Is Netflix Safe?

An independent privacy and security review of netflix.com. All claims sourced from official privacy policies, regulatory actions, and credible research.

TL;DR

Netflix collects extensive viewing behavior data — reportedly up to 160,000 data points per 30 seconds of watching — including what you watch, when, for how long, what you pause, rewind, or skip. Netflix uses this to power its recommendation engine (which drives over 80% of content watched). The ad-supported tier shares viewing data with Microsoft's advertising network. Netflix's 2022 password-sharing crackdown introduced new tracking of IP addresses, device IDs, and household locations. Netflix states in its terms that it does sell personal information for advertising purposes on its ad tier. Compared to social media platforms, Netflix has relatively fewer privacy controversies and no major data breaches or regulatory fines.

netflix.com
⚠️ Moderate Risk
Last verified: 2026-02-16 · How we calculate risk

📊 What Netflix Collects About You

Based on Netflix's privacy policy (2024 (Netflix Privacy Statement)):

Viewing Behavior
What you watch, when you watch, how long you watch, what you pause, rewind, fast-forward, or skip. Search queries, browsing within the app, content ratings, and interactions with interactive titles. Netflix reportedly collects up to 160,000 data points per 30 seconds of watching
Source: Netflix Privacy Statement; CHOICE Australia investigation (Nov 2025)
Account & Payment
Name, email, phone number, payment method, billing address. Ad-tier subscribers also provide date of birth and gender
Source: Netflix Privacy Statement; CHOICE investigation
Device & Network
Device type, smart TV model, set-top box, mobile device, gaming console, operating system, device identifiers, network information, and battery level. Used for the password-sharing crackdown to verify household locations
Source: Netflix Privacy Statement
Advertising Data (Ad Tier)
If on the ad-supported plan: resettable device identifiers, IP addresses, ad interactions, and data provided by advertising companies about 'likely interests they have collected or inferred from your visits to other websites and apps'
Source: Netflix Privacy Statement
Game Activity
Netflix mobile game activity including gameplay, interactions, progress, and saved game information
Source: Netflix Privacy Statement

🔍 Tracking & Third-Party Data Sharing

Netflix tracks viewing behavior in extreme detail for its recommendation engine. The ad-supported tier introduced significant new tracking, sharing data with Microsoft's advertising network. Common Sense Privacy gave Netflix a score of 38/100 (grade D), noting that viewing history is used for extensive profiling and that Netflix sells personal information to third parties.

  • Netflix reportedly collects up to 160,000 data points per 30 seconds of viewing content
  • Over 80% of content watched on Netflix is driven by its recommendation algorithm, fueled by behavioral data
  • The ad-supported tier shares viewing behavior with Microsoft's advertising partners for targeted ads
  • Common Sense Privacy rates Netflix 38/100 (D grade) and confirms Netflix sells personal information for ad-tier subscribers
  • The 2022-2023 password-sharing crackdown introduced new IP address and device tracking to verify household locations

🔓 Breach History

Netflix has not experienced a major data breach. It has maintained a relatively clean security record compared to social media platforms and other large technology companies.

⚖️ Regulatory Actions & Fines

⚠️ Key Privacy Risks Specific to Netflix

Netflix's 160,000 data points per 30 seconds means it builds an extremely detailed behavioral profile — your entertainment preferences, attention span, and viewing patterns are tracked in granular detail
The ad-supported tier fundamentally changed Netflix's privacy model: subscriber data is now shared with Microsoft's advertising network for targeted advertising
The password-sharing crackdown tracks IP addresses and device locations to enforce household rules, adding a surveillance layer that didn't exist before 2022
Netflix states it sells personal information (on ad tier) — this is explicitly disclosed in its Common Sense Privacy evaluation

🛠️ Privacy Controls Available

Netflix provides reasonable user controls, including the ability to download your data, manage viewing history, and opt out of behavioral advertising on the ad tier.

  • Download your data: Request a copy of personal information via Netflix Get My Info
  • Viewing history: Delete individual titles from viewing history
  • Behavioral advertising: Opt out on ad tier via Privacy and Data Settings
  • Matched Identifier Communications: Control Netflix marketing on third-party services
  • Profile and playback preferences
  • Account deletion available

🛡️ How to Protect Your Privacy on Netflix

1. Use a VPN — Hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, preventing Netflix from linking your activity to your real location and ISP.

2. Use a privacy browser — Firefox with strict tracking protection or Brave blocks many third-party trackers. Consider browser extensions like Privacy Badger (EFF) or uBlock Origin.

3. Check your browser fingerprint — See how uniquely identifiable you are with our Browser Fingerprint Test.

4. Check for breaches — See if your accounts have been compromised with our Email Breach Checker.

5. Review your settings — Tighten Netflix's privacy settings and disable data collection where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Netflix safe to use in 2026?

Netflix is a legitimate service used by millions, but its data collection practices raise privacy concerns. Our analysis rates its privacy risk as "moderate" based on data collection scope, tracking practices, breach history, and regulatory actions. Whether it's "safe" depends on your personal comfort with data exposure.

Does Netflix sell my data?

Most major services claim they don't "sell" data in the traditional sense. However, they may share data with advertising partners, use it for targeted advertising, or monetize it through data-driven ad platforms. The functional result for users is often similar whether data is technically "sold" or used for ad targeting.

How do I delete my Netflix data?

Most services offer a data download and deletion option in their account settings, typically under "Privacy" or "Your Data." Under GDPR (EU), you have the legal right to request full data deletion. In the US, some states (California, Virginia, Colorado, and others) offer similar rights. Check Netflix's privacy settings for data download and account deletion options.

When was this review last updated?

This review was last verified on 2026-02-16. We check the privacy policy at https://help.netflix.com/legal/privacy and update our review when significant changes occur. See our methodology page for details on our review process.

📎 Sources

  1. Netflix Privacy Policy (effective 2024 (Netflix Privacy Statement))
  2. CHOICE Australia — 'Does Netflix track your personal data?' (Nov 2025)
  3. Common Sense Privacy — Netflix Privacy Review (score 38/100)
Read our full review methodology →

Test Your Privacy

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