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Mar 17, 2009 -- Opting out of the new Verizon Wireless privacy policy

Are you a customer of Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest cellular company? If so, heed this special warning…

Verizon Wireless' new privacy policy actually allows them to sell info about your location; who you talk to; how long you talk to them; what websites you log onto when using a smart phone and on and on.

But you don't have to take it. You can opt out online by following these instructions or simply by calling 1-800-333-9956. (Editor's note: Users have reported intermittent problems accessing this link.)

Clark recently went crazy when there was a move to tax motorists based on when they drove; where they drove; and how far. He was upset over the potential invasion of privacy that would result from government snooping around on you to collect taxes.

And you know what? A private industry like Verizon Wireless doing it doesn't make it any better!

UPDATE: Read about Verizon SVP/Deputy General Counsel Steven Tugentman's response to this story.

Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.

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What others are saying

  • opting out
    Thank you so much for this info....I used the 800 number and had no problem, but didn't even know this or anything about it. I really appreciate you
    By Susan Frost @ 04/26/09 08:17:13 PMreport abuse
  • Text Msging
    got billed for the Premium Txt Msg. Called Verizon CS and got it blocked and a reversal of all previous chgs. This stinks, but at least VZN will take care of it when you complain.
    By ngw @ 04/05/09 11:31:21 PMreport abuse
  • opting out
    I called the 800 number and it was no problem. It took about 3 minutes!
    By f.thompson @ 04/02/09 08:53:58 AMreport abuse
  • Opting Out
    I called 1-800-333-9956 for Opting Out and it was very easy to do.
    By r. smith @ 03/31/09 12:25:27 PMreport abuse
  • verizon
    i called 800 number very easy to use opted out on both my cell phones..otherwise love verizon have had their service for over 18 yrs.
    By nina dalton @ 03/27/09 05:14:13 PMreport abuse
  • Thanks!
    Thanks for the link to the easy instructions to opt out. That was much faster & less frustrating than calling customer service.
    By Al @ 03/27/09 11:18:31 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon $9.99 premium text msg billing.
    Report your case to the FCC.
    This is a SCAM.
    By Robert @ 03/26/09 03:49:37 PMreport abuse
  • CPI Opt Out
    Not sure it did any good. But thanks for the heads up Clark.
    By John @ 03/26/09 01:21:23 PMreport abuse
  • tax on driving
    understand !? obviously .... not.

    That is what FUEL taxes are SUPPOSED to accomplish. Drive more, pay more in fuel taxes and more road upkeep is afforded. UNLESS, the folks in charge choose to spend taxes raised in one area ...on another. NOTE to self:example would be tobacco and/or airport fees/taxes. Seems NONE of those are actually spent upgrading health or airports!
    By et @ 03/25/09 08:44:07 AMreport abuse
  • Txation on driving
    I understand the intent of trying to more accurately tax people based on driving habits. If my neighbor drives a vehicle twice as heavy as mine twice as far per year, why should I pay the same tax to fix roads? However, I draw the line on knowing where I drive and how many times. That's ridiculous.
    By Larry Nakatsu @ 03/24/09 02:40:40 PMreport abuse
  • KAM's Comment Below
    About Verizon only providing info to their "partners" is just smoke and mirrors. They can call anyone they wish a "partner", just like banks and other financial groups do. Sounds like Kam is working for Verizon.
    By Art @ 03/24/09 01:48:41 PMreport abuse
  • Selling customer cell phone information
    If Verizon sells my or my family plan cell phone information then can be sure of noe thing. I WILL CANCEL MY PLAN FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
    By Joe Mosca @ 03/24/09 12:38:50 PMreport abuse
  • Please read the CPNI information
    I would like to point out that, if you read the paragraph on Verizon's website, it very clearly states that this "information sharing" is only among Verizon affiliate companies (i.e. Verizon Telecom, Verizon Business, Vodaphone, etc.) and agents. This does not give them the right to sell your private information to anyone that asks for it. The article on this site (and others) is just plain incorrect.
    By KAM @ 03/24/09 11:58:43 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt out
    Thanks for the alert I called the 1-800 # and it worked fine

    Thanks, Clark
    By Lyle Preest @ 03/24/09 08:48:27 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Warning about Signing Out
    After hearing about the Privacy change I logged in and went through the process. I accidentally closed out of Verizon's web page without signing out. Guess what I went back to Verizon.com and was still signed in. YIKES... most web pages once you close out sign you out automatically. I'm so glad I went back and checked.
    By KC @ 03/24/09 08:11:44 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt out
    Thanks for the heads up! I went to verizon.com to my account and opted out very easily. I would not have known about this any other way-Thanks Clark for keeping us informed.
    By Terri @ 03/24/09 07:15:12 AMreport abuse
  • Thank you Clark for the warning
    I have two phones for two people on the Verizon Wireless same bill and have had them both going on 5 years. Why do I need to go on the internet using a small phone picture image ect. when I can use a computer screen with an image 15 inches and bigger. I'll look into this privacy policy that Verizon Wireless has, thank you Clark for the warning.
    By Ross @ 03/24/09 02:45:20 AMreport abuse
  • THANK-YOU
    Clark and team:
    Thanks for the heads up. The link worked great. Keep up the good work.
    By Nate @ 03/23/09 10:25:07 PMreport abuse
  • Opting Out/Verizon Wireless Privacy Policy
    Another invasion of our privacy! Thanks, Clark, for alerting us to it. I called the 800 number you gave us, and it worked immediately.
    By Carol Burks @ 03/23/09 05:04:09 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    Thank you Clark & Ziti--I followed your directions (the link Clark gave didn't point me in the right direction) and opted out.
    By Nancy @ 03/23/09 04:32:26 PMreport abuse
  • verizon opt out
    You can opt out by going to verizon wireless online and go to my profile and scroll down to privacy settings it will talk you through setting your numbers to don't share.
    By Mary @ 03/23/09 04:16:44 PMreport abuse
  • ALLTEL CUSTOMERS?
    Can anyone find any information about current Alltel customers that are being forced into Verizon...The current opt-out is supposed to end in 45 days? Do we Alltel customers get to opt-out when we are finaly forced over? PLEASE HELP...I have been an Alltel customer for 10+ years and not sure if I will be happy with anyone else.
    By D @ 03/23/09 04:11:07 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt out.....
    I just did it, worked great for both our phones - just need your cell phones number(s) last 4 of Soc Sec and your mailing zip code. Done!
    By Christine @ 03/23/09 03:23:47 PMreport abuse
  • Finding the PHONE CONTROL Page
    Thanks, Clark! Just opted out online. For less experienced computer users, here is how to find Phone Controls online: After you've signed in to the My Verizon site, move your cursor over the My Verizon tab to see a drop-down menu. You will see My Profile listed there; click on it. On the new page that will come up, move down to the Phone Controls section. Look there to see "View/Edit Privacy (CPNI) Settings" (in small hyperlinked blue font) and click on it. The new page will be self-explanatory on what to do. Hope this information helps.
    By Ziti @ 03/23/09 03:14:52 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt-out
    Very easy - took less than a minute - I have more than one line on my account and was able to opt out on all numbers on my account with one phone call.
    By Elaine @ 03/23/09 03:07:31 PMreport abuse
  • don't be fooled...
    Every cell phone company has the ability to "poll" your phone to see where you're at and save those points over time. Best bet is to set your phone's GPS function to "911-only", unless you use location apps on your phone.
    By Jay @ 03/23/09 02:40:02 PMreport abuse
  • Opting Out from Verizon Wireless
    Thank you so much,Clark, for alerting all Verizon Wireless customers including myself about the Opt Out. Privacy invasion like this is infuriating. I was able to Opt Out today from the link you gave us. Thanks again, Clark.
    By Cindy @ 03/23/09 02:10:01 PMreport abuse
  • RE: Diane's need for passcode
    Diane, this is the same as the password you may have set for your online access or for your phoning in access to your account.
    By Bill @ 03/23/09 02:05:36 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt-out
    Very easily done via the phone number. Have to watch these guys; they'll find a way to sell you in a heartbeat.
    By Bill @ 03/23/09 02:02:57 PMreport abuse
  • Opt out online
    I found the whereabouts to opt out on-line but Verizon does not make it easy. You have to log into your account, go to your profile, then scroll down to phone controls and you will see a VERY SMALL "EDIT CPNI" settings link.
    George Orwell was right - Big Brother IS watching you!!
    By Denise @ 03/23/09 01:41:37 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt-out
    I called the 800 number but they want a Verizon pass code and I do not have such a thing. How do I get one?
    By Diane @ 03/23/09 01:38:02 PMreport abuse
  • Unwilling to help
    Verizon retailer and call-in customer care knew nothing of this opt-out and it almost seemed like we are for sale.
    Thanks for your info, help and reminding us of our right to privacy.
    By George Santa Margarita @ 03/23/09 01:33:06 PMreport abuse
  • Thank you Clark, et al, for alerting us to this infuriating privacy invasion.Online opt-out easy once I looked below the 2 obvious links to the (so-called) privacy link.
    By anonymous @ 03/23/09 12:53:42 PMreport abuse
  • Opting out easy through web profile
    Thank you to Doug George for the directions to go to my account to opt out. That was even faster that 800 number if you are used to using online.
    By Patti Skelton @ 03/23/09 12:45:09 PMreport abuse
  • PrePaid Verizon Account
    I called the 800 hundred number and was
    informed after entering our cell phone
    number that because our account was a prepaid one this service was not available to us.
    By Joan Erisoty @ 03/23/09 12:24:34 PMreport abuse
  • Opting out
    Very easy using the 800# Thanks for warning us!!!
    By Ruth @ 03/23/09 12:22:33 PMreport abuse
  • Thanks to Clark and my fellow listeners
    Opt Out. Do it now. Fast and easy using the 800 # option.
    By David @ 03/23/09 12:10:16 PMreport abuse
  • opt out
    did the 800 #. worked great. less then 1 minute.
    By stan @ 03/23/09 11:07:59 AMreport abuse
  • Opting Out
    This was very easy to do, assuming you have internet access and a Verizon Wireless account. Log into your VW account, then go to My Verizon, My Profile and look in the 'Phone Controls' section for View/Change CPNI settings (in small typefont). You can set this for all of the telephones in your account.
    By Doug George @ 03/23/09 10:18:34 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    Clark: Thanks for the information. It took about 30 seconds. Since I NEVER go into this account, Verizon gets Free advertizing of their upgrades. Thank again.
    By Richard Rose @ 03/23/09 09:56:35 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless Terms & Conditions
    Thanks for the information - it's easy to opt-out when you know where to look!
    By Richard Rehm @ 03/23/09 08:53:39 AMreport abuse
  • opt instructions for verizon info sharing
    Thanks Clark it took about 10 minutes but I was able to opt out. Your the greatest thanks again.
    By Charles Lineback @ 03/23/09 08:24:26 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt out
    Thanks Clark- the directions and link took less than 30 seconds to opt out. I really appreciate you keeping us informed.
    By Jean @ 03/23/09 06:15:03 AMreport abuse
  • Opt out of Verizonwireless privacy.
    Thank you. Big Brother watching?
    By Edith @ 03/22/09 06:14:48 PMreport abuse
  • opt out
    Thanks,Clark! I have given the OptOut number to friends, also. Thanks for looking out for us!
    By kathy b @ 03/21/09 07:55:58 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless privacy policy
    Thanks so much Clark, Hearing this on your radio show really made me angry. How dare they? Called them and, I hope, opted out. Would quite them, but am afraid am stuck in a family plan for another year or so. I appreciate all of your information and whatever you try to tell us about saving money and other bits of information like this. Marian
    By marian Costa @ 03/21/09 12:01:00 AMreport abuse
  • Opt out of Verizon
    I called the 800 number listed at your site and opted out of it. Thank you clark.
    By khalil damvar @ 03/20/09 11:16:08 PMreport abuse
  • verison
    Thank you Clark. I love your programs and your great advice.
    By Shirley @ 03/20/09 03:18:39 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    Clark - You Rock! Thank you for being here for us!
    By Rebecca @ 03/19/09 09:02:06 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    Shame on them! We WILL be looking around to see what other providers offer when our contract is up.
    I resent that I had to take the time to find this toll free # and call them.
    It's not fair that my husband heard you talk about Verizon when I wasn't listening. Otherwise, we wouldn't have known and would have started receiving junk calls!
    THANK YOU FOR SAVING US - WHERE VERIZON DIDN'T!!!
    "Should be a law against it!"
    By B Meyer @ 03/19/09 03:56:30 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    Thanks Clark! Just opted out. Very clever marking it, "Not Available"!
    By Jack @ 03/19/09 12:40:50 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    I just opted out online. Thanks Clark for keeping us informed!
    By Liann @ 03/19/09 10:25:10 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    Clark thank goodness you're out there for us.
    By Brian Coryea @ 03/19/09 08:46:36 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon policy on privacy
    the using the web address you included in your article and then clicking on the word "link" in the new site it takes you directly to your account page to opt out - thnak you - without your article's instructions it would not have been possible to opt out
    By David Harris @ 03/18/09 09:38:14 PMreport abuse
  • Opt out--Verizon said its not true--IT WAS!!!
    I was not able to do it last night. I followed one of the other posted directions and IT WORKED, The customer service rep at Verizon told me it was a rumor. There was no opt out and Verizon does not share info. I HATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT BIG COMPANIES.
    By Laurel M @ 03/18/09 09:12:08 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    I just opted out thanks to your keeping me informed. I also left Verizon a message letting them know I have a choice in providers and will look for a provider who has my privacy interests at heart. What Cell Phone company has real privacy rights for thier customers?
    By Dick @ 03/18/09 08:14:44 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    Thank you very much for the instruction. It was easy to follow.
    By Shay @ 03/18/09 07:58:12 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon opt out
    It was very simple to follow the instructions. Thank you so much for all your help....
    By Mandi @ 03/18/09 07:19:38 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    Worked great. Thanks for all the help and hard work Clark. I assure you it does not go unnoticed.
    By anonymous @ 03/18/09 06:00:48 PMreport abuse
  • friends
    Don't forget to let your friends know about this. I got lucky to see this because I am watching mortgage rates and I check this site.
    By friend @ 03/18/09 04:18:06 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt-out
    I just called the phone number and did it for all 3 numbers on my account. It took less than a minute.
    By Rodney @ 03/18/09 03:48:06 PMreport abuse
  • Thanks!
    Thanks for this information. I just opted out on www.verizonwireless.com. It was actually easier than mentioned on your linked website. Looks like Verizon improved their link. Not surprised they are not advertising it though.
    By Patrick @ 03/18/09 03:39:33 PMreport abuse
  • "Opting out" at Verizon
    I just tried to "opt out" online. I was online for 30 minutes. Still can't find the right way to do this. There are no "phone controls" on the online page for my profile. I just love dealing with anything that has to do with Verizon - NOT!
    By Maddy @ 03/18/09 03:14:46 PMreport abuse
  • Gas/diesel consumption tax vs car/truck mileage tax.
    Clark, there is another dimension to this topic... one you can identify with! What should be the source of funding for transportation infrastructure improvements for a future of low-gas-consuming cars, hybrids,fuel cells, hydrogen powered, solar, all-electric, etc.? We do need an alternative to gasoline/diesel fuel taxes! That's the broader strategic question... it's not the simple issue of gasoline tax vs equal $$ paid based on mileage... If we don't start getting our arems around this within the next few years, we'll be faced with a declining petro-fuel usage (and mileage) becoming a crisis and having to do some harsh/dramatic polisy changes under duress to avoid a collapse of road maintenance funding.
    Just a thought.
    By Jim A @ 03/18/09 02:50:35 PMreport abuse
  • Web Opt out
    I called the 800 number to opt out and the best part, I was able to include all of my phones in one call instead of individually.
    By Audie @ 03/18/09 01:57:32 PMreport abuse
  • web opt out
    The web opt out is easy also, just follow the instructions given by Scott earlier today (3/18).
    By Diana @ 03/18/09 01:05:45 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless "Opt Out"
    After some aggravating time in the Verizon Wireless website, I called their "Customer Service" and was able to opt out over the phone. Actually that became rather simple.
    By Brooks Chesser @ 03/18/09 12:51:21 PMreport abuse
  • OPT OUT VERIZON
    I called the 1-800-333-9956 number and
    no problem in opting out March 18,2009
    By Patricia Vandiver @ 03/18/09 12:26:29 PMreport abuse
  • opt out
    followed steps in my verizon and it worked like a charm, thanks
    By j abell @ 03/18/09 12:06:50 PMreport abuse
  • Opt out link
    Thanks MUCH for providing this link. It saved me a LOT of time and frustration.
    By sherry @ 03/18/09 11:26:56 AMreport abuse
  • Here are the steps to take to opt out
    I just opted out of Verizons' "Customer Proprietory Network Info", or "CPNI."
    It took less than two minutes. Call
    1-800 333 9956. Enter your mobile phone number, enter your password number, and then press the respective number to opt out. Very easy and quick. This message may be a repeat as I think I forgot to click on 'post comment.'
    By Marcus @ 03/18/09 11:14:01 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt out
    You can go to the verizonwireless web page, log on at "My Verizon", then you will see a list of tabs at the top of the page, choose the "My Profile" tab, at the My Profile page, the second red bar is a section called "Phone Controls". The third subject at this section is a sentence that starts, "Your Privacy...." and continues with a link to change the CPNI settings. Click on this "blue link" at the end of the sentence. It provides a toggle switch with all your account phone numbers, just click on the button under "Don't Share" then save your settings. I go back to make sure they were accepted.

    Thanks Clark! My wife thinks your great and lets me know all the time.
    By Scott Bullard @ 03/18/09 11:12:34 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt-Out
    You have to first have an online account set up with Verizon with an ID and Pin No. (which I already have). Then choose following in this order: My Verizon, My Profile, Phone Controls, View/Edit Privacy (CPNI) Settings and then Don't Share. It only took a minute to figure this out once you mentioned it was under My Profile.
    By Madeleine @ 03/18/09 10:54:04 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon
    Verizon just bought out my phone carrier Alltel, so does that inlcude me? If so, how would I opt out? I still log onto Alltel.
    By Becca @ 03/18/09 10:51:13 AMreport abuse
  • Opt out Verizon
    If you have a business line with Verizon, you need to call 800-922-0204.
    By Matt @ 03/18/09 10:19:09 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Opt Out
    The location was confusing, but once I found it it took a matter of seconds to opt out all our numbers. Still prefer Verizon to any other.
    By Laura @ 03/18/09 09:50:50 AMreport abuse
  • Google Opt-out
    Google needs to offer an opt-out option. These people are Big Brother incarnate.
    By Stodd @ 03/18/09 09:21:27 AMreport abuse
  • Phone service
    The phone company whereof you speak has acted like the 900 pound gorilla for years. They still owe me part of the refund due me when we opted out of their non service and went to cell phone only. Does all big companies feel this is there right?
    By Dale @ 03/17/09 11:06:45 PMreport abuse
  • my verizon
    I have been a verizon customer for 2 years, so does this issue apply to me?
    By L. Tyson @ 03/17/09 09:47:54 PMreport abuse
  • opt out
    forget how easy ONLINE is (ahhh, it ISNT)... and dial the number.. it takes undera minute.. voila, done!
    By david b @ 03/17/09 09:36:56 PMreport abuse
  • opt out--Verizon said its not true
    I was not able to get through on the link. I called Verizon. They said its a rumor and there is no opting out.
    What is the truth? I want to opt out if it really is true.
    By Laurel M @ 03/17/09 09:24:15 PMreport abuse
  • Opt out
    I would like to opt out of the privacy policy
    By Ron Tuzzo @ 03/17/09 07:51:41 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless Opt Out
    This link explains the policy change and gives instructions for opting out online.

    http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/2009/03/07/tales-of-data-pirates-opting-out-of-verizons-open-ended-sharing/
    By Kelly @ 03/17/09 06:31:09 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless Opt Out
    The number (1-800-333-5966) is an automated deal and will opt. you out fairly fast
    By R Williamson @ 03/17/09 06:06:58 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon Wireless Opt Out
    The link to opting out says that there was an error establishing a database connection. Also tried my Verizon account under terms and conditions and it says Page Unavailable. Whats with Verizon?
    By Sharon @ 03/17/09 04:29:38 PMreport abuse
  • Verizon wireless opt out link
    I just clicked out on this link and got a error message saying that it did not exist.
    By Patrick DeVito @ 03/17/09 04:10:59 PMreport abuse
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