Verizon Privacy Changes: Verizon Now Monitors And Shares Your Web Surfing Information

October 13, 2011
Technology
1 comment

Source: The Huffington Post

On Wednesday, the largest wireless carrier in the United States, Verizon, announced that they will now use information they collect about the websites you visit, the apps you use and your location to “create business and marketing reports” and to “make the mobile ads you see more relevant.”

In a statement regarding the privacy change, Verizon says, they will also share your location information with other companies so that these third parties can “create business and marketing reports” about things like the “number of mobile users who take a particular highway during rush hour.”

While all Verizon customers are subject to the changes, those who don’t want their information shared can choose to opt-out on Verizon’s website. If you choose to remain opted-in, Verizon says that none of the information they use or share will be able to be personally identified as yours.

The FCC’s rules on mobile privacy assert that mobile carriers must get permission from customers if they want to use your information for marketing purposes unless it’s for “enhancements to services you already use.”

To read this article in its entirety visit The Huffington Post.

Tags: Huffington Post News Technology

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Carrier Load Analyst

Smith Micro’s “device-level visibility” is actually contrary to net neutrality as indicated in their software being the VZAM in Verizon’s LTE. Smith Micro’s Network Director shifts the user between networks depending on the Website or application, and the shifts are disconnects. The so-called Director is actually a customer Detector for the carrier to maximize ARPU without matching network investment. For the business user, reading email and browsing WSJ or NYT is impossible without disconnects. Also, Smith Micro regularly stalls the device with updates that actually are targeted for ads. Verizon is on a hectic program of sending customers a notice to opt-out of their contrived Privacy Policy that allows sharing customer information with third parties. Verizon claims that their customer info sharing and ad targeting is an automatic opt-in. Verizon’s urgency to give notice to customers is that the carrier has already shared customer information with Smith Micro that has further disseminated across spammers. In many regions depending on the PUC, Verizon’s opt-out is contrary to the standard opt-in of CPNI. Verizon assigns a mobile number to all 4G LTE connections regardless if phone, USB modem or tablet. And Smith Micro uses the mobile number to download loads of text spam from 3G to 4G LTE. Activate a new notebook with Verizon 4G LTE and you will be greeted with hundred of spam text. Although Smith Micro alleges to be a Network Management Director, their software is actually shifting networks in order to download their own software or affiliates in gaming and entertainment. The only overload is content for the benefit of Smith Micro or carrier revenue sharing.