Verizon wireless users: PSA

[SP33Demon]

http://www.dailytech.com/Verizon+Fo...They+Dont+Want+to+be+Tracked/article23010.htm

There's a link in the article if you don't agree to let VZ track your every move, switch it to "Deny". Pretty ridiculous that the default of "Allow"ing them to track you is even legal w/out notifying their customers first.

 

[Jodell88]

I don't live in the U.S, but I heard they sent their customers an email notifying them that they're doing this and that they can opt out.

 

[MotF Bane]

I don't live in the U.S, but I heard they sent their customers an email notifying them that they're doing this and that they can opt out.

I received no such email.

Just opted out on all three, thanks OP.

 

[IGemini]

Repost.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2198229

The email would've gone out to whatever one is tied to the online account manager, NOT the default phone email.

 

[Anubis]

I don't live in the U.S, but I heard they sent their customers an email notifying them that they're doing this and that they can opt out.

there was no email

 

[mb]

Thanks for the info. I opted out.

 

[gevorg]

What about AT&T? Do they do the same shit?

 

[clamum]

Thanks for the heads-up, disabled that garbage on my brother and I's lines.

 

[Lithium381]

Thanks for the heads-up, disabled that garbage on my brother and I's lines.

* brother and my

indirect object vs direct object

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I've gone to the page a few times and I don't see anything about opting out nor do i see that I have any apps or whatever tracking me? Is this only if you have VZW GPS turned on? Or use Verizon Navigation?

 

[MtnMan]

there was no email

I got it last week (10/12).

Near the bottom:

[FONT=&quot]If you do not want us to use your information for any of the purposes described above, please let us know at any time by:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]•[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Visiting
www.vzw.com/myprivacy

Or
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]•[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Calling 1-866-211-0874[/FONT]

And at the bottom of the opt-out page is this.......

Relevant Mobile Advertising

When you use your wireless device, you often see advertising on websites and apps. Using the postal address we have for you and certain consumer information such as your device type, language preference and demographic and interest categories provided to us by other companies (such as gender, age range, sports fan, frequent diner, or pet owner), we will determine whether you fit within an audience category that an advertiser is trying to reach. This means ads you see may be more relevant to you. We will not share any information that identifies you personally. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about relevant mobile advertising.

You have a choice about whether we use this information for relevant mobile advertising. Please note that you will receive mobile ads whether you participate or not, but under the program, ads may be more relevant to you.

WTF, on a paid service

 

[IGemini]

I've gone to the page a few times and I don't see anything about opting out nor do i see that I have any apps or whatever tracking me? Is this only if you have VZW GPS turned on? Or use Verizon Navigation?

Negative, I avoid VZW GPS/Navigator like the plague and I don't have to opt out of that. But they do have ones for network info, marketing and mobile advertising. It's easiest to login to My Verizon through a browser (not your phone) and click Manage Privacy Settings.

 

[TheVrolok]

Denied.

 

[Fritzo]

Since the entire world seems to be going off the deepend on this, it's worth noting: Most web services already do what Verizon wants to do. They just want to show targeted ads on their free apps/services, that's all

It's not like there's a group of guys in suits watching you in dark room going "OOOoooo...he's at TGI Fridays now! Let's masturbate!"

 

[SP33Demon]

Since the entire world seems to be going off the deepend on this, it's worth noting: Most web services already do what Verizon wants to do. They just want to show targeted ads on their free apps/services, that's all

It's not like there's a group of guys in suits watching you in dark room going "OOOoooo...he's at TGI Fridays now! Let's masturbate!"

I'm sure they could track you easily through data usage (3G) but if they're going to tell you about it, at least have the default = "Deny" and have the user manually click "Allow". Setting the default as "Allow" when the user never gave consent is BS.

 

[Doppel]

Thanks, OP. Just did it. Fvcking verizon.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Negative, I avoid VZW GPS/Navigator like the plague and I don't have to opt out of that. But they do have ones for network info, marketing and mobile advertising. It's easiest to login to My Verizon through a browser (not your phone) and click Manage Privacy Settings.

I still haven't gotten the option. Probably not implemented on my device yet? Hmm,

Thanks again, OP

 

[SP33Demon]

I still haven't gotten the option. Probably not implemented on my device yet? Hmm,

Thanks again, OP

It's for smartphones I think?

 

[kt]

Would this be considered to be a change in the contract terms? If so, not only would I want to opt out of this BS but out of the contract as well.

 

[guyver01]

Would this be considered to be a change in the contract terms? If so, not only would I want to opt out of this BS but out of the contract as well.

i am wondering this as well.. could be a good way out of contract

 

[alien42]

i received snail mail regarding this today.

 

[richardycc]

I guess one can use this as the excuse to get out of the contract without paying ETF?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

I guess one can use this as the excuse to get out of the contract without paying ETF?

Why would they let you out of the contract? They clearly gave you the option to opt-out of the tracking.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Seriously, and they wonder why I won't switch my AT&T business lines to them.

Verizon might have excellent signal or whatever, but their customer service is HORRIBLE even for businesses. I dread having to deal with them..

 

[guyver01]

Why would they let you out of the contract? They clearly gave you the option to opt-out of the tracking.

this is a change to the user agreement. i shouldnt have to OPT OUT of something i didnt agree to in the first place.