Verizon caught redhanded over privacy issues

Verizon stirred up a hornet's nest with its cagily worded insert in last month's cellphone bills concerning the sharing of customer information with third parties.

This morning's NY Times covers some of the reaction -- and Verizon's attempts to smooth things over.

I am suspicious by nature when it comes to huge companies like Verizon.

Were they planning to use it to target ads to users? What do you think?

But, unspoken in this story, is whether the notice was cover for Verizon to assemble profiles of individual users that would be of use to the government whenever it comes knocking.

As Gene Kimmelman of Consumer's Union is quoted, "There is a cultural expectation of complete privacy with the telephone."

If you're a Verizon Wireless customer and haven't opted out yet, I have instructions here.

I remember an old joke: Two activists are winding up a phone conversation and hear a click on the line. One says to the other: "Was that YOUR FBI agent or MINE?"

'Nuf said.

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More on Verizon's friendly little notice --

• Plainfield Today (9/29): "Verizon Wireless will share all your info unless you opt out"
• NY Times (10/16): "Verizon Letter on Privacy Stirs Debate"

-- Dan Damon

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