Verizon: Difference between revisions
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→Incidents: Verizon App Manager: Software that comes preinstalled on many Android devices (especially prevalent on Samsung devices) that downloads bloat apps without user's permission. Can be disabled, but will always be automatically re-enabled during a software update. Can only be fully removed with a factory reset. |
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===Supercookie insertion (2012-2015)=== | ===Supercookie insertion (2012-2015)=== | ||
Verizon Wireless was caught inserting customer- or device-unique cookies into HTTP requests starting in 2012<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shahani |first=Aarti |date=8 Mar 2016 |title=Verizon Settles With FCC Over 'Supercookies' Allegations |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/03/08/469606418/verizon-settles-with-fcc-over-supercookies-allegations |url-status=live |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=www.npr.org}}</ref> | Verizon Wireless was caught inserting customer- or device-unique cookies into HTTP requests starting in 2012<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shahani |first=Aarti |date=8 Mar 2016 |title=Verizon Settles With FCC Over 'Supercookies' Allegations |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/03/08/469606418/verizon-settles-with-fcc-over-supercookies-allegations |url-status=live |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=www.npr.org}}</ref> | ||
=== '''Verizon App Manager (2019-Present)''' === | |||
At least as far back as December of 2019, many Android devices purchased through Verizon Wireless have come with Verizon App Manager preinstalled. The software is most present on Samsung devices purchased through Verizon. Verizon App Manager is a program that downloads apps onto the device without the user's permission, often doing so while the phone is being used without warning. These apps are often low-quality free mobile games that themselves contain ads, however some more prominent apps downloaded include Disney+, Yahoo Mail, and Yelp.<ref>{{Cite web |last=pkim168 |date=19 Feb 2020 |title=Verizon App Manager installing apps without permission |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS9/comments/f65q87/verizon_app_manager_installing_apps_without/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> | |||
There is a way to temporarily disable Verizon App Manager; if the user goes to the device's Settings -> Apps -> Verizon App Manager -> Disable, it will indeed be deactivated, however it is automatically re-enabled every time the device is updated. If the user wishes to uninstall the apps downloaded by Verizon App Manager, they must do so manually, and individually. Some apps downloaded run in the background, reducing battery life and increasing RAM usage. Unlocked phones purchased from third-party sellers and subsequently put on a Verizon Wireless mobile plan do not have this issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Jon |last2=Joy |first2=Anu |date=16 May 2024 |title=Why does Verizon App Manager auto-install unwanted apps? |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/what-is-verizon-app-manager-why-does-it-keep-installing-apps/ |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |website=Android Police}}</ref> | |||
===Selling Consumer Data (2024)=== | ===Selling Consumer Data (2024)=== | ||