Netflix has been tracking physical activity on Android devices in order to test improvements to “on the go” video playback quality.
A security researcher on Twitter noticed a new menu on the Netflix Android app that asks for permission for physical activity access.
It has been speculated that Netflix has made use of an Android Q update allowing app developers to access sensor data to detect when a user is in a vehicle, enabling the company to explore ways to improve playback for commuters.
A Netflix statement confirmed that the company was testing the feature on some accounts and that there were no current plans to roll it out on a wider basis.