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Netflix Prize Sequel Cancelled Over Privacy Concerns

Posted by Soulskill on from the beware-the-evil-agorithims dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Netflix just announced that they have cancelled the sequel to the Netflix Prize, which was promised last year. Netflix made the choice after they were sued over privacy concerns. The prize involves releasing large amounts of data about users' movie preferences, which raised concerns from the Federal Trade Commission and a lawsuit from KamberLaw LLC. Netflix's Neil Hunt said, 'We have reached an understanding with the FTC and have settled the lawsuit with plaintiffs. The resolution to both matters involves certain parameters for how we use Netflix data in any future research programs.'"

4 of 65 comments (clear)

  1. I have to agree by T+Murphy · · Score: 4, Funny

    I bet there are thousands of guys out there scared to death that someone will find out they rented Twilight (for the girlfriend, honest!). I'd rather be known as a lawyer-happy jerk than a Twilight fan.

    --
    My webcomic
    1. Re:I have to agree by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Just wondering, what's your zip code and birthdate?

  2. Re:It's time to play... Name That Person! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    When given a chance, I give my email address as billg@microsoft.com as well.

    They do a back trace on the IP - they find out from the sender what was the IP of the person who gave them that email address and then Microsoft uses their considerable power and influence to find out who you really are. Then, they sign you up for subscriptions to "The Advocate", "Gay Pornography Lovers Journal", and other gay magazines.

    You haven't gotten them yet?

  3. Re:It's time to play... Name That Person! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    He was just wondering why he was suddenly started getting a second copy for free...