Verizon plans to disseminate your data, unless you 'opt out'
Here's one that is sure to get the pro-privacy crowd all riled up, and rightfully so. Apparently, Verizon is sending out notices to customers that update them on all the fine print, but if you actually take a moment to peruse the documentation, you may notice something you're not exactly kosher with. The carrier is now planning on sharing its database of CPNI records -- which is defined as "data collected by telecommunications corporations about a consumer's telephone calls, including time, data, duration and destination" -- to outside sources unless you take the initiative to opt out. The notice claims that users will have to remove themselves from the process within 30 days of receiving the letter, or else it "will assume that you give the Verizon Companies the right to share your CPNI with the authorized companies as described above." We just can't see this going over well. [Warning: PDF read link][Via mocoNews]
Filed under: Verizon Wireless, Misc
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
The D Train @ Oct 13th 2007 2:23PM
Dont expect any smart ass remarks from me about this, I'm pretty mad this is happening too, it just started a few weeks ago and I'm already getting angry calls.
For those that are effected here, wait what am I saying you all hate our company ;P, here is what the bill insert actually says:
Bill Message:
Important Information Regarding Your Customer Agreement
As part of our ongoing effort to ensure a consistent experience for all of our customers, Verizon Wireless has updated its Customer Agreement, a copy of which is enclosed. Depending on how recently you last activated a new line of service, upgraded your device or changed calling plans, the changes in this new Customer Agreement may be minimal. The "Your Privacy" section, however, has been updated to include information regarding Customer Proprietary Network Information ("CPNI") as well as information about how we may include our own or third-party advertising in the services you've purchased from us. These changes are consistent with the Verizon Wireless Privacy Principles, which can be found at verizonwireless.com. This new Customer Agreement will be effective at the beginning of your next billing period. For information about our rights to make changes to the agreement, please consult your original Customer Agreement, or the enclosed Customer Agreement
Number that you can call to opt out (same for all regions) 1800-333-9956.
Peter @ Oct 13th 2007 3:34PM
Just called, thanks for giving out the number to call. They said that my number has now been removed from CPNI thing.
The D Train @ Oct 13th 2007 3:51PM
no problem I wanted to have it near the top because very soon, this thread will be filled with more haterade than I can stomach.
Alcevious @ Oct 13th 2007 5:44PM
Thanks a ton for the number. Just did it for my families numbers. This is really pathetic, even for Verizon; I'm most likely going to change the plan once the contract expires.
Del @ Oct 14th 2007 1:34PM
Thanks for adding the number!! I have opted out!!
waiownsyou @ Oct 13th 2007 2:28PM
Good thing I just got out of a Verizon contract.
So how do you opt out? My parents are still with Verizon. I hope it's not their usual plan of "Text ### to opt out" then they send you another text saying something like, "O RLY? R U SURE U WANT TO OPT OUT? TEXT 'LOL' TO ###."
They need to stop making money in stupid ways.
The D Train @ Oct 13th 2007 2:30PM
Read above, I put the number at the bottom.
Jason Devitt @ Oct 13th 2007 2:43PM
mocoNews linked to our post about Verizon Wireless sharing your information. The issue is how VZW communicated the change: the part about sharing your call records with advertisers is buried on page 8 of the notice, and you have to take the time to read it and then call to opt out. If you don't opt out, then VZW could, for example, start telling the pharmaceutical companies that you've been calling a lot of doctors lately.
Jason Devitt @ Oct 13th 2007 2:45PM
Here's our original post: http://skydeck.com/blog/mobilemarket/get-ready-for-more-advertising-on-your-cell-phone/
trooth @ Oct 13th 2007 2:59PM
I imagine this is for targeted ads. I have noticed that mobile web shows a lot of information that would be targeted specifically at me. I wish this was a lot clearer as to what they are using this for. Doesn't surprise me though, most companies have had these types of policies for a long time.
The D Train @ Oct 13th 2007 3:10PM
according to the policies they that have out for handling these it looks like its being used only for affiliates related to billing items, leads me to believe things like GIN or *shudder* prem sms. I don't buy that though and thus my concern with the way this is being handled. Supposedly, according to the M&P's they do this every 2 years.
trooth @ Oct 13th 2007 3:49PM
Still everyone hates this type of privacy intrusion although most service providers have it in one way or another. I don't mind it as much if they are just saying I like to download games, and check out football scores. But the language of these things says they can give out pretty much what they want to who they want. My worst experience so far has been with bellsouth/att. I purchased dsl and of course you have to get landline service with it. Two hours after connecting me I got 3 different telemarketing calls and it was my name they was asking for. At least cell phone carriers dont sale your info to those companies yet. But this is a major issue with cable/satellite/phone/cell/ISP service providers, Engadget just has fun demonizing VZW, which in my opinion is getting a bit old.
The D Train @ Oct 13th 2007 3:58PM
That definately is true, the demonizing part. But there are a few things that we do that arent very reputable, this being one of things that will go down as such. Though I feel it could of been portrayed a bit less evil sounded, even if it is a bit underhanded, and extremely true that people throw bill inserts away if not the entire bill without even looking at it.
trooth @ Oct 13th 2007 4:42PM
No I completely agree. I hate the practice of selling my personal information to advertisers, and I don't particularly care for the bill insert strategy to deliver this info. However, that is their only way to communicate this to the customers without making phone calls to everyone I suppose. Still very lame for those of us who just do things online to start with. I throw away 60% of my bills unopened because I do everything online. But again this is no different from the practices of any other responsible carrier. Some companies will just not notify you all together and sell your data from the start IE. Bellsouth in my example. When I ordered my phone service I was never given the option, or notification of their actions, to opt out of their we are going to sell your name and number to everyone we can before we hook up your phone program. I'm not defending these practices, but it could be cast in the light of other carrier's practices to be fair.
Matt @ Oct 13th 2007 6:02PM
Who cares? What's the big deal? Seriously?... OMG! You mean VZW might target me for stuff I don't have to buy, but maybe it might be something I actually want?... I'm sure I'm just dumb on this one, but I guess I'm not seeing what the big scare is here? Anyone want to help me with that?
Seanross @ Oct 13th 2007 7:39PM
The big deal is that eventually, you will have NO privacy. None, regardless if your talkin about gettin grapes from the supermarket or having phone sex. The phone companies is just the beginning... or actually no.. The beginning was a long time ago sorry...
Ominx @ Oct 13th 2007 9:49PM
I actually have been doing some reading on this and have changed my stance. I do see this as much worse than I initially thought. Here's a response from another site that changed my mind:
"Turn your aGPS location settings to "On" (if you already use VZNav it's on). VZW can now relay everywhere your phone goes to third parties +/- 3 meters (your permission is given by turning it on). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that at night your phone is most likely located at home. The third party can look up that location in a map database and bingo, your name and address is known. They can now tell where you shop, how long, how fast you drive, where you drive, where you are at anytime of the day.
Of course VZW isn't going to tell you that marketing companies will do this. But it takes little effort to turn this anonymous information into personal."
I've now opted out of all 6 of my lines.
Ominx @ Oct 13th 2007 9:03PM
This is NOT an invasion of privacy. You guys should really read exactly what is being disclosed by VZW with the CPNI data.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/globalText?contentType=globalContent&jspName=footer/cpniFaqs.jsp&textName=CPNI_FAQS
It basically is just anonymous data. No personal information is being sent to anyone. Your name, address and phone number are all private. So who cares if they share the fact that some guy in NJ made a 5 minute call to Best Buy? Or that the same guy accessed ESPN for MLB scores? Oooohhh, now they can make a connection that some guy likes to shop at Best Buy and likes sports. So what? God forbid the information actually helps them provide better services to customers.
All arguments are invalidated by the fact that there is no "You" or "Me" being disclosed.
Concerned @ Oct 13th 2007 9:28PM
Dude, not as much as privacy issues as it is with the TELEMARKETING calls I have been receiving. I wondered what in the world "I" did to start receiving all of these 800 calls and new mortgage rates and whatnot. What a load, glad D train posted the number back on here.
I received my notification weeks ago but threw it away with the rest of the junk.
Ominx @ Oct 13th 2007 9:50PM
I actually have been doing some reading on this and have changed my stance. I do see this as much worse than I initially thought. Here's a response from another site that changed my mind:
"Turn your aGPS location settings to "On" (if you already use VZNav it's on). VZW can now relay everywhere your phone goes to third parties +/- 3 meters (your permission is given by turning it on). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that at night your phone is most likely located at home. The third party can look up that location in a map database and bingo, your name and address is known. They can now tell where you shop, how long, how fast you drive, where you drive, where you are at anytime of the day.
Of course VZW isn't going to tell you that marketing companies will do this. But it takes little effort to turn this anonymous information into personal."
I've now opted out of all 6 of my lines.
Woops.
Sorry for the double post.
Ashraf @ Oct 13th 2007 10:41PM
i love you, T-Mobile
Roger Alford @ Oct 13th 2007 11:00PM
HERE HERE! I CONCUR
trooth @ Oct 14th 2007 3:58PM
O Rly? You don't think that they sell your information? Do some research.
Dustin @ Oct 15th 2007 12:31AM
trooth,
yes I don't think that they sell CPNI information. Do you have some info you'd like to share?
mike @ Oct 14th 2007 1:18AM
i know im going to sounds stupid for this one but, does this mean i can terminate my contract with verizon before my 2 years is up?
The D Train @ Oct 14th 2007 1:44PM
Unfortunately no, there are no adverse effects policies regarding this.
dave @ Oct 14th 2007 11:37PM
I thought whenever the TOS changed, it meant you could get out of your contract.
bernardino @ Oct 15th 2007 5:50PM
That CPNI notice also came with a "Changes of Terms" notice for my contract; they were two seperate pamphlets. The "Changes of Terms" notice said that I have 60 days to cancel my contract without an early termination fee. If you received the "Changes of Terms" pamphlet, then YES, you can get out of your verizon contract, but you only have a limited period of time! If you did not receive the "Change of Terms" pamphlet, then NO, you probably can't.
Both of these pamphlets came with my bill, which was dated Sept. 3rd, so I'm assuming I have until November 3rd to cancel my contract. I do not like Verizon and so I am shopping around, ideally for a voice + pda data + phone as modem plan. Unfortunately, AT&T would cost me $110 for this (I would love to get a Tilt) while Sprint, the cheapest out of the three major carriers, would cost me $95.
bernardino @ Oct 28th 2007 2:16AM
Ignore what I said above. Contract changes yes, but no changes in pricing (google: materially adverse effect) so I could not get out without paying the ETF. :(
VZW @ Oct 14th 2007 8:46AM
I, like D Train, work for VZW Customer Service. I think this new policy sucks. Absolutely, positively sucks. The only bright side here is that you can opt out at ANY TIME. Not JUST within the first 30 days. So, if you don't opt out w/in those 30 days and you start being bothered, you can STILL opt out.
Again, the phone number to opt out w/in the first 30 days is: 1(800)333-9956
To opt out AFTER those 30 days: cpni-notices@verizonwireless.com OR by fax: 866-745-4661
If you are unhappy with the policy, I encourage all of you to write a letter to the Executive Relations Department. Call *611 or 1(800)-922-0204 to get that address. Those letters ARE READ. If enough people bitch, this really could go away entirely.
pumpernickle @ Oct 18th 2007 9:46AM
VZW, since you work in verizon customer service. I have had over 10 replacement phones with verizon. All of these were phone defects. I have also heard of the cell phone lemon law which allows three replacements before you can terminate you contract. Does verizon go by any of this? I ave just had a horrible time with verizon in my area and i have been a customer for a while. Is there anything I can do? my contract ends a year from feburary but its just painful still dealing with this. Thanks.
med1320 @ Oct 14th 2007 10:47AM
Thank God I left The Big Red Evil Empire. I'm so happy with T-Mobile. Service and coverage here in Miami is great. Verizon, you guys are LOOSERS!
foneguy43512 @ Oct 14th 2007 11:26AM
Its funny how VZW fanboys get screwed by Big Brother, then try to play it off as a normal business transaction. LOL.
orni thorynx @ Oct 14th 2007 2:08PM
What a bunch of fuckheads. I hope they get a huge class action against them.
In this day and age, you wonder how sr. management can be so stupid.
Numetheus @ Oct 13th 2007 2:25PM
Im not surprised by this. Verizon is in the business to screw over, and squeeze every last penny from their customers. Out of all of the other carriers they are the most capitalistic. This makes perfect sense for them. This just adds to them screwing over all of their customers by gimping all of their smartphones to remove software and service choices, forcing you all into a funnel to pay for their service, AND making you pay the same for the device that everyone else on other carriers have open with more features. Gotta love VZW and their customer appreciation tactics, and the sucker customers that seem to think everything is okay.
Dustin @ Oct 15th 2007 12:33AM
Yes, it's evil and selfish. Unfortunately, not illegal. They are definitely covering their asses by changing the policy, then waiting before it goes into effect.
*sigh* I wish it were that easy. Hopefully the effect is that people vote them down with their wallets. Unfortunately, they have most people by the balls with contracts and huge early termination fees.
Sarge @ Oct 15th 2007 10:59AM
WTF? I tried to call my carrier to get a number that I had dialed when I lost the written copy. They said they couldn't give it to me because it was against the law. But they can give that information to other people? So when you get it, let me know that number so I can call them back please!
brescoach @ Oct 15th 2007 1:20PM
Can you hear me now? Yeah, you can because I used the GPS info Verizon sold me and now I'm in your bedroom while you sleep.
I understand that this is not likely to happen, but I think its scary as hell that there's nothing stopping this from happening.
At what point does this get pushed? A couple of years from now, do I have to worry that some 3rd party is selling my GPS info to a crazy ex-gf? Or my boss when I tell him I can't make it to work, I'm sick. Will he be able to spend the next 8 hours making sure my phone doesn't leave my house, otherwise I was lying?
I know I'm really stretching the limits of what they're talking about, but how many small walls have to come down before this type of stuff is possible?
elgee02 @ Oct 16th 2007 2:45PM
Here is some clarification http://policyblog.verizon.com/PolicyBlog/Blogs/policyblog/JimGerace9/381/Verizon-Wireless-Comment-on-CPNI.aspx
"Lets be clear: Verizon Wireless does not sell personal customer information to third-party advertisers. Period.
The notice that was sent (and the cause of some buzz) simply alerts our customers that Verizon Wireless may share customer information with the Verizon group of companies.
In other words, we are keeping all the data in question in the family unless you tell us not to.
Our customers are asking us for bundles that provide home and wireless services, and the sharing of information -- like where our wired network customers overlap with wireless -- allows us to provide these bundles.
We believe that it will benefit our customers to be able to share information with Verizon affiliates, so that they can receive information about all products and services that Verizon has to offer, including bundled offerings of Verizon Telecom and Verizon Wireless. Customers who don't want that information can tell us so, by opting out.
If a Verizon Wireless customer doesn't want his/her information shared in this way, Verizon Wireless will honor the customer's request. Verizon Wireless has a long-standing policy of guarding personal customer information.
The Opt-Out notices we're providing to our customers are so they can opt-out of our sharing their basic information with other Verizon companies, and that's it. We're only asking customers whether they want to opt out now, because we wanted to make sure our back-office systems - I.T., customer service, etc. - were all ready to go to handle customer questions.
There's a right way to send Opt-Out notices; the FCC rules themselves prescribe specifically that opt-out is the way to share information with telecommunications affiliates, to market telecom services. FCC rules also provide certain required language, which we followed.
FCC is also clear about this: you use "Opt-Out" with customers if you're looking to share across affiliates/parent companies, etc. - so customers would be getting information from within the same family of products/services. "Opt-In" is required if a company were addressing the issue of sharing customer information beyond - for example to non-telecom services. We aren't doing that."