CPNI

[Half Dimes]

CPNI is Verizon's acronym for Customer Proprietary Network Information. I got a CPNI notice with my first monthly bill. I decided to read what I thought was another ubiquitous privacy notice.

What is CPNI? Here's the quote from their notice: "This information includes: services purchased (including specific calls you make and receive), related local and toll billing information and the type, destination, technical configuration, location and amount of use of purchased services." That's getting a little up close and personal in my opinion.

What they want to do is to share this information with their "...affiliates and agents in order to develop better products and services..."

What I consider the really sneaky part is that the first page of the brochure says that Verizon Wireless "needs your permission to share your CPNI". But on page 2 they disclose that "unless you provide us with notice that you wish to opt out within 45 days of receiving this letter, we will assume that you give us the right to share your CPNI..."

So, if you just skim the first page and toss it, you might miss the fact that you have to take action to avoid having your personal telecommunications activity shared by Verizon's corporate partners. I expect that is their intent.

I was annoyed enough to immediately get online and opt out. Watch your bill inserts carefully. You never know what our telecommunication providers will try to slip by us next.

[RJay]

Originally Posted by Half Dimes

CPNI is Verizon's acronym for Customer Proprietary Network Information. I got a CPNI notice with my first monthly bill. I decided to read what I thought was another ubiquitous privacy notice.

What is CPNI? Here's the quote from their notice: "This information includes: services purchased (including specific calls you make and receive), related local and toll billing information and the type, destination, technical configuration, location and amount of use of purchased services." That's getting a little up close and personal in my opinion.

What they want to do is to share this information with their "...affiliates and agents in order to develop better products and services..."

What I consider the really sneaky part is that the first page of the brochure says that Verizon Wireless "needs your permission to share your CPNI". But on page 2 they disclose that "unless you provide us with notice that you wish to opt out within 45 days of receiving this letter, we will assume that you give us the right to share your CPNI..."

So, if you just skim the first page and toss it, you might miss the fact that you have to take action to avoid having your personal telecommunications activity shared by Verizon's corporate partners. I expect that is their intent.

I was annoyed enough to immediately get online and opt out. Watch your bill inserts carefully. You never know what our telecommunication providers will try to slip by us next.

It's funny how they always give the excuse that they want to develop better products and services when they want to give up your personal information. Makes you wonder how they got this far.

[TXiceman]

You can thank out ultra sharp ( and on the take) congressmen for this practice. A few years back a bill as passed allowing companies to "share" information they accumulate. In their great wisdom, they decided (with stuffed pockets) that they would protect the public and have a notice to Opt-Out, thus giving you the choice to not have your data shared.

Burns my you know what that I have to Opt Out when it should have been set up that we Opt IN to have the info shared.

More concern from your concerned legislators...they sell out for the right $$$$.

Ken

[rmmpe]

Their disclaimer notwithstanding, do that to me and they'll be in a Civil Suit faster than they can spell Verizon.