Netflix fined €4.75 million by Dutch watchdog over data privacy violations

Netflix faces €4.75 million fine for failing to inform users about personal data practices.

Netflix Inc. faces a €4.75 million ($5 million) fine from the Dutch Data Protection Agency (DPA) for violating data privacy regulations between 2018 and 2020. The DPA announced the penalty on Wednesday, citing Netflix’s failure to adequately inform customers about how their personal data was used.

The investigation found that Netflix's privacy statement lacked clarity on data processing practices, falling short of Dutch and European Union data protection laws. The DPA emphasized the need for greater transparency, particularly for widely used platforms like Netflix, to ensure customers understand how their information is handled.

To address the shortcomings, Netflix has since updated its privacy statement and improved its communication with users regarding data use. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed these changes were implemented to enhance customer awareness and comply with regulatory standards.

This fine highlights the growing scrutiny on global tech companies to uphold data privacy and comply with regional laws. It serves as a warning to other organizations about the importance of clear communication and strict adherence to privacy regulations. As regulators continue to crack down on non-compliance, companies are likely to reassess their privacy policies to avoid similar penalties in the future.