04-17-2012 11:43:09 AM
Does AT&T have an offical response to why they will not allow thes apps to be removed? Why would they install them as root? There are some interestin privacy issues going on here and everything I read is from everyone BUT AT&T. Why the silence? Or can some one point me to the official repsonse?
04-18-2012 07:08:13 AM - edited 04-18-2012 07:08:40 AM
rwenban wrote:
Does AT&T have an offical response to why they will not allow thes apps to be removed? Why would they install them as root? There are some interestin privacy issues going on here and everything I read is from everyone BUT AT&T. Why the silence? Or can some one point me to the official repsonse?
Don't know of any "official" statement on this topic. But all the major US carriers do it, AFAIK, and have been continually blasted for it by the public and media. AT&T (and Sprint too, I think) has gone as far as saying they will stop the practice (and make their bloatware easy to uninstall) on so-and-so device, then the turn back on their promise at the last minute and do it anyway.
They probably install them as system apps in order to annoy you into possibly using them someday. But its pretty indefensible to prevent customers from removing software that they never use.
04-18-2012 08:34:19 AM
I think there is an argument to be made dealing with Privacy. Since I cannot Opt-out of the data they gather, they are in violation of State and Federal laws. Where is the ACLU when you need them? I will write to AT&T with the request to opt out and see if they respond. Currently I cannot uninstall these Apps or adjust what they gather on me. Hope other will make the same request to their carrier or even bring it up to their Senators and Congressmen.
04-18-2012
10:09:55 AM
- last edited on
04-18-2012
10:52:14 AM
by
Phil-101
I contacted AT&T about their practice of installing Apps and the collection of data on us. Here is the question I posed and the Chat string:
"I have APPs installed on my phone that I cannot uninstall because it is at a system level. I want to know the process for Opting out of them collecting data on me. I know AT&T must have a process to allow opt-out so they can meet the privacy laws. Can you help me?"
Chat String:
info: Please wait for a chat representative to respond.
info: You are now chatting with 'Monika'
Rick: Hi Monika.
Monika: Thank you for visiting myWireless at ATT.com/wireless. You have reached Monika with technical support chat, I will be happy to assist with your technical issues.
Monika: I can certainly review options for turning off data collection.
Rick: Thanx
Monika: I am sorry for the delay I am looking for possible options.
Rick: No problem. I have been looking for hours. It seems you all do not let us remove the Apps and do not allow for us to control the data collection. I am only conerned with the data collection.
Monika: This service is designed to help us enhance our network quality and, because we do not use data collected for any other purpose, there is no separate consent or opt-out process.
Rick: I would like to Opt out. Can you point me to the policy so I can prusue this? I can see you allowing us to opt in for your data gathering, but mandating it is what I want to see in writing so I can better question it.
Monika: You can certainly review information by visiting the AT&T Privacy Policy, http://www.att.com/gen/privacy-policy?pid=13692#me
Rick: Thank you for your help.
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to *** at the end of your chat.
Monika: I have resolve your concern by explaining the reason for the information collection. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
If you go to the above link, they allow for us to contact them and ask for the data they collected on us. Each of us can review it and make any corrections. I think anyone who is not OK with your carrier collecting data on you without your permission should ask them to Op you out and request what they have on you.
Anyone's thoughts or comments please
[edited for privacy]
07-01-2012 04:36:00 AM
I could deal with the bloatware if Google Nav would stay my default nav app. The stupid phone keeps asking for a default and I have set it no less than 100 times.
