As a veteran retail analyst and consumer advocate, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the growing concern around digital privacy in recent years. More and more shoppers are waking up to the unfortunate reality that their every move is being tracked by the devices and services they use each day. And for Verizon customers, that surveillance is often turned on by default – unless you take action to opt out.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through exactly how to disable Verizon‘s invasive tracking programs and reclaim control over your personal data. We‘ll cover everything from navigating confusing account settings to stopping hidden location logging on your phone itself. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy a more private and secure mobile experience without sacrificing the services you rely on.
Why You Should Care About Verizon Tracking
If you‘re a Verizon customer, chances are the company is collecting a ton of sensitive information about you – including your web browsing history, app usage, location data, and more. This powers Verizon‘s "Custom Experience" programs, which use your personal details to deliver targeted ads and personalize services.
The problem? Verizon automatically enrolls you in this tracking by default, often without making it super clear what data they‘re collecting or how it‘s being used. In a 2019 study by the Pew Research Center, 81% of Americans said the risks of data collection outweigh the benefits. And a whopping 79% were concerned about how companies use the data gathered about them.
Verizon claims that these programs help them improve the customer experience – but the company‘s track record on privacy is far from perfect. In 2016, the FCC fined Verizon $1.35 million for secretly using "supercookies" to profile users‘ web activity for advertising purposes. And just this year, researchers discovered that Verizon was harvesting customer app usage data without clear disclosure in the privacy policy.
As a consumer expert with decades of experience advocating for shopper rights, I believe that you deserve a choice in how your personal information is collected and used. Opting out of Verizon‘s tracking programs is a great way to take back control and protect your digital footprint. It only takes a few minutes – and the peace of mind is well worth it!
Step-by-Step Guide: Opting Out of Custom Experience Tracking
Verizon offers two main tracking programs: "Custom Experience" and "Custom Experience Plus." Both collect data about your activity, but Custom Experience Plus is even more invasive – it also gathers your location info and can see who you call or text. I strongly recommend disabling both programs for maximum privacy.
Here‘s how to opt out of Custom Experience tracking online:
- Sign in to your My Verizon account on the web (you can also use the mobile app – more on that later).
- Click the "Account" tab at the top of the page.
- Select "Account Settings", then "Privacy Settings" from the sidebar menu.
- Scroll down to the "Custom Experience" section – you should see toggles for both programs.
- For each program, click the toggle switch to select "Don‘t Use" (it should turn gray).
- IMPORTANT: If you have multiple lines on your account, you‘ll need to repeat these steps for each phone number. Verizon requires you to opt out line-by-line.
- Hit "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page to confirm your new preferences.
Easy, right? You can also opt out over the phone by calling Verizon customer service at 1-800-922-0204. But I always recommend changing privacy settings yourself if possible – that way you can be 100% sure it actually gets done.
Using the My Verizon App? Here‘s How to Disable Tracking
I get it – managing your account from that little computer in your pocket is super convenient. Plus, who actually knows their Verizon.com login anyway? If you‘re an app aficionado like me, here‘s how to opt out of Custom Experience tracking on mobile:
- Open up the My Verizon app and sign in.
- Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to access your account settings.
- Select "Manage privacy settings" from the menu.
- Navigate to the "Custom Experience" section with the two tracking slider buttons.
- For each program, tap the sliders to switch them to the "off" position (they‘ll turn gray).
- To adjust settings for other lines on your account, choose "All Lines" from the dropdown at the top of the screen. You‘ll need to repeat the steps for any other phone numbers you manage.
Voila – you‘ve officially gone incognito. Well, as much as Verizon will allow, anyway. Speaking of which…
Bonus Privacy Settings to Change ASAP
While you‘re tweaking your account privacy, take a few minutes to lock down these other settings that often fly under the radar:
- Business & Marketing Insights: This sneaky program shares your personal data with Verizon‘s business partners. No thanks! Opt out under "Manage Privacy Settings."
- Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI): Verizon uses this data – which includes super sensitive info like who you call – to market services to you. Switch off the toggle to keep your activity on lock.
- Relevant Mobile Advertising: Even if you disable Custom Experience, Verizon may still share some demographic data with advertisers. Turn off "Relevant Mobile Advertising" to cut off the data spigot completely.
I know it‘s tempting to just accept whatever default settings Verizon gives you. But trust me – taking control of your privacy is empowering. It‘s like putting on a superhero cape! Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic… but you get the idea.
According to a 2021 Consumer Reports study, 96% of Americans agree that more should be done to protect consumer privacy. By opting out of these invasive tracking programs, you‘re sending a powerful message that your personal information isn‘t just up for grabs.
The Hidden Location Tracker Verizon Doesn‘t Want You to Know About
Now, brace yourself for some frustrating news. Even if you opt out using all the steps I‘ve outlined above, there‘s a secret Verizon program that can still collect your location data. It‘s called the "Location Agent" – and it comes pre-installed on most Verizon phones.
The Location Agent runs quietly in the background, gathering info about your whereabouts and sharing it with Verizon. The company says this data helps improve their network and "provide you with location-based services." But in my expert opinion, there‘s no good reason for this underhanded tracking.
To stop the Location Agent in its tracks, follow these steps:
- Open your device‘s Settings app and go to "Apps & Notifications."
- Select "See all apps" and scroll until you find "Location Agent."
- Tap "Location Agent", then choose "Permissions."
- Change the "Location" permission from "Allow" to "Deny."
- Go back to the App Info screen and select "Mobile Data."
- Finally, turn off "Background data" and "Unrestricted data usage."
Verizon warns that disabling the Location Agent may break certain services, like their (paid) roadside assistance program. But in 2023, no company should be secretly tracking your every move without crystal-clear consent. Until Verizon fixes this, the Location Agent has to go.
Don‘t Want Any Location Tracking? Here‘s the Nuclear Option
I get it – all this talk of covert surveillance is enough to make you want to go off the grid entirely. If you‘re ready to completely cut off location access (and don‘t mind losing some features), here‘s how:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and toggle the switch to "off."
- On Android: Go to Settings > Location and switch "Use location" to "off."
You can also pick and choose which specific apps can see your location:
- On iPhone: Under Location Services, tap each app and select either "Never," "Ask Next Time," or "While Using."
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps, tap an app, select "Permissions," and choose "Allow" or "Don‘t allow" for location.
Fair warning – turning off location access altogether will tank services like Google Maps, ride-sharing apps, and even basic weather updates. But if you‘re serious about going off-grid, it‘s the only way to be 100% sure Verizon (or anyone else) isn‘t tracking your whereabouts.
Other Ways to Safeguard Your Data on Verizon
At the end of the day, there‘s no magic bullet for perfect privacy. But in addition to opting out of Verizon‘s tracking programs, here are a few more steps you can take to protect your personal info:
- Get a VPN: A trustworthy virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, shielding your activity from prying eyes. Just avoid shady "free" VPNs that often collect data themselves.
- Lock down app permissions: Be selective about which apps can access sensitive info like your contacts, photos, and microphone. Audit your app settings regularly to make sure permissions are still relevant.
- Use a privacy-focused browser: Switching to a secure browser like Brave, DuckDuckGo, or Firefox can help block invasive trackers and ads that follow you across the web.
- Read the fine print: Yes, I know privacy policies are snooze-fests. But it‘s important to actually read the terms for services you use to understand what data they collect (and how to opt out).
As a consumer advocate, I believe that true privacy is about more than just flipping a few switches. It‘s about staying vigilant, asking tough questions, and holding companies accountable when they cross the line. Verizon may be a telecom giant – but at the end of the day, you‘re in charge of your own data destiny.
The Bottom Line
Opting out of Verizon‘s various tracking schemes is a crucial step toward safeguarding your digital privacy. From disabling invasive "Custom Experience" programs to shutting down the sneaky Location Agent, you have the power to decide what personal info you share (and what stays private).
Is it a bit of a hassle to comb through all these settings? Absolutely. But taking a few minutes to adjust your privacy preferences can make a world of difference in the long run. After all, your personal data is just that – personal. It‘s not a commodity for Verizon (or any company) to exploit without your express permission.
As you navigate the complex world of corporate surveillance, remember that knowledge is power. Stay informed about the latest privacy threats, keep a close eye on your account settings, and don‘t be afraid to speak up when a company oversteps. Together, we can build a future where privacy is the default – not just a premium feature.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I need to go delete some cookies (the digital kind, not the delicious kind). Happy opting out, fellow privacy warriors!
