Verizon Now Monitors, Shares User Web Surfing Info
A new change in Verizon's privacy policy grants it the right to track user browsing habits, app usage and physical location.
Like the Eye of Sauron watching over the lands of Middle-earth, Wednesday Verizon Wireless announced that it is now tracking the location of subscriber devices, recording search terms and websites they visit via the wireless network, and recording their app and device feature usage. This information will supposedly be used to make mobile ads more relevant to subscribers, and to be used for "certain business and marketing reports."
In a statement announcing its privacy policy changes, Verizon said that it will also use information detailing subscriber use of Verizon products and services including data and calling features, device type, and amount of use. Demographic and interest categories provided to Verizon by other companies, such as gender, age range, sports fan, frequent diner, or pet owner, will also be used.
"We will combine Mobile Usage Information and Consumer Information in a way that does not personally identify you," the company claims. "We will use this information to prepare business and marketing reports that we may use ourselves or share with others. We may also share Location Information with other companies in a way that does not personally identify you. We will allow these companies to produce limited business and marketing reports."
According to the privacy policy changes, all Verizon customers will be tracked by default. However, the company is offering subscribers a chance to opt out of the information tracking by heading here or by calling the wireless carrier directly at 1-866-211-0874. "You will receive mobile ads whether you participate or not, but under the advertising program, ads may be more relevant to you," the company adds.
As the Huffington Post points out, FCC rules on mobile privacy assert that wireless carriers must get permission from customers first if they want to use subscriber information for marketing purposes unless it's for "enhancements to services you already use." The LA Times also reports that every wireless carrier stores these types of data anyway although they all have different approaches to how the data is used or not used.
Just recently General Motors-owned OnStar came under fire for changing its Terms & Conditions. The changes granted it the right to keep a connection to an installed system active even if the subscription had been canceled. The changes also meant that OnStar could collect data including a vehicle's whereabouts and current speed, and sell/offer the information to law enforcement, credit card processors and more. However after a thorough lashing by consumers and government officials, OnStar reverted back to its original Terms & Conditions.
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This should not be legal...
I can't wait to switch to Sprint the minute my Verizon contract is up.
Eat it, Verizon.
Left Verizon for Sprint and have never looked back nor regretted it.
Ewww, and I was going to leave the Evil AT&T for them. Well time to look into Sprint.
laughing_girls.bmp
OUTRAGEOUS!
The CEO and the BoD need to be FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!
UNETHICAL, IMMORAL, AND INEXCUSABLE BEHAVIOR!
Another rogue corporation that needs to be taught a lesson. All subscribers should cancel, and it won't cost you a cent in early termination fees because when terms change like this they cannot hold you if you refuse to agree to the new terms!!!
I guess After AT&T buys tmoble the last safe and private Island is Sprint.
"We will combine Mobile Usage Information and Consumer Information in a way that does not personally identify you,"
such as gender, age range, sports fan, frequent diner, or pet owner and share Location Information with other companies.
well to me that identity's everything, i do not like the idea that im being watched using my own private phone, and then having these information shared with another companies.
This should not be legal...
According to the FCC it isn't legal, they are required to ask for permission before they do it, not do it then give people a way to opt out.
Also, following the link, it seems that I have not been included in this scheme of theirs yet as it doesn't show this new "feature" as being on the privacy page. Has anyone else had that problem?
Just remember people...companies are only out for the best interest of their customers!!! /sarcasm
According to the FCC it isn't legal, they are required to ask for permission before they do it, not do it then give people a way to opt out.Also, following the link, it seems that I have not been included in this scheme of theirs yet as it doesn't show this new "feature" as being on the privacy page. Has anyone else had that problem?
What, you didn't catch that loophole big enough for a shuttle to fly through?
You didn't actually think the FCC worked for YOU (i.e. "We the people") did you? I'm not a gov't hater at all, but even I have to admit the FCC is one of the most corrupt watchdog entities in existence. Seriously, how can anyone say it's functioning, if an FCC big-wig can take a job with Comcast right after voting to approve it's billion dollar merger with NBC/universal? That's so corrupt that the people that are supposed to be watching the FCC should get arrested!
I hope all their chooks turn to emus and kick their dunny down flat to the grass...
According to the FCC it isn't legal, they are required to ask for permission before they do it, not do it then give people a way to opt out.Also, following the link, it seems that I have not been included in this scheme of theirs yet as it doesn't show this new "feature" as being on the privacy page. Has anyone else had that problem?
Mine was there. Opted out. Thanks for the link Kevin. But I'm sure being opted in by default is the same load of BS other companies use so it is "convenient" for the customer.
Took me 10 seconds to opt out....bunch of whiners in here. I already knew about it but I also just got an email from Verizon saying they were going to do it. Stop your bitching.
According to the FCC it isn't legal, they are required to ask for permission before they do it, not do it then give people a way to opt out.Also, following the link, it seems that I have not been included in this scheme of theirs yet as it doesn't show this new "feature" as being on the privacy page. Has anyone else had that problem?
Wrong... They just have to notify you that they are going to do it...which they did...got email from Verizon yesterday.
#OccupyVerizon.....Expect us.
Thanks for the link, opted out immediately. Advertising is one of the biggest bullshits ever created, if I want something I will look for it myself, I don't want shit being crapped in front of me
Seriously, VZW? If I wanted a smartphone, this makes me EVEN MORE want to go for an ipod touch sort of device (like the samsung galaxy player). Sheesh, and I thought it was bad to have to pay for a data plan...
Thanks for the link, opted out immediately. Advertising is one of the biggest bullshits ever created, if I want something I will look for it myself, I don't want shit being crapped in front of me
No kidding! In fact, because when I start a certain radio stream, I keep getting Twizlers ads, I've decided to NEVER buy Twizlers. Great way to advertise - shove it in the customer's face so much that they no longer want to buy the product if at all possible.
Come to think of it, do I need to use an encrypted VPN tunnel or something to avoid this? (if I had a smartphone, that is)
Big brother is watching.
you drive around, walk around with your phone.
they look for 2 places where you spend the most time,
one being work, and one being home.
they than look at what you do, as in where you go, and sell that info to places.
lets say that you drive 20 miles to a redbox, for me i don't, but thats how far away the nearest one is.
they sell the info, and based on that info alone, they put up a red box within walking distance of your home.
that's what this kind of selling can get you, and in all honesty i don't mind. i mean they aren't selling it to people who send you an advertisement specifically. they sell it to people for strategy, like where to put the next store.
Took me 10 seconds to opt out....bunch of whiners in here. I already knew about it but I also just got an email from Verizon saying they were going to do it. Stop your bitching.
Missing the point much? duuurhh
Took me 10 seconds to opt out....bunch of whiners in here. I already knew about it but I also just got an email from Verizon saying they were going to do it. Stop your bitching.
You're the dull knife in the block that nobody uses. Talk about missing the point.
I'm glad I have sprint!
Maybe if I just post comments repeatedly one of them will actually show up!
Oh hey look! Awesome they showed up.
I guess Tomsguide.com is the slower, retarded half brother of Tomshardware.com. That or I had 1 too many Busch. Either way the other site comments show up instantly, not more than 10 minutes later.
this is why our so called FREE country is becoming more communist day be day....what happened to our so called leaders?
Oh noes!!! My wireless mobile porn surfing days are over!!!! Seriously though they are going to be really amused about my browsing habits...news, forums, random google search...and then more news. I know it's not right and they should not be allowed to do it but what can ya do. Sure most people will say show your disappointment with your money and go to another carrier but unfortunately for me and my family where we live....its either AT&T or Verizon. So we pick the lesser of two evils as we despise AT&T with a passion so much that as soon as we were able to get great signal at our house we all got cell phones and got rid of the AT&T landline and cut the wire away from the house.
so, not only are you going to be paying stupid money to use their service but they are going to immerse you in advertisements as well? i might accept that if the service was free, but its not. glad i left verizon years ago.