Netflix Rejects Canadian Regulator's Bid For Customer Data

Netflix has pushed back against a request by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for what it says is confidential information on subscribers, as well as sensitive data of a potentially competitive nature. This follows an order for such data that was made last week by the regulator.

The entire matter apparently surfaced amidst a move by the regulator to consider broadcasting rules for Canada, which includes a look at services like Netflix and the effect they have on more traditional forms of television consumption. Netflix is fighting against the regulation of Internet-based streaming services.

Said Netflix's Global Policy Director Corie Wright, "Netflix believes that regulatory intervention online is unnecessary and could have consequences that are inconsistent with the interests of consumers." Netflix's refusal to hand over the requested information could result in a legal battle.

Despite Netflix's opposition to what the CRTC is up to, it says its reasoning behind withholding the requested data has to due with potential harm to the company in light of a leak. If the info became public in some way, the company's competitors could end up using it to their advantage.

SOURCE: CBC News