The policy discloses that Verizon installs system software on wireless devices that can automatically install or update applications, collect device and location conditions, and operate on Wi-Fi even when the device is deactivated from the wireless network; some installed apps do not display visible icons.
This analysis describes what Verizon's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that Verizon reserves the right to install and maintain software on customer devices that operates independently of active wireless service, including the automatic installation of applications and collection of location and device data, with opt-out limited to disabling notifications from specific management applications.
The updated policy removes four instances of opt-out guidance that previously directed Verizon Community users to a 'Your Privacy Choices' page. This removal eliminates a disclosed method for managing privacy preferences within that service. Verizon Community users will no longer have this specific instruction in the published policy to locate opt-out controls.
View change record →The updated policy expands the stated uses of your information. Verizon now explicitly reserves the right to use data to determine your eligibility for employment-related discounts, Verizon Dollars rewards, and service discounts; to assess your creditworthiness and payment risk; and to contact you with marketing offers from partners. The policy previously stated these uses more narrowly or did not list them as discrete purposes. You can review Verizon's privacy choices pages to manage some data uses, including opt-out mechanisms for prescreening and industry-wide credit opt-out options.
View change record →Under these terms, Verizon may install software on wireless devices that automatically installs or updates applications and collects device conditions including location, operating even when the device is not on the Verizon wireless network. The agreement states that some apps installed this way do not appear as visible icons on the device screen. You can view, delete, or disable these apps using your device's Application Manager under Settings.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle System Software Installation and Automatic App Management and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"We install system software on some wireless devices which may: collect information about network and device conditions including location, battery life and apps on the device. automatically install apps or software when you activate your device, during certain operating system upgrades and with your consent at later times, for example, when you request an app from an advertisement. The software may also update apps that it installed on your device or when you otherwise permit it. It also collects information when an app it places is first opened or is uninstalled and may send you notifications about Verizon and third-party offers and promotions that may interest you. Some apps installed or updated on your device in this way do not appear as icons on your device screen because of their limited utility and may operate on your device when it is connected to Wi-Fi, even if the device is deactivated from the wireless network.Excerpt from Verizon's Privacy Policy
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages the FTC Act's unfair or deceptive practices framework, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and state computer fraud and consumer protection statutes.
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This provision establishes that Verizon reserves the right to install and maintain software on customer devices that operates independently of active wireless service, including the automatic installation of applications and collection of location and device data, with opt-out limited to disabling notifications from specific management applications.
Under these terms, Verizon may install software on wireless devices that automatically installs or updates applications and collects device conditions including location, operating even when the device is not on the Verizon wireless network. The agreement states that some apps installed this way do not appear as visible icons on the device screen. You can view, delete, or disable these …
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