Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix?

Posted by glawre on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @03:43PM
from the ask-hn dept.

Hi,

I am fairly convinced that MyFitnessPal have sold personal data to Netflix.

I use a unique email address for each online service - e.g [email protected].

I recently received an email at this unique address from Netflix. The email is legitimate and is definitely not a phishing attempt.

I have never used this email for any service other than MyFitnessPal.

Has anyone else received a similar email? Does anyone know whether this is even legal? I'm an EU citizen and I did not give consent for this to happen.

Thanks

Here's a copy of the email:

"Hey there, We’re the customer service team reaching out to help our newest members get started with Netflix. If you’d like to chat before you start your subscription, you can call 1-844-505-2993 with any questions. Also, there’s a bunch of information in our Help Center, including answers to common questions about how Netflix works. If you’re all set, finish your account setup to start watching. If there’s anything you need help with, don’t hesitate to contact us. Cheers, Netflix Customer Service"

( 7 comments | 13 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by andrejguran on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @04:50PM (#22678865)

Most probably because of this: https://securitytoday.com/articles/2018/04/03/under-armor-ad...

Test your email here if it was leaked: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Also from the email it seems someone created an account. This is not a marketing email

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by glawre on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @07:09PM (#22680042)

My initial thought was that it could be related to the leak, however my email doesn't exist in HIBP.

You're absolutely correct - someone - not me - has created an account using this unique email address.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by smarri on Wednesday March 25, 2020 @10:33AM (#22684868)

Thanks for sharing these sites btw.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by saluki on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @10:09PM (#22681364)

I had someone take over an old netflix account of mine, they said it's common for people in other countries to take control of a US based netflix account and even change the payment method to theirs. I'm guessing they get different content with a US based account.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by kapnobatairza on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @03:46PM (#22678219)

More likely someone created a trial account using that email address with a fake/stolen payment method.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by jrowley on Tuesday March 24, 2020 @06:58PM (#22679978)

I recently got an unexpected netflix marketing email too.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: Has MyFitnessPal sold customer data to Netflix? by hkiely on Thursday March 26, 2020 @09:24PM (#22699716)

It has to be part of one of the leaks.

[ Parent | on HN ]