V-DIG Audit: Netflix

Enterprise Technology Stack & Vendor Relationships

Netflix’s enterprise technology infrastructure is primarily built on Amazon Web Services following its complete migration from proprietary data centers in 2023 ¹. No direct procurement relationship between Netflix and Israeli-origin cybersecurity, cloud, or enterprise software vendors—including Check Point, Wiz, SentinelOne, CyberArk, Nice, Verint, Claroty, or Palo Alto Networks—has been identified in public records ². The Netflix Partner Help Content Security Requirements document specifies vendor security standards for content protection but does not list Israeli cybersecurity vendors as contracted partners ². No evidence identifies Israeli-origin technology embedded in Netflix’s core streaming infrastructure, content delivery systems, or enterprise security architecture. No evidence identifies systems integrators or IT outsourcing partners that have deployed Israeli-origin technology in engagement with Netflix. Partner Communications Company Ltd., an Israeli telecom operator listed in the Who Profits database for operating cellular infrastructure on occupied land, offers Netflix content through its Partner TV service—a content distribution relationship rather than technology procurement ³⁴⁵.

Surveillance, Biometrics & Retail Technology

No verified deployment of facial recognition, biometric identification, or behavioral analytics technologies by Netflix has been identified in public sources ⁶. Analysis of Netflix’s global patent portfolio comprising approximately 2,330 patents reveals no filings for facial recognition or biometric identification systems ⁶. Common Sense Media documentation indicates Netflix collects behavioral data and health data for content recommendations but does not specify facial recognition technology deployment on its streaming platform. No evidence identifies indirect deployment of Israeli-origin surveillance technologies to Netflix via third-party platforms or service providers. No public evidence identified.

Cloud Infrastructure, Data Residency & Sovereign Cloud Participation

Netflix completed its transition to 100% public cloud infrastructure on AWS in 2023 and no longer operates, leases, or co-locates owned data center infrastructure ¹. The AWS Israel (Tel Aviv) region launched in August 2023, but no evidence confirms Netflix specifically uses this region for content storage or processing ⁷⁸. No evidence identifies Netflix participation in Project Nimbus or comparable Israeli government cloud initiatives. While AWS Israel is part of Project Numbus serving Israeli government customers, no disclosed AWS customer case demonstrates Netflix specifically uses AWS Israel for content delivery to Middle East users ⁷. No definitive public evidence confirms which AWS region (Bahrain, UAE, or Israel) processes data for Israeli or Palestinian Netflix subscribers.

Defence, Intelligence & Security Sector Technology Relationships

No verified contracts, partnerships, or service agreements between Netflix and the Israeli Ministry of Defence, IDF, intelligence agencies, or state security bodies have been identified. The identified Netflix activity in Israel relates exclusively to content licensing, streaming service operations, and production arrangements—not defense or intelligence sectors ⁹¹⁰¹¹. No documented instances where Netflix’s commercially available streaming technology has been deployed for military, intelligence, or law enforcement surveillance applications within Israel or occupied territories. Netflix’s Ted Sarandos visited Israel in 2022 to lobby against mandatory Israeli content production legislation, meeting President Isaac Herzog and Minister Yoaz Hendel—diplomatic engagement on content policy rather than defense technology ⁹. No public evidence identified.

AI, Algorithmic & Autonomous Systems

No verified provision of AI, machine learning, computer vision, or autonomous decision-support systems by Netflix to Israeli state, military, or security bodies has been identified. The identified Netflix AI applications relate to content recommendation algorithms and streaming optimization within the company’s consumer platform—standard streaming industry functionalities rather than government or defense systems. Netflix utilizes machine learning for personalized content recommendations, video encoding optimization, and subscriber engagement analytics. No public evidence identified.

Technology Ecosystem & R&D Footprint

Netflix launched its streaming service in Israel in January 2016 and publicly stated it does not plan to open offices or R&D facilities in Israel ¹¹. No evidence identifies research and development facilities, engineering offices, or innovation labs operated by Netflix within Israel. Netflix acquisitions in Israel have been limited to content and production company formats, such as the “The Greenhouse” format acquisition in 2016, rather than technology company acquisitions ¹⁰. No acquisitions of Israeli technology companies by Netflix have been identified. However, Netflix board member Strive Masiyiwa, through his Cassava Technologies, acquired Israeli company Telrad Group—a networking, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity firm—in August 2022 ^12131415. No significant patent portfolios, licensing agreements, or co-development arrangements between Netflix and Israeli-domiciled entities or research institutions have been identified. Brad Smith, serving on the Netflix board since 2015, serves as Microsoft Vice Chair and President; Microsoft faced 2025 controversy over Israeli Ministry of Defense use of Azure for mass surveillance, though no direct Netflix-Microsoft Israel contract has been identified ¹⁶.

Civil Society Scrutiny & Regulatory History

Netflix is not listed in the UN OHCHR Business and Human Rights database of settlement-involved enterprises ¹⁷¹⁸. Netflix is not named in the UN Special Rapporteur Albanese’s July 2025 report (A/HRC/59/23) listing companies with documented involvement in the Israeli occupation economy ¹⁹. Partner Communications Company Ltd., an Israeli telecom, is listed in the Who Profits database as having Netflix as a business partner; Partner operates over 200 cellular antennas on occupied land in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Syrian Golan ³. The BDS Movement and PACBI called for Netflix to drop the Israeli series “Fauda” in 2018, citing concerns over glorifying war crimes; Hollywood executives responded with a letter of support for “Fauda” in the same year ²⁰. New boycott campaigns launched in 2024 and 2025 following Netflix’s removal of the “Palestinian Stories” collection of 32 films in November 2024. Netflix has not been included in the “Don’t Buy Into Occupation” company lists maintained by civil society organizations tracking settlement involvement ²¹. Strive Masiyiwa serves on the Netflix board of directors, appointed in 2020, and his Cassava Technologies acquired Israeli company Telrad in 2022 ¹²¹³¹⁴. Altice, a media and telecom group, was listed in the Who Profits 2018 report as having partnerships with Netflix alongside Apple, Juniper Networks, and MBC Group ²².

End Notes