How To Stop Verizon From Tracking Your Cell Phone And Selling Your Personal Info

Verizon has joined the ranks of several large telecommunications companies who are seeking to make more money off of the information that they serve to you. Information, such as the websites you visit, the places you go, where you live, or what your interests might be, are going to start to be tracked by Verizon so that they can create “aggregate” reports for their own internal use and for sale to third parties.

Verizon is simply trying to make more money off of you and your family. If you have no problem with them tailoring advertisements based on your interests and fine GPS location then you have can rest knowing that Verizon has already signed you up for this. If you DO NOT WANT Verizon to track you in this way they you might want to tell them to stop. You can do so by calling 1-866-211-0874 or by following these steps on the internet:

  1. Visit www.vzw.com/myprivacy
  2. Log in to your account using your username and password
  3. Scroll down to the ‘Customer Proprietary Network Information’ heading
  4. Click The Minus (-) Button [some people will see a Plus (+) button here for some reason]
  5. Check ‘Don’t Share My CPNI’ in the All Cell Phone Numbers row
  6. Click Save Changes
  7. Scroll down to the ‘Business & Marketing Reports’ heading
  8. Check ‘Don’t Use My Information for Aggregate Reports’ in the All Cell Phone Numbers row
  9. Click Save Changes
  10. Scroll Down to ‘Relevant Mobile Advertising’
  11. Click ‘Don’t Use My Demographic Info for Banners’ in the All Cell Phone Numbers row
  12. Click Save Changes

It was really easy for me to do. If you know of anyone who might want to opt out you should be a good friend and share it with them.

Verizon Response

The following was taken from a news article and it represents Verizon’s response to some of the hubbub about the plan:

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.”