Verizon overrides users’ opt-out preferences in push to collect browsing history

submitted by Drewski from arstechnica.com

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newinsightfulfun

[–]Node 4 insightful - 2 fun4 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 2 fun -  (6 children)

Just bought a new moto g power, to replace my dropped phone. What is a cheap alternative to verizon for limited phone usage, and data that could probably be done with wifi. I'm looking to knock around $50 off my near $70 bill.

And how exactly do you switch?

[–]JasonCarswell 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (3 children)

Mind sharing some more details about that phone?
The right-to-repair guy recommends Moto-G phones.

[–]Node 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (2 children)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NWBY8YJ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Moto G Power | 2021 | 3-Day battery | Unlocked | Made for US by Motorola | 4/64GB | 48MP Camera | Gray

Was $196 with tax, after the cyber monday price.

Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Moto G Power (2021) Case [NOT Compatible with Moto G Power (2020)] - Matte Black

Didn't drop the last one (moto g 6) for a couple years, but when I did I got some major cracking with sharp glass edges. Otherwise would have been good for a few more years. Getting the cover this time.

I'm not a power user by any means. Browsing, occasional photos, texting, and blocking spam calls. Decent phone for a reasonable price. This one claims a 3 day battery. Also seems to have a better camera than the last.

[–]JasonCarswell 2 insightful - 3 fun2 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 3 fun -  (1 child)

Thanks for the deets!

I think I'll get the exact same as soon as I hustle up the funds. Also, lemme know if you ever decide to sell yours. I may start collecting a bunch of the same make/model/stats/etc. over the next decade or few - then I/we can batch config and utilize them in various ways. Maybe. I/we will have to look into this more. Maybe there's a better device to do this with.

Personally, I'm going to try to limit my phone dependence/addiction if I can, primarily for important texts, calls, occasional camera, maps, notes, music player, some movies and books on it if I'm ever waiting somewhere, and avoid ever using it online except to look things up.

Plus my eyes have gone to shit over the last 2 years for close up.

[–]Node 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I only have my past 3 phones now. Wish I still had my first phone from 1988. A Motorola 1500, I think. Was a hefty 5+ pounder, with a cord and handset. The base unit fit into a fanny pack, and I could just talk on the handset coming out of the fanny pack. People had no idea wtf was going on, as few knew about cell phones back then. lol

There was a guy I met at some trainings who had a 'cellphone' too, but it was in a case about 3 times the size of a normal briefcase. My next phone after that literally fit in my pocket, although about 8 inches tall. Fun times.

[–]Drewski[S] 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

You could check /r/nocontract

[–]Node 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip!

[–]filbs111 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I'm no fan of lawfare generally, but it would be nice to see them catch some legal flak for this.

[–]IkeConn 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

Sometimes I delibereately browse something I have absolutely no interest in just to fuck with their algorithms. It makes for interesting ads at times.

[–]jamesK_3rd 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I just bought the Moto one Ace, it's easy to jailbreak. I'm sure it's the same for your Moto G.

Once you rooted it, you can easily disable bloatware from Verizon or Google.

Also, don't generally use their apps if you value privacy.

[–]chadwickofwv 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Verizon is a blatantly evil corporation. You should never do business with them.