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]
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.
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.
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.
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.