Within days of Congress repealing online privacy protections, Verizon has announced new plans to install software on customers’ devices to track what apps customers have downloaded. With this spyware, Verizon will be able to sell ads to you across the Internet based on things like which bank you use and whether you’ve downloaded a fertility app.
Sigh.
The EFF article has been largely redacted and the headline updated as a result of VZW directly contacting them. Will you gents be updating yours as well?
Quoted section is accurate.
Verizon wants more economic freedom! MORE!!
Did the “repealed” (never went into effect, no?) rules stop them from doing that?
Verizon selling you ads based on it knowing what you did is not the thing that was not-quite-banned, selling your information to third parties, eh?
UPDATE: We have received additional information from Verizon and based on that information we are withdrawing this post while we investigate further. Here is the statement from Kelly Crummey, Director of Corporate Communications of Verizon: “As we said earlier this week, we are testing AppFlash to make app discovery better for consumers. The test is on a single phone – LG K20 V – and you have to opt-in to use the app. Or, you can easily disable the app. Nobody is required to use it. Verizon is committed to your privacy. Visit http://www.verizon.com/about/privacy to view our Privacy Policy.”