In today’s digital world, personal data is more valuable than money. From the websites we visit to the places we go every day, telecom companies sit on massive amounts of sensitive information. That’s why the Verizon customer data lawsuit has sent shockwaves across the United States.
Thousands of Verizon users allege that the company tracked, collected, and monetized their personal data without clear or informed consent. At the center of the controversy are Verizon’s Custom Experience and Custom Experience Plus programs, which many customers claim they were enrolled in automatically.
This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of the Verizon data privacy lawsuit including what happened, who is eligible, possible payouts, legal violations, and how you can protect your data right now.
If you are a current or former Verizon customer, this guide is essential reading.
What Is the Verizon Customer Data Lawsuit About?
The Verizon customer data lawsuit is a class-action legal case accusing Verizon Communications Inc. of:
- Collecting customer data without explicit consent
- Tracking browsing history, app usage, and location
- Sharing or monetizing data with advertisers and third parties
- Making opt-out options difficult or unclear
Plaintiffs argue that Verizon violated multiple consumer protection and privacy laws by prioritizing advertising revenue over customer privacy.
What Sparked the Verizon Data Privacy Lawsuit?
The controversy began when privacy advocates and users discovered that Verizon’s Custom Experience programs were far more invasive than advertised.
Many users reported:
- Being automatically enrolled
- Learning about data tracking only after digging into privacy settings
- Seeing ads tailored to websites and apps they used
These discoveries led to widespread complaints on social media, Reddit, and consumer forums eventually triggering legal action.
Who Filed the Lawsuit Against Verizon?
The case was filed as a class-action lawsuit, meaning it represents millions of Verizon customers nationwide.
- Filed by multiple consumer privacy law firms
- Represents customers from several U.S. states
- Supported by privacy advocacy groups
Several state attorneys general have also launched investigations into Verizon’s data practices.
When Did the Verizon Lawsuit Start?
Here is a clear timeline of the Verizon data lawsuit:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 2023 | Consumer complaints surface online |
| January 2024 | Class-action lawsuit officially filed |
| March 2024 | Multi-state participation approved |
| June 2024 | Verizon updates privacy policy |
| 2025–2026 | Hearings, settlements, or rulings expected |
The case is still ongoing, meaning outcomes and compensation details may evolve.
What Is Verizon Accused of Doing With Customer Data?
According to the lawsuit, Verizon allegedly collected and used:
- Browsing history (URLs visited)
- App usage data and time spent
- Location and movement patterns
- Device identifiers
- Ad interaction behavior
This data was allegedly used to:
- Create detailed customer profiles
- Deliver targeted advertising
- Share insights with advertisers and data partners
Verizon’s Custom Experience vs. Custom Experience Plus
Understanding these two programs is critical.
Custom Experience
- Tracks basic interactions with Verizon services
- Used for product recommendations
- Less invasive (according to Verizon)
Custom Experience Plus
- Tracks websites visited
- Monitors apps used and duration
- Collects location data
- Used for advertising and analytics
Most legal complaints focus on Custom Experience Plus.
Why Customers Say Consent Was Not Valid
One of the lawsuit’s strongest arguments is that true consent was never given.
Plaintiffs claim:
- Enrollment was opt-out, not opt-in
- Consent was hidden in fine print
- Privacy settings were difficult to find
- Many users were unaware they were being tracked
Legal experts argue that implied consent is not enough under modern privacy laws.
Which Privacy Laws Might Verizon Have Violated?
The lawsuit references several major laws, including:
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Requires:
- Clear disclosure
- Right to opt out
- Transparency in data usage
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Rules
Prohibit:
- Deceptive data practices
- Misleading privacy disclosures
Telecommunications Act (47 U.S.C.)
Protects Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI)
State Privacy Laws
Including Illinois, New York, and others with strict consent requirements.
Violations could result in massive fines, forced reforms, and user compensation.
Verizon’s Official Response
Verizon denies wrongdoing and claims:
- It does not sell customer data
- Participation was optional
- Privacy settings were available and transparent
However, critics argue that Verizon only improved transparency after public backlash and lawsuits.
Who Is Eligible to Join the Verizon Lawsuit?
You may be eligible if you:
- Were a Verizon Wireless or Fios customer
- Used Verizon services from 2021 onward
- Were enrolled in Custom Experience or Custom Experience Plus
Eligibility includes both current and former customers.
How to Check If You’re Affected
Follow these steps:
- Open the My Verizon App
- Go to Account Settings
- Tap Privacy Settings
- Check Custom Experience and Custom Experience Plus
- Review enrollment history if available
Possible Compensation: What Could Customers Receive?
While no settlement is final yet, potential outcomes include:
- Cash payouts
- Account credits
- Subscription refunds
- Free identity protection services
Past privacy settlements (Google, Meta, AT&T) ranged from $50 to $400 per user, depending on harm and duration.
How to Protect Your Data Right Now
Regardless of the lawsuit outcome, take these steps immediately:
- Turn off Custom Experience & Custom Experience Plus
- Use a VPN
- Limit app permissions
- Review privacy settings regularly
- Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Broader Impact: Why This Case Matters
The Verizon lawsuit could:
- Set a legal precedent for telecom data usage
- Force industry-wide privacy reforms
- Strengthen consumer consent standards
- Increase penalties for data misuse
Experts believe this case could reshape how telecom companies handle user data nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Verizon customer data lawsuit about?
It alleges Verizon tracked and monetized customer data without clear consent.
Can I still opt out of Verizon data tracking?
Yes. Go to My Verizon App → Privacy Settings.
Is Verizon selling customer data?
Verizon denies selling data, but lawsuits claim data was shared or monetized indirectly.
Can I sue Verizon individually?
Most customers must join the class-action lawsuit.
When will settlements be paid?
If approved, payouts could occur in 2025 or 2026.
Conclusion: Verizon’s Lawsuit Is a Turning Point for Digital Privacy
The Verizon customer data lawsuit is more than a legal dispute — it’s a wake-up call.
As digital footprints grow, consumers are demanding:
- Transparency
- Control
- Respect for privacy
Whether Verizon is found guilty or not, one thing is clear: Data privacy is no longer optional it is a fundamental right.
If you’re a Verizon customer, now is the time to check your settings, protect your data, and stay informed.
