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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Verizon will pay $1.35 million to the Federal Communications Commission [npr.org] over its use of "supercookies [wikipedia.org]". Under the terms of the settlement, Verizon will have to inform customers when supercookies are used, give an opt-out option, and receive consent before sharing/selling supercookies with a third party:

Verizon Wireless has agreed to pay a $1.35 million fine to settle with the Federal Communications Commission over allegations that it improperly used "supercookies." The unique identifiers, which Verizon uses to target advertising to its mobile users, remain on wireless devices even when a customer clears a devices cache.

Investigators had found that Verizon had been using "supercookies" since December 2012, but the company didn't disclose it was doing so until October 2014.

"Consumers care about privacy and should have a say in how their personal information is used, especially when it comes to who knows what they're doing online," FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc said in a statement [fcc.gov]. "Privacy and innovation are not incompatible. This agreement shows that companies can offer meaningful transparency and consumer choice while at the same time continuing to innovate."

Previously: Under Senate Pressure, Verizon Plans Supercookie Opt-Out [eff.org]

Original Submission