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Larry Magid: AT&T To Begin Selling Information About Customers

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — A recent update to AT&T's privacy policy means that the telecommunications giant can now sell certain customer information to other companies. Fortunately for customers, there is a way to opt out.

AT&T added two new programs. One allows them to sell anonymous information to businesses about groups of customers to show how they collectively use products and services.

Another program involves how using geography to try to sell you things. They are going to display online ads based on where you are.

People who like going to movies might be getting more movie theater ads, for example. In this instance, customers should expect the ads to be more tailored to who you are, where you are and what you're doing.

It's very much like what Google does and what we're already used to online.

If you are wondering how to opt out of these new programs, visit my website, LarrysWorld.com.

Tech Report: Your Information for Sale

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