How do I opt out of SuperCookie?
tcad
Contributor - Level 1

Ok, it's been almost 2 months since Verizon promised an opt out from their supercookie. Anybody know how?

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Re: SuperCookie
Weth
Legend

See Re: Opt out of secret VZW tracking, UIDH?

A few weeks ago, Verizon started turning this off for users that restricted the privacy settings in their account. Nothing new needed to be done if you did this before.

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Re: SuperCookie
dilbertaz
Specialist - Level 3

Verizon Involved in New Stink: Tracking Users Online with Insecure Technique | Android Forum at Droi...

It's also worth noting that none of the other ISPs do this for these very reasons (although AT&T is testing out something similar). Verizon does have an opt-out policy that you can activate by logging into your account’s privacy settings on the Web or by using the My Verizon app on some phones. Alternatively you can call 866-211-0874 to opt out there. But of course, this assumes that folks out there even know about it, and, let's be real... how often do we actually read those "TL;DR" notices that get sent to us in the mail? Furthermore, even if you do opt-out, it doesn’t actually stop Verizon from inserting the identifying headers into your Web traffic! It only tells them not to use the data.

You can test whether it was removed here:

Simple test page for Cellular ISP tracking beacons - by Kenn White


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Re: SuperCookie
ellfeld
Enthusiast - Level 2

So far no instructions for opting out.  About a month ago a Verizon spokeswoman said it would be weeks rather than months. They are stalling. When ATT dropped the Supercookies/header UID they were able to do so immediately; no testing, no delay.  When my current contract expires I will be leaving VZN.  Seem to have no concern for their customers privacy rights despite their protestations that they take our privacy concerns seriously.  It has been demonstrated that third parties are easily able to use and identify vzn customers thru info on headers even if not used by vzn for advertising.

Re: SuperCookie
Weth
Legend

See Re: Opt out of secret VZW tracking, UIDH?

A few weeks ago, Verizon started turning this off for users that restricted the privacy settings in their account. Nothing new needed to be done if you did this before.

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Re: SuperCookie
ellfeld
Enthusiast - Level 2

Looks like you are correct. Went into Simple test page for Cellular ISP tracking beacons - by Kenn White, and using cellular and the UID was blank.  Looks like Verizon is not going to publicize this.  I'm afraid we will have to check regularly to make sure the super cookie doesn't return.

Re: SuperCookie
dilbertaz
Specialist - Level 3

To opt out of Verizon Selects (supercookie) you have to go to the second link below and withdraw consent from Verizon Selects

My Verizon Online Sign In - Verizon Wireless

My Verizon Online Sign In - Verizon Wireless

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Re: SuperCookie
dnbdave
Enthusiast - Level 2

Just left VZN because of this after being with them 8 years. T-Mobile's fine in my area thankfully. Not as great servicewise but a hell of a lot less hostile to their customers so far that I've seen this past month.

Their unlimited data is pretty swell too and just as fast as VZN it seems. Not going to pay for service from a company that doesn't want my business - and VZN never ever indicated they did through any kind of good faith.

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Re: SuperCookie
Wileym
Enthusiast - Level 1

This is a strange day (April 1, 2015) for Verizon to finally respond to your question, but you are now able to "Opt-out" of their SuperCookie(s).  Verizon is staying a slimy course in not making supercookies "Opt-in".  Customer convenience and honesty was never their strong suit.

Go here to Opt-out:  My Verizon Online Sign In - Verizon Wireless

Re: SuperCookie
ellfeld
Enthusiast - Level 2

I checked a couple of weeks ago, and using the lessonslearned.org website, found that Verizon was not sending out the UID header info since I had already opted out of everything possible. Still, you shouldn't have to opt out. They shouldn't be sending header info for anyone.  The other 3 major wireless carriers aren't.  But at least this is a step forward.  However, I've lost confidence in Verizon Wireless knowing that they will do whatever they can get away with even if its detrimental to the interest of their customers.

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