Netflix Insider Trading

On Monday, insider trading charges against 3 former Netflix ($NFLX@US) software engineers raise questions about how investors use encrypted apps and messaging channels to discuss stocks. The SEC charged 5 people, 3 of whom are ex-engineers at Netflix, for allegedly using confidential Netflix subscription data to trade stock ahead of the company’s earnings reports while collecting more than $3 million in illegal profits. The SEC accused 4 of the individuals of using encrypted apps to discuss insider information. The charges come as financial messaging boards surge in popularity with retail investors. Earlier this year, the sites gained a massive following during the meme stock frenzy that sent shares of unlikely companies like GameStop ($GME@US) soaring.