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Why AppFlash Spyware
rfd177
Enthusiast - Level 3
‎03-30-2017 02:06 PM

Reported today that Verizon will begin installing AppFlash on new Android phones. I do not want to repost un-reliable info, is this true?

  • Can anyone confirm that this software is spyware as reported?
  • That it will be going on all Android phones, etc??

Why the heck Verizon??

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SuzyQ
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to Lgill
‎04-01-2017 11:52 AM

Update - the article has been withdrawn, and the following notice posted:

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 www.verizon.com/about/privacy to view our Privacy Policy."

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Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader
‎03-30-2017 03:01 PM

Another reason to purchase only the unlocked phones. Smiley Sad

Verizon phones will soon get the useless 'AppFlash' search tool in an upcoming rollout

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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Mike225
Enthusiast - Level 2
In response to Ann154
‎03-31-2017 08:39 AM

Ann154​ I don't think it will matter whether you purchase an unlocked phone or one at the dealer.  This would be part of a package that Verizon would push out after your phone registers itself.

Wonder if Sophos or another scanner would kill the app or even detect it?

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Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to Mike225
‎03-31-2017 09:56 AM

I have a Pixel that supposedly was to have three VZW applications installed on it when I activated it. Guess what? None of those applications were installed or even requested to be installed when I used my previously activated SIM card to connect the phone to the Verizon Wireless network. I actually setup the phone on Wi-Fi without any VZW connection before I even activated it. If they attempt to install this newest piece of bloatware, it will be removed immediately or stopped from installing.

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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Lgill
Newbie
In response to Ann154
‎03-31-2017 10:12 AM

Hi Ann154,

Hopefully when they do push this app/bloatware we will have the choice to disable/uninstall it.

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Ann154
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to Lgill
‎03-31-2017 11:19 AM

I hope they drop the idea and send it to the lowest pit of Dante's Inferno.

I'm most definitely NOT a VZW employee. If a post answered your question, please mark it as the answer.

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demmo86rt
Champion - Level 3
‎03-31-2017 09:29 AM

Just uninstall or disable it.

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Lgill
Newbie
‎03-31-2017 09:47 AM

Yes, it seems to be very true that this software is spyware and going to put us all at cyberrisk for getting hacked. I could keep going and venting but if you have ever had to deal with Verizon before, you know they do NOT listen to complaints from their customers, so, there's no need to even tell them. The do not listen. My family and I will be leaving Verizon as soon as we can when this spyware is installed on our devices to sell our private information.

The First Horseman of the Privacy Apocalypse Has Already Arrived: Verizon Announces Plans to Install...

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SuzyQ
Community Leader
Community Leader
In response to Lgill
‎04-01-2017 11:52 AM

Update - the article has been withdrawn, and the following notice posted:

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 www.verizon.com/about/privacy to view our Privacy Policy."

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