Verizon Enrolls Customers Who Opted Out In New Data Gathering Program

Previously referred to as “Verizon Selects,” the program collects information about the websites and mobile apps its customers frequent in order to develop profiles based on their interests. Though the company says it doesn’t sell this information to advertisers, it does share it with service providers hired by Verizon, who can use the information for any purpose Verizon deems reasonable. The company may also use customer data internally, allowing Verizon to “personalize communications,” provide “more relevant product and service recommendations,” and “develop plans, services, and offers that are more appealing” to those who already pay for its service.

Customers who opted out of Verizon Selects have been auto-enrolled in the Customer Experience program, even after making it clear that their browsing data isn’t for Verizon to collect. Though the company has been sending emails to customers to notify them of their enrollment, that isn’t the point; those who have revoked consent to have their data tracked and recorded should not have to continuously revoke said consent to avoid the very thing they’re declining.

Worse, the basic Customer Experience program is just what formerly opted-out customers are involuntarily added to. Customers who have not previously denied Verizon access to their browsing data are auto-enrolled in Customer Experience Plus, which also records device location, information about a customer’s Verizon FiOS services, a log of the phone numbers a customer calls or is called by (and the length of each phone call), and “information about the quantity, type, destination, location, and amount of use of your Verizon telecommunications and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and related billing information.” Verizon denies recording the content of customers’ calls, texts, or emails.

Those who wish to opt out of the Customer Experience and Customer Experience Plus programs can do so by visiting the privacy preferences page on the Verizon website or within the Verizon app, then opening the “Manage Settings” page. Customers can also delete any data previously collected by Verizon by selecting “Reset.”

Continue reading

Newegg Changes Return Policy to Combat Scammers, Harm Customers

Newegg is trying to crack down on scammers, but it's catching regular users in the same net.

Apple Warns Customers Against Using the iPhone 12 Near a Pacemaker

If you own an Apple iPhone 12 and have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, you should be careful with how you hold it — but these restrictions apply to more than just the iPhone 12.

AMD May Soon Become TSMC’s Second-Largest Customer by Revenue

AMD is set to become TSMC's second-largest customer by revenue in 2021, thanks to the trifecta of pandemic-related demand, a highly competitive roadmap, and currently manufacturing chips for every gaming device people want that isn't a Switch.

Tesla Angers Customers With Last-Minute Solar Roof Price Increases

While Tesla isn't commenting on the reason for the price increase, changes to its website suggest this is thanks to the cost of installing on complicated roofs.