I've followed Network Observations for a while now. Lots of interesting posts there. While this particular issue is a wireless and mobility issue, it reaches far deeper into privacy of our personal information. It also speaks to the integrity and character of Verizon as a service provider.

If nothing else, it heightens awareness of the need for caveat emptor when dealing with service providers. They aren't our friends. They don't have our best interests at heart. Choosing an opt-out policy for selling customers information is sleazy at best. It's a practice I think should be regulated, particularly in this environment.

Now's the time to write to the FCC, but it's also the time to slap Verizon if you're a mobile customer of Verizon Wireless.

Outrage: An Open Letter to the FCC

SecurityDude, CISSP-ISSAP is an IT consultant, Security & Privacy Avvocate and blogger at large with over 20 years IT experience.

My post last week about Verizon Wireless’ impending disclosure of subscriber call information (CPNI) has struck a raw nerve with hundreds of readers. I would like to offer the letter below as a template you can copy and paste into an email to the FCC Commissioners.

Email Subject: Verizon Wireless CPNI Disclosure

Dear Chairman Martin, and esteemed FCC Commissioners,

I am writing to express my strong concern that Verizon Wireless is able to subvert the will of the people and established Federal law by simply including a leaflet in my monthly bill advising me that if I do not Opt-Out of CPNI disclosure within 30-days receipt of the notice, I will be Opted-In automatically and with no further notice. Verizon will no doubt snare hundreds of thousands of subscribers who are simply too busy, or fail to recognize the importance of the CPNI announcement.

You are aware that Federal Law prohibits telecommunications carriers from disclosing CPNI information. Verizon Wireless’ outrageous action is proof that carriers will not act in the best interests of their customers without strong Federal oversight such as that afforded by the Federal Communications Commission.

Even if a subscriber voluntarily Opts-In to CPNI disclosure, we should be concerned about the privacy of called parties who are subscribers of other wireless carriers not party to the CPNI disclosure agreement sought by Verizon Wireless? What if they do not wish their conversations disclosed? How are their legal rights to privacy protected?

I respectfully urge the FCC Commissioners to take immediate action to block Verizon’s CPNI disclosure from taking effect.

Sincerely,

Wireless Subscriber Under the Protection of the Laws of the United States & Protection of the US Federal Communications Commission

Here are the email addresses of the FCC Chairman and Commissioners:

Chairman Kevin J. Martin: KJMWEB@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: Michael.Copps@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: Jonathan.Adelstein@fcc.gov
Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate: dtaylortateweb@fcc.gov
Commissioner Robert McDowell: Robert.McDowell@fcc.gov

Additional Resources
(Added 10/25/07)
New York Times Article - Verizon Letter Stirs Privacy Debate
Verizon CPNI Notice - Posted on Verizon Wireless’ Legal Section
Full CPNI Notice - Complete notice