Netflix responds to its tracking of physical activity on some Android phones

Netflix has started requesting physical activity permission for its app on Android. This was discovered last week when a security researcher tweeted about it. Some Netflix users on Android check their app’s permissions and found that it was tracking physical activity. According to Netflix, this is part of a test that’s meant to help the company “improve video playback quality when a member is on the go.” And only some members are part of the test. Netflix says they don’t plan to roll out this feature to all users, which means the company is getting the data it needs right now. The company also hasn’t said how long the test will be running either.

If you give permission for Netflix to do this, it’ll know when you’re in motion. For example, if you’re streaming video while on a train or bus. What Netflix doesn’t clarify is how it’s using this information to improve on-the-go video playback. If you don’t want Netflix to use your device, then you can head to Settings > Apps > Netflix > Permissions then tap “Physical activity permission.” From there, change the setting from “Allow” to “Deny” to end the permission.

As The Next Web points out, it looks like Netflix is taking advantage of the new activity recognition permission on Android Q. This feature allows the developer to understand whether you’re in motion while using their apps. TNW speculates that Netflix might be using the data to figure out how to buffer video so that your stream won’t skip while you’re out and about.