Most major US carriers allow you to adjust your privacy settings concerning how your location data is utilized for targeted advertising. I’m considering switching to a mobile service reseller like Mint, but I know that the underlying carrier that provides the infrastructure still collects your location data.
Does this imply that if I switch to a reseller, I won’t be able to modify the privacy settings for my location information anymore?
Every cellular company does this. No one can really escape this if you want cellular service on your smartphone.
You’ll have to check this with your reseller for the most part. But they may also be subject to the upstream provider so it’s hard to say if you ask me.
Does anyone know if MNVOs typically add additional, privacy invasive stuff on top of what the base network would? Like, are there significant privacy (or security) risks to using ex. Mint vs. T-Mobile or US Mobile vs. AT&T.
As far as I know, many MVNOs and corporate contracts include clauses in their privacy policies or contract terms that say that location data collected won’t be used for marketing.
While this is often not explicitly stated in MVNO privacy policies or corporate contracts, it is almost always written in the MNO’s privacy policy or in the separate personal information protection policies established by each company. So I actively choose MVNOs with good privacy policies.
I don’t live in the US or the EU though, so I don’t know what’s going on there.