Is Teleparty Safe?

If you use or plan to use Teleparty, you need to know: Is Teleparty safe? 

Below, we explain whether Teleparty is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also give some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Teleparty?

Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix Party, is a browser extension that allows users to watch TV shows and movies together online. It synchronizes video playback across different browsers and adds a group chat feature so users can discuss what they’re watching in real time.

Users can share reactions and comments in the chat sidebar without interrupting the viewing experience.

Initially launched for Netflix, Teleparty now supports several other streaming services, including Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Each participant needs their own account for the streaming service being used, meaning Teleparty does not bypass subscription requirements. 

Is Teleparty Safe?

Teleparty is generally considered safe. But, just like any online service, there are some things you should do to improve your safety.

Most importantly, make sure to download the Teleparty extension only from official sources such as the Chrome Web Store or the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store. Watch out for fake versions of Teleparty. Some browser extensions with very similar names to Teleparty are fake and are designed to trick users into downloading malicious software.

In 2022, McAfee Labs observed several malicious Chrome extensions exfiltrating user personal information. One extension, “Netflix Party,” looked like the original Netflix Party (now Teleparty) extension. 

The official version of Teleparty uses end-to-end encryption when delivering content, reducing the possibility that the stream will be intercepted or identified by external parties. Only people with the link generated for a particular watch party can join it, removing the potential for interacting with strangers.

In its privacy policy, Teleparty says, “Unfortunately, the Internet cannot be guaranteed to be 100% secure, and we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide to us.”

Is Teleparty Private?

Depends on your definition of “private.” 

Teleparty collects a minimal amount of data necessary for its functionality and does not store user login details for streaming services, according to its website. No other privacy features are mentioned.

In its privacy policy, Teleparty says it logs IP addresses when the service is in use and notes that browser and device data may also be stored. Although Teleparty uses your data mostly for internal and service-related purposes, it also says it can anonymize and aggregate data collected through the service and use it for any purpose.

If Teleparty wants to use your information for purposes not previously mentioned in its Privacy Policy, it says it will make “reasonable efforts” to tell you and obtain your consent as may be required by law.

Teleparty uses cookies and other tracking techniques, in part to provide data to Google Analytics.

Messages sent through Teleparty’s chat window are not stored, although other users can still screenshot what is shared.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy on Teleparty

Follow the below steps for a safer and more private experience on Teleparty. 

• Install from official sources. Only download the Teleparty extension from official sources like the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons store to avoid malicious versions.
• Keep software updated. Regularly update your browser and the Teleparty extension to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
• Be selective with invites. Only share your Teleparty link with trusted friends. This reduces the risk of unwanted participants joining your session.
• Manage chat privacy. Be cautious about sharing personal information in the chat. Avoid using real names or discussing sensitive information.
• Check extension permissions. Regularly review the permissions granted to the Teleparty extension. Remove any unnecessary permissions to limit data access.
• Limit extension access. Use browser settings to limit the extension’s access to only the sites you need. For example, allow Teleparty to run only on specific streaming service websites.
• Log out when not in use. Log out of both Teleparty and your streaming services when you’re finished to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA). Ensure your streaming service accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords, and enable 2FA for added security.