Netflix Prize Sequel Cancelled Over Privacy Concerns 65
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.'"
Sad, but no need to cancel the whole contest (Score:5, Insightful)
Wow (Score:5, Insightful)
I don't know if people are just paranoid or what, but they seem to be intent on protecting EVERYTHING nowadays. Next thing you know, people will get sued for asking whether you put the toilet paper roll facing away from the wall or towards it.
For the record, it's away from the wall, you savages.
Re:Someone else would have to have (Score:4, Insightful)
Let's say you have a job. Your boss, by law, needs to see and retain a copy of either your drivers license or passport, either one of which identifies your birthdate, address (which contains your ZIP code) and gender.
Now let's say he downloads this Netflix data... he's got enough info to be 84% sure that the only record that has your birthdate, gender. and ZIP code, is you. Worse yet, if he had your ZIP+4, the only way there'd be any ambiguity left is if you live with a twin.
Re:Wow (Score:2, Insightful)
Sometimes they get sued for having insurance.
Re:It's time to play... Name That Person! (Score:3, Insightful)
Why does Netflix need to release something as precise as a birthday in order to make movie recommendations? I mean, TV ratings are done in demographic groups. Couldn't Netflix get away by just stating a birth year?
I was born on Dec 4th so I am partial to movies about Pearl Harbor.
I'm sure people born on or around Dec 25th feel differently about Christmas movies than others.
You comb through enough data you'll find patterns. Who knows.
Re:Someone else would have to have (Score:3, Insightful)
For now. If this kind of data-leak became common, you can bet there would emerge specialist firms/consultants to do the mining, perhaps as a value-add onto a more general background check.
Vigilance.