advertising and data use preferences to limit use of your viewing history for ad targeting.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has enforcement authority over unfair or deceptive practices related to video privacy and has issued guidance on VPPA compliance for streaming services.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State attorneys general in California and other states with comprehensive privacy laws have authority to enforce viewing history privacy violations under state consumer protection statutes.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Netflix Privacy Statement
Entity
Netflix
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-002182
Document ID
CA-D-00039
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
63db826d813d50a664f688c55e0c6cb157764e89081653a9fdecbc2729f84cdc
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Netflix | Document: Netflix Privacy Statement | Record: CA-P-002182
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:38:49 UTC | SHA-256: 63db826d813d50a6…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/netflix/netflix-privacy-statement/viewing-history-used-for-ad-targeting-vppa-exposure/
Accessed: April 5, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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