Verizon's Custom Experience and Custom Experience Plus programs are the actual data collection mechanisms behind what many call the "reward program," and they let the company track your location and browsing activity to personalize communications and offers. If you want to stop verizon custom experience tracking, you need to opt out of these specific programs, not just the rewards you might have signed up for.
What is Verizon's custom experience tracking program?
Verizon's "Custom Experience" and "Custom Experience Plus" programs collect customer data, including location and browsing activity, to personalize communications and offers. These programs are distinct from the Verizon Up rewards loyalty program, where customers earn rewards points for transactions like purchasing devices, signing up for data plans, or referring friends and family, which can be redeemed for discounts, free accessories, or device upgrades. The basic Custom Experience program uses information about websites visited and apps used on mobile devices to determine your interests. Custom Experience Plus collects additional data, including device location obtained from the Verizon network and Verizon apps, Verizon Fios services information, and Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI). Verizon states these programs do not use the content of calls, emails, or texts.
What data does Verizon collect through Custom Experience?
For the basic Custom Experience program, Verizon collects the top-level domain and subdomain of websites you visit, and information about which apps you use on your mobile device, using cookies, tracking pixels, and browser fingerprinting techniques. It does not collect information past the first "/" or "?" in a URL. For Custom Experience Plus, the company collects device location obtained from its network and Verizon apps, information about your Verizon Fios services, and CPNI. CPNI includes the phone numbers you call, numbers that call you, and the times and durations of those calls. Verizon states it does not collect the content of calls, emails, or texts.
How long does Verizon keep your location and browsing data?
Information about websites visited is kept for no more than 6 months. Location data and CPNI are kept for approximately one year.
Does Verizon sell or share your tracking data?
Verizon claims it does not share information that identifies you outside of Verizon as part of these programs, except with service providers working for them, and does not sell information for others' advertising. However, there is a conflict: Verizon's "Your Privacy Choices" page indicates that it shares or allows third-party advertising and ad measurement companies to collect information about activity on its websites and apps for purposes of targeted advertising. This means that while your Custom Experience data may not be sold, your activity on Verizon's own sites and apps can still be used for third-party ad tracking.
Can Verizon track your location even if GPS is off?
Yes. Even if device location settings are turned off, Verizon may still use location information obtained from its network for Custom Experience Plus. This means your location can be determined based on which cell towers your phone connects to, regardless of your phone's GPS or Wi-Fi scanning settings.
How to opt out of Verizon Custom Experience tracking
You can opt out of both Custom Experience and Custom Experience Plus using any of these three methods. Customers can sign up for the reward program through their Verizon account or by downloading the Verizon app.
- On the My Verizon website, navigate to the "Privacy preferences page" and scroll to the "Custom Experience and Custom Experience Plus sections" to update your settings.
- In the My Verizon app, go to the "Me tab," then "Profile & Settings > My Profile," and scroll to "Custom Experience" to adjust your preferences.
- Call Verizon directly at 866-211-0874 to request opt-out.
If you manage multiple lines, you may need to repeat these steps for each line on your account. For comparison, you might find that T-Mobile account management offers different privacy controls, but Verizon's opt-out process is specific to these Custom Experience programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this legal?
Yes, Verizon's Custom Experience programs are legal as long as they comply with privacy laws and regulations. Verizon provides an opt-out mechanism, which is a key requirement under current U.S. telecommunications privacy rules.
What are the benefits of these programs?
The stated benefit is that Verizon can personalize communications and offers based on your interests and location. This might mean you receive more relevant promotions or account-related messages, rather than generic advertisements.
How can I protect my privacy further?
You can also disable location permissions for Verizon apps on your phone's settings menu. Using virtual private networks (VPNs), ad blockers, and other privacy-focused browser extensions can further minimize data tracking.
