Earlier in February, we learned that Verizon allowed users to opt out of Supercookies online activity tracking. The carrier received numerous criticisms and complaints about its mobile ad-targeting program because they were believed to be tracking the users for marketing purposes. Verizon quickly responded to the issue by allowing subscribers to opt-out of the marketing and tracking efforts.
That’s good news for those who really hated the gimmick but apparently, the practice is still there. Verizon recently made an announcement that it will be using and sharing the profiles with an ad network. Soon, Verizon will be sharing information with AOL for ad-targeting. Data will then be used by AOL, allowing their ad network to match millions of other users. Data from Verizon usually include the gender, age range, and interests of the subscriber plus the apps used by a user, duration of website visit, and what sites are actually being opened.
AOL was acquired by Verizon earlier this 2015 so don’t be confused why the two are sharing data now. There will always be questions and this time, it’s no different. People are saying that by default, tracking is enabled on the phone and it’s just wrong. Information meant to be shared are being sent unencrypted so there really are problems with security.
We’re not totally against this practice but Verizon and AOL must be more careful moving forward because not everybody wants to be invaded or followed around. Details may not be as important but being tracked without permission is an invasion of privacy. It’s annoying and dangerous for millions of mobile devices. You don’t know what’s out there and what with the Stagefright vulnerabilities we’ve been hearing, it’s best to remain private as much as possible.
Verizon says this is somehow secure because tracking won’t be done–the identifier cannot be inserted– especially if traffic is encrypted. This sharing of information with AOL is aimed to bring a more personalized and targeted advertising. It’s good for businesses but not everyone likes their private information to be out there. Being automatically opted into a program is a common practice by some companies. There’s a way to opt-out though but be sure you make the necessary changes on your phone settings.
VIA: PROPUBLICA
