Verizon's mobile app has been quietly collecting extensive data about its users, including browsing history, location information, app usage, and contact lists. The program, embedded in the My Verizon app, automatically enrolls customers in data collection schemes with minimal disclosure. This raises serious questions about informed consent and what telecom companies can do with your personal information when you're not paying attention.
What's Actually Happening
The My Verizon app contains privacy settings that enable two data collection tiers: "Personal Experience" and "Personal Experience Plus." According to reports first seen by Input, these settings are automatically enabled without requiring users to sign up. The company states it uses collected information to understand user interests and provide personalized recommendations, but the scope of data gathered is substantial.
- Verizon tracks websites you visit and applications you use on your mobile phone
- The Plus tier additionally monitors device location and phone numbers you call or receive calls from
- CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) tracks call times and durations
- Your backup email accounts may receive security alerts that someone could delete
How to Protect Yourself
The good news: you can opt out and delete already-collected data. Here's what to do:
- Open the My Verizon app and tap the tool icon in the upper-right corner
- Scroll down and select "Manage privacy settings" under Preferences
- Turn off both "Personal Experience" and "Personal Experience Plus"
- To delete collected data, tap "Personal Experience Settings" and press "Reset"
Why This Matters for You
This isn't unique to Verizon. T-Mobile recently began automatically enrolling users in programs sharing data with advertisers unless they manually opt out. AT&T also collects web browsing and app usage information through its privacy center. The telecom industry has normalized aggressive data collection as standard practice.
The real concern is the "set and forget" nature of these programs. Most users never discover they are enrolled because discovery typically requires reading fine print in promotional emails or accidentally navigating deep into app settings. By then, weeks or months of sensitive data may already be logged.
Our Analysis
Verizon claims it will not sell your information to advertisers and uses data only for internal purposes. That may be true, but it doesn't address the fundamental issue: customers weren't asked. True informed consent means actively opting in, not burying enrollment in a settings menu.
The lesson extends beyond this one company. Any app on your phone that offers "personalization" or "improved experience" may be harvesting data you didn't intend to share. Review privacy settings regularly, especially after app updates that sometimes reset preferences.
A Practical Example
Say you download a shopping app that promises to show better product recommendations. You sign up with your email and start browsing. Months later, you notice your browsing history has been shared with advertising partners, even though you never read the privacy policy. This is how the system works. Companies bet that you'll never check the settings. Don't prove them right.
What to Watch Next
Look for potential regulatory action as more users become aware of these default enrollment practices. The FTC has shown increasing interest in dark patterns that manipulate consent. Until stronger rules are in place, the burden of protection falls on you. Check your app settings today.
Key takeaways
- Verizon automatically enrolled you in data collection—you need to actively opt out
- You can delete already-collected data through the app's privacy settings
- This practice is industry-wide; T-Mobile and AT&T use similar methods
- Always review privacy settings in any app, especially after updates
Frequently asked questions
Does Verizon sell my collected data to advertisers?
According to Verizon, it does not sell information to advertisers and uses data only for Verizon purposes, but the company has not committed to never doing so.
How do I know if I'm enrolled in these programs?
Open My Verizon, tap the tool icon, scroll to "Manage privacy settings" and check whether Personal Experience or Personal Experience Plus are turned on.
Does turning off these settings stop all data collection?
It stops the specific personalization tracking, but Verizon still collects basic service data as outlined in its overall privacy policy.
Can I delete data Verizon has already collected about me?
Yes, go to "Personal Experience Settings" and press "Reset" to delete previously gathered information.
Are other carriers doing the same thing?
Yes, T-Mobile automatically enrolls users in data sharing unless they manually opt out, and AT&T collects web and app usage data through its privacy center.