Netflix integration with Facebook coming soon, but not to U.S. users

Much has been made about Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) and its potential integration with social networking giant Facebook, but it's not something U.S. subscribers to either service are likely to see any time soon.

In his letter to shareholders discussing second quarter earnings, CEO Reed Hastings said the company had "made great progress over the quarter on our Facebook integration and we'll likely launch it before our next earnings report." In Latin America and Canada.

Why not in the U.S.?

Hastings, who recently joined the Facebook board, said the Video Privacy Protection Act--which is unclear about when and how a user can allow their video viewing data to be shared--discourages the company from launching the service in the U.S. In fact, Netflix already is facing a lawsuit in relation to the VPPA.

The good news, perhaps, is that a clarification, H.R. 2471, which clears up when and how a user can give such permission, has been introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

"We're hoping H.R. 2471 passes, enabling us to offer our Facebook integration to our U.S. subscribers who desire it," Hastings wrote.

For more:
- see this AllThingsD article
- see this Netflix earnings report

See these related earnings stories:
Hulu Plus? Amazon Prime? HBO GO, DishOnline more worrisome to Netflix 
Netflix Q2 revenue close, but no cigar; Q3 is another (sad) story

Related articles:
Netflix set to launch in 43 Latin American, Caribbean countries this year
Analysts: Netflix likely to see more churn unless new deal for Sony films comes soon
Netflix renews NBCUniversal licensing deal
Netflix set to launch in Spain, U.K. in 2012
Comcast's Roberts sees Netflix as a friend and a foe
Netflix bumps prices nearly 60%, sets sights on streaming only