Lynn La/CNET
Verizon came under fire this past January for bundling what privacy advocates called a supercookie with every smartphone. Mobile devices on the carrier's network include what the company calls a Unique Identifier Header or UIDH. This is a unique tracking code that allows the carrier to monitor your online activities and analyze your interests. This data is then used for targeted advertisements through the company's Relevant Mobile Advertising (RMA) and Verizon Selects program.
As explained on Verizon's website for RMA Verizon creates groups of customers for advertisers to reach based on demographic and interest based information provided to us by other companies. We then relay anonymous information about these groups to our ad partners to enable them to serve relevant ads. If a customer has opted in to Verizon Selects we will create groups of customers using additional information we have about customers' location Web browsing and app usage.
There was previously no way to delete the so called supercookie tracking code from your device. Verizon has confirmed however that it will now be disabled when you opt out of the company's RMA program. This can be done by calling 1 866 211 0874 or by heading to the privacy settings on Verizon's website or in the My Verizon mobile app.
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