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Verizon Wireless Tracking the Websites You Visit & Selling the Data

by Josh Kirschner on October 14, 2011

Man peeking through keyholeVerizon Wireless announced it is changing its privacy policy in ways that should create significant concerns for customers. Under the new policy, Verizon Wireless will be tracking the websites you visit, the apps you use and the location of your phone, and using this information to provide targeted mobile advertising and "certain business and marketing reports".

Verizon will also be sharing this information with third parties, though they claim it will be on an aggregated basis that won't reveal personally identifiable information. However, Verizon is storing that personally identifiable information in its own databases, and there is no guarantee that the information provided to third parties cannot be used to determine individual user identities.

According to Verizon, specific information collected includes:

  • Addresses of websites you visit (which may include search terms you used)
  • Location of your device
  • App and device feature usage
  • Information about your use of Verizon products and services (such as data and calling features, device type, and amount
    of use)
  • Demographic and interest categories provided to us by other companies, such as gender, age range, sports fan, frequent diner, or pet owner ("Demographics")

Fortunately, Verizon allows customers to opt-out of this data collection by visiting www.vzw.com/myprivacy or calling 1-866-211-0874. If you have a Family SharePlan or multi-line account, you must indicate your choice for each line.

It's worth noting that while Verizon may have gone a step further than other carriers in how it uses your personal information for marketing purposes, a recent investigation by the ACLU found that all of the carriers store a significant amount of information about you and what you do on your phone. Though that information may not be used for marketing purposes, it could be accessed by law enforcement or through other legal proceedings. And any time data is being stored, there's always the risk that it could be released by accident or through hacking. And because it's not used for marketing, you can't opt out.


Topics

Phones and Mobile, News, Cell Phones, Health and Home, Home Safety & Security, Blog


Discussion loading

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From Bob on October 14, 2011 :: 5:36 pm


I am an AT&T user and had just talked to Verizon when I read your article.  Opt-Out is not good enough.  If they collect data in will eventually get released irregardless of their promises. 

I don’t want the time i paid for being used by unwanted advertisers.

Reply

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From Virginia@ Scentsy on October 16, 2011 :: 4:00 am


I agree with the above comment. Opt out is not good enough…it should be something you have to opt in to. Seems like with technology people can track everything we do these days.

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From Misty Morris on April 25, 2021 :: 8:19 am


It’s a turn off that I’m being tracked. Using my pictures, text or what ever to be sold or given to marketers. I want to use technology on my own personal basis. In the future this is going to be squelched. We the people want our fourth amendment right to privacy and we want it now. Wake up American government we shouldn’t have to pay verizon to steal our personal information. It is stifeling growth as a human being. It’s like I’m paying verizon to pychologically rape me.

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From Misty Morris on April 25, 2021 :: 8:27 am


As long as verizon or any other technology corporation runs their buisness model by collecting and selling our personal information.  E mail we be considered a joke. If The united States Government wants to get a hold of me. They better do it through the United States Post Office. This bitch is tired of the status quo.

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From Misty Morris on April 25, 2021 :: 8:38 am


When renewing my licens I’m expected to use e mail. It’s no longer sent through the post office. I’m not paying technology for a e mail. When the United States Post Office Free. I’m not going to print out a licens , when in fact it need be sent through the postal services. The same goes for court if a judge wants authority you better send that information through the United States Post Office. Agian I’m not paying for the use of technology for a e mail or rummage around for free wifi. We still have the United States Post Office and by God you better wake up to being professional.

Reply

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