Since update, Verizon location services bundled with GPS

[Dave-in-Decatur]

In Settings > More > Location services, since the Android 4.3 update there is now a single setting to enable GPS & Verizon location services. It used to be possible to enable GPS without Verizon location services, whether from the Notification settings or this Settings menu, but that is no longer the case. Turning on GPS, even from the Notification area, turns on Verizon location services too.

Moreover, Verizon location services used to come with a consent agreement, but that's gone too. So whatever VZW is doing (and they're not telling us!), we have to let them do it if we want GPS! I note this, from p. 169 of the original S4 manual (back when you had to give explicit permission for VZW location services):

By selecting VZW location services, you are enabling Verizon Wireless and third-party authenticated and validated location-enabled services access to certain location information available through this device and/or the network.​

I would have to assume that that data gathering is taking place every time we use GPS now--and without our explicit consent.

OTOH, p. 170 of that manual has the following about the standalone GPS service that used to be listed separately from Verizon location services:

By selecting Standalone GPS services, you are allowing access to all location information by any third party through web access or any software or peripheral components you choose to install, download, add, or attach to the device or any other means. Enabling this functionality could pose certain risks to users of this device.​

If anything, this sounds even scarier! But in the present state of affairs--since no updated manual or help ever comes with a software update--we have no idea who is collecting location data or what they might be doing with it.

Altogether, not cool, to say the least! Has anyone seen anything from Verizon that has a bearing on this?

 

[mrwindow]

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