Netflix took the stage at today's f8 developer conference to announce plans to integrate its streaming product with Facebook, but for now, the offering will only be available to customers in Canada and Latin America.
Starting today, users in those countries can share what they are watching with their Facebook friends and vice versa. "We want to make streaming from Netflix a more social experience and through the new optional Facebook connection, Netflix makes it possible for you to connect with your friends over TV series and movies online," Netflix said in a blog post.
Once enabled, you'll see the option on Netflix to connect to Facebook. When you do that, you can see what your friends are watching on any device that streams from Netflix, if your friends are connected. Netflix stressed that nothing will be shared unless you opt-in and you can turn it off at any time.
The U.S. launch of Facebook integration, however, is being held up due to a 1988 law known as the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), which limits how much people can share about their video rental and viewing history. The law was enacted after Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork's video rental records were published in a newspaper. As the Electronic Privacy Information Center notes, "the Act is not often invoked, but stands as one of the strongest protections of consumer privacy against a specific form of data collection."
Several members of Congress have introduced a bill, H.R. 2471, that would basically allow you to share your Netflix activity on Facebook. It was introduced in July and was referred to the House Judiciary Committee in late August, but has not seen any additional activity.
As a result, Netflix's hands are basically tied until Congress takes action. In a second blog post, Netflix urged U.S. consumers to contact their member of Congress in support of the bill.
"If you want the choice to share with your friends, please email congress to urge them to pass this modernizing legislation," wrote Michael Drobac, director of Government Relations at Netflix.
The Netflix announcement was one of several announcements Facebook announced today. For more, see PCMag's live blog of the f8 keynote featuring Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, as well as details on Facebook's new Timeline product.
Netflix, meanwhile, is coming off a rough week that saw backlash over its decision to spin its DVD rental product into a separate business known as Qwikster.