Netflix calls off million dollar contest sequel

Netflix was so thrilled by the results of its first online contest offering a million dollars to people who figured out how to improve the service’s movie recommendation algorithm, that they announced a follow-up contest.  However, a lawsuit and FTC investigation revealed that Netflix gave the folks participating in the contest access to some member rental history to see what ways they could improve their suggestions. 

The lawsuit by a closeted lesbian whose rental history was revealed (I’m guessing without her consent) sued claiming that she could be identified by her rental history and that the disclosure of her closeted status could impact her kids at school.  Thus, Netflix announced it would be cancelling the contest much to the disappointment to all those who want to be millionaires.

Tags: Lawsuit, Linkedin, Netflix, privacy