Netflix forms PAC to gain political foothold
updated 08:10 am EDT, Mon April 9, 2012
Netflix continues its political agenda
Netflix has formed a new political action group in an effort to gain more influence in Washington. Newly filed federal records show that the new group, called FLIXPAC, can officially make political donations directly to federal candidates of up to $5,000 for each election cycle. Politico argues that it gives Netflix a way in which it can push its pro IP, anti-piracy agenda.
In recent times, Netflix has been pumping greater amounts of money into political campaigns, which have aligned with the recent escalation in campaigns to introduce legislation to increase the rights of IP owners, while also cracking down on Internet piracy. In particular, Netflix has had a vested interest in the Stop Online Privacy Act, the Protect IP Act and the Video Privacy Protection Act.
In 2009, Netflix contributed as little as $20,000 on political donations, though this saw a marked increase in the past two years. In 2010 Netflix donated $120,000 and last year handed out $500,000. Records also show that it has also been hiring a number lobbyists and in-house advocates to further its influence.
