A recent update suggests that Netflix paid a significant sum of $100 million to Facebook for the ability to read the private messages of its users. The information comes from a shared document by an individual named Deedy and was reported on Watcher Guru.
As per the document, Facebook granted Netflix access to users' private messages in exchange for insight into the streaming company's watch history. Additionally, Netflix reportedly paid over $100 million to Facebook for this privilege.
It is mentioned that there has been a long-standing relationship between Facebook and Netflix. In 2011, Netflix introduced Facebook integration to share user data worldwide, later lobbying the US Congress for the same.
In 2013, Netflix started engaging in several "Facebook Extended API" agreements, including the "Inbox API agreement," enabling the streaming platform to programmatically access user private messages on Facebook.
Moreover, in August 2013, Facebook provided Netflix access to the "Titan API," allowing the streaming company to reach friends on Facebook. The close partnership between the two companies spanned almost a decade, with Netflix's then-CEO Hastings playing a vital role.
Throughout this period, Netflix's advertising spending on Facebook increased significantly, with ad spends reaching around $150 million annually by early 2019.
