Following customer backlash, AT&T stopped using the hidden web tracking codes to keep tabs on the websites that its customers visited, but Verizon continued on with its Relevant Advertising program, which it's been using for approximately two years. While there was an option to opt out of Verizon's program, opting out did not stop the intrusive code from being inserted into the URLs of Verizon customers, leaving a security hole that could let advertisers exploit Verizon customers.
As of today, The New York Times reports that Verizon has given its customers a true opt out option that does not insert the identifying tracking codes (or UIDH) into the URLs of customers who opt not to be tracked, as it promised to do in January.
In a statement, Debra Lewis, a Verizon spokeswoman, said privacy is a "central consideration" for the company when it develops new products and services.Verizon customers can opt out of the Relevant Advertising program by logging into their My Verizon accounts and selecting "Manage Privacy Settings" from the "Manage My Account" section of their user profile. AT&T and Verizon customers are able to check whether their devices are sending identifying codes by visiting a website created by Kenneth White, one of the security researchers who originally discovered the tracking methods. Verizon's tracking programs are automatic opt-in, so many users may need to navigate to the aforementioned page to turn off the tracking.
"As the mobile advertising ecosystem evolves, and our advertising business grows, delivering solutions with best-in-class privacy protections remains our focus," Ms. Lewis said. "As a reminder, we never share information with third parties that identifies our customers as part of our advertising programs.
A chemical company has purchased a new warehouse in Middletown.
Quaker Chemical Corp. (NYSE: KWR) has purchased a new warehouse down the road from its current Middletown facility. The facility sits at 3400 Yankee Road, according to information from the city. The company specializes in advanced chemical products for industrial and manufacturing operations.
The company plans a three-phased expansion valued at $16 million in plant and equipment, as well as a creation of about 20 to 25 new jobs.
County…
Women rooting for other women was a main theme at the second annual Bizwomen Mentoring Monday
About 150 women attended the Dayton Business Journal event, held at Sinclair Community College, where women at any level in their career had the opportunity to make connections with female business leaders from all over the Dayton region.
"We as women need to encourage and empower each other,” said Nancy Robie, vice president of business development with Kettering Health Network and one of the mentors.
Women…
Personal income growth in Ohio kept steady with national average last year.
Per capita personal income in the state increased by 3.9 percent year-over-year in 2014, according to the study by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
That marks the same percentage as the national average and ranks the state No. 24 overall.
Ohioans, however, don’t pull in the same amount of the U.S. average. Ohio residents saw personal income of $42,571 last year, which is just 92 percent…
One Ohio bank has been listed among the healthiest in the U.S.
A report from Sageworks compiles what it considers the healthiest banks in America. It looked at banks by their “Texas Ratios.” which is a main performance indicator in the industry.
It gauges banks’ ability to cover bad debts with its tangible equity capital.
The report divides banks into four regions. In the Midwest, Mason-based FDS Bank made the list. It was the sole Ohio bank in the report.
No banks from Kentucky or Indiana…
