Verizon to begin tracking mobile phone activity

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In an email sent to their customers, Verizon Wireless has indicated a fundamental change to their privacy policy that will allow the wireless communications company to begin tracking your mobile phone usage patterns, including your location, websites you visit, what apps you use and more.

According to the email Verizon will begin tracking:

• Addresses of websites you visit when using your wireless service, including search terms used to find the websites
• Location of your device
• App and device feature usage
• Information about your use of Verizon products and services
• Demographic and interest categories such as gender, age range, favorite sports teams, frequented restaurants and more as shared to them by other companies.

Verizon states that they will not only use the information they collect internally, but will also allow other companies to use the data in their marketing efforts. Verizon also states that the data will also be used to make mobile ads you see more relevant to you.

Verizon claims that no personal information that allows its customers to be identified will be shared although critics claim that a phone number is considered personal information.

Strangely enough, Verizon is forcing its customers to opt out of this new data collection tactic instead of the customary opt in.

To opt out of the new Verizon data collection procedures you must call 1-866-211-0874 or follow these steps online:

• Visit www.vzw.com/myprivacy
• Log in to your account
• Scroll down to the ‘Customer Proprietary Network Information’ heading
• Click The Minus (-) Button
• Check 'Don’t Share My CPNI’ for each line on your plan
• Click Save
• Scroll down to the ‘Business & Marketing Reports’ heading
• Check ‘Don’t Use My Information for Aggregate Reports’ for each line on your plan
• Click Save
• Scroll Down to ‘Relevant Mobile Advertising’
• Click ‘Don’t Use My Demographic Info for Banners’
• Click Save

Updated 10/14/2011 10:54 EDT:  

Michelle Gilbert, Verizon Public Relations Manger for the Michigan / Indiana / Kentucky region, has released the following statement:

“Protecting data and safeguarding privacy are high priorities at Verizon. Verizon Wireless recently introduced a new program that involves the creation of new types of aggregate business and marketing reports.  In addition, Verizon Wireless and Verizon Telecom also introduced new ways to advertise to mobile users and wireline broadband customers. 

 “For the business and marketing reports offered by Verizon Wireless, records about websites visited, cell phone locations and other consumer data will be combined (or aggregated) to compile reports that provide businesses with insights about their customers.  For example, these insights may include the demographics (age ranges, gender, etc.) and interests (such as “pet lovers” or “tennis enthusiasts”) of visitors to a Web site, or commuters who might pass an outdoor billboard.  These aggregate reports could be used by web publishers to help provide content that is more appealing to users, or to help advertisers better select the ads they will display on outdoor billboards or at other venues.  
 
“The new advertising initiatives offered by Verizon Wireless and Verizon Online will help brands tailor the type of advertising customers see on their mobile phones and online when using Verizon FiOS Internet, DSL or dial-up services.  The Verizon Wireless relevant ad program will help brands present relevant ads on customers’ mobile devices by using the postal address and other consumer information, such as their device type, demographic and interest information.  For instance, if you live near a restaurant, you may see ads for that restaurant.  The Verizon Online relevant ads program will help brands determine if customers fit within their targeted geography by postal addresses, helping brands better reach their customers online.”