Facebook Allegedly Sold Private Messages to Netflix

Recent court documents have alleged that Facebook permitted Netflix access to users’ private messages in exchange for data. This revelation coincides with Meta’s decision to halt its streaming endeavors, such as the Red Table Talk series on Facebook Watch, citing cost-saving measures and internal restructuring. Despite Meta’s explanation, court filings from an antitrust lawsuit shed new light on the situation, asserting that the decision to end streaming services was influenced by Netflix, a key advertising partner. The lawsuit accuses Meta of engaging in anti-competitive behavior detrimental to social media competition and users.

The documents reveal a close relationship between Netflix and Facebook, largely due to Netflix’s substantial advertising expenditures on Facebook’s platform. They imply that Netflix wielded influence in negotiations to prevent Facebook from competing in the streaming video market. Furthermore, it’s alleged that Facebook allowed Netflix access to user private messages dating back to 2013.