AT&T said Friday that it will phase out the use of so-called \"super cookies\" that track users mobile activity in a far deeper manner than they might have realized. <\/p>\n
An AT&T spokeswoman said the super cookies have \"been phased off our network.\" <\/p>\n
\"We have been testing a numeric code that changes every 24 hours on mobile devices as an important protection against unauthorized tracking. It would be used to help serve ads on an anonymous basis. It plays a similar role to a cookie in online advertising. Some people have seen this code from our testing when they visit test sites,\" she said. <\/p>\n
Verizon is also experimenting with super cookies. \"As with any program, we are continuously evaluating and this is no different,\" according to a Verizon spokeswoman, who also pointed out that the use of identifiers like these are not restricted to wireless carriers. <\/p>\n
At issue are tracking cookies intended to serve up relevant ads. The practice is nothing new for Web users, but as the Electronic Frontier Foundation noted earlier this month, these \"super cookies\" focus on mobile surfing and users cannot easily opt out. <\/p>\n
\"It allows third-party advertisers and websites to assemble a deep, permanent profile of visitors' web browsing habits without their consent,\" the EFF said. \"In fact, it functions even if you use a private browsing mode or clear your cookies.\" <\/p>\n
The tracking tech is included in an HTTP header called X-UIDH, EFF said, but unlike traditional Web cookies, the X-UIDH \"is tied to a data plan, so anyone who browses the Web through a hotspot, or shares a computer that uses cellular data, gets the same X-UIDH header as everyone else using that hotspot or computer.\" <\/p>\n
\"That means advertisers may build a profile that reveals private browsing activity to coworkers, friends, or family through targeted advertising,\" the organization said. <\/p>\n
Forbes said last month that AT&T users could opt out of super-cookie tracking by going to a special URL on their mobile device (while connected to cellular, not Wi-Fi) and opt out (pictured). <\/p>\n
\"Any new program we would offer would maintain our fundamental commitment to customer privacy,\" AT&T said in its statement. \"Customers will be able to opt out of the ad program, and not have the numeric code inserted on their device. Customer trust is important to us, and customers have choices about how we use their information.\" <\/p>\n
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AT&T Drops 'Super Cookie' Mobile Tracking<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AT&T said Friday that it will phase out the use of so-called \"super cookies\" that track users mobile activity in a far deeper manner than they might have realized. An AT&T spokeswoman said the super cookies have \"been phased off our network.\" \"We have been testing a numeric code that changes every 24 hours on mobile devices as an important protection against unauthorized tracking. It would be used to help serve ads on an anonymous basis. Continue reading