Netflix Is Tracking Our 'Physical Activity' Via Our Phones

It comes at no surprise that Netflix collects lots of data about us. But recently, some Android users have found out that the app is tracking data about their ‘physical activity’ through their smartphones.

Netflix Says That It Is Just A Test

The Next Web, spotted this issue first, and have delivered an article on the matter. They have also contacted Netflix for comment on the subject. The company said that this is just a test to figure out how to improve the quality of video playback when users are watching movies and shows on the move. And that they were testing these features on only some accounts, plus they did not have any current plan to release this feature out on a larger scale.

Either way, for this "on the move feature" the streaming giant is using a new update on Android Q, which allows the developers to get access to the sensor data about step counts or the classification of user's activity such as biking, riding, or walking. While watching Netflix and walking simultaneously sounds ridiculous, it makes sense if the company want to find out how to improve the experience of users riding on car or trains.

A Personal Trainer Project?

This whole thing is kind of a throwback to the not really well-known Netflix's fitness tracker project. A couple of years back, the company launched Make It series, featuring many DIY projects such as socks that could detect when you fall asleep to pause the video you are watching.

There was also that personal trainer device that would stop the video if you are not moving. Given the fact that many Netflix users watch their shows while in the gym, that is possible to think that Netflix is looking for a way to accomplish that via your phones.