amigo_boy
join:2005-07-22
Tempe, AZ
 ·Cox HSI
 ·magicjack.com
| MagicJack selling phone usage information?
I've seen this happen a few times. I call a company (like a muffler shop, for example) and suddenly my Gmail advertisements are tailored to automotive products.
I thought about mentioning this in the past. But, I thought it might sound paranoid.
Today, I received a call from someone in a prisoner work-release center (post-prison, pre-release). An hour or two later I refreshed my gmail screen. The advertisement was:
quote:
Probation Employment Job - Felons.View-Local-Jobs.com - $15-55/Hr Job Offers For Felons. Sign Up & View
I haven't received any calls from that person in 15 months. I haven't made any Google searches regarding prison issues, work release. I receive one call and suddenly Gmail is displaying tailored ads regarding that call.
Thoughts?
Mark |
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PX Eliezer
Premium
join:2008-08-09
New Jersey
·Callcentric
·Optimum Voice
·callwithus
·voip.ms
| I could see GoogleVoice to GMail.
But you are saying MJ to GMail....
That's a bit of a stretch.
-----------------------------
There are applicable laws:
»www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/47/222.html
»epic.org/privacy/cpni/ |
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amigo_boy
join:2005-07-22
Tempe, AZ
·Cox HSI
·magicjack.com
1 edit | said by PX Eliezer  :I could see GoogleVoice to GMail. But you are saying MJ to GMail.... Gmail's ads seem to be targeted using more info than just the content of your email. I've noticed that googling (searching) for something has resulted in targetted ads related to that topic. For example, I search for a muffler shop and I start getting gmail ads that are auto-repair related. I didn't email anyone about such a topic. So, it seems that Google searches (and maybe visits to AdSense sites?) feed into the decision-making process?
So, I'm thinking MJ has some kind of relationship with Google to relate you (your Google and/or Gmail cookies) to phone usage.
What other explanation could exist? I receive a call from a convict at a work-release facility (using a pre-paid phone card using the facility's phone). An hour later I get a Gmail ad targeted to felons searching for work while on probation.
Like I said, I've seen some suspicious correlations like this in the past. But, never quite so obvious as today.
Mark |
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amigo_boy
join:2005-07-22
Tempe, AZ
·Cox HSI
·magicjack.com
| reply to PX Eliezer
said by PX Eliezer :There are applicable laws: BTW: Do those laws apply? The ToS says:
quote:
Your registration data and certain other information about you are subject to this Terms of Service. You understand that by using the magicJack device you consent to magicJack's collection and use as set forth in these Terms of Service, including the transfer of this information to and from the United States and/or other countries for storage, processing and use by magicJack, its affiliates and business partners to provide you with information about communications-related service.
It sounds to me like like MJ reserves the right to collect and use any data they wish. What is "certain other information about you?"
It's not my intention to start a "RockyBB" conspiracy theory about MJ being a giant botnet waiting for the wakeup call. But, you have to admit that the MJ ToS is pretty expansive, and could cover usage information sold to someone like Gmail.
Maybe I received the gmail ad due to some Google search that I don't recall making. But, it was pretty strange that I received it within an hour or two of that phone call.
I going to make some intentional phone calls (granite countertops, luggage, pet supplies, etc.) and see if I get any tailored Gmail ads.
Mark |
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RockyBB
Premium
join:2005-01-31
Longmont, CO
| said by amigo_boy :It's not my intention to start a "RockyBB" conspiracy theory about MJ being a giant botnet waiting for the wakeup call. But, you have to admit that the MJ ToS is pretty expansive, and could cover usage information sold to someone like Gmail. ... I going to make some intentional phone calls (granite countertops, luggage, pet supplies, etc.) and see if I get any tailored Gmail ads. Did you? |
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nitzan
Premium,VIP
join:2008-02-27
·ViaTalk
·Comcast
| reply to amigo_boy
It is actually illegal for a phone company (MJ included) to sell your calling records. The FCC fined a whole bunch of companies for this practice last year.
Whether MJ is doing it or not - that's another question. No idea. Give it a try (calling a bunch of weird numbers and seeing if it influences your ads). |
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amigo_boy
join:2005-07-22
Tempe, AZ
·Cox HSI
·magicjack.com
| reply to RockyBB
said by RockyBB :said by amigo_boy :It's not my intention to start a "RockyBB" conspiracy theory about MJ being a giant botnet waiting for the wakeup call. But, you have to admit that the MJ ToS is pretty expansive, and could cover usage information sold to someone like Gmail. ... I going to make some intentional phone calls (granite countertops, luggage, pet supplies, etc.) and see if I get any tailored Gmail ads. Did you? Sorry for the delay. After running a test, it did not cause gmail's ads to change. The ad mentioned at the start of this thread must've been a coincidence.
The test:
Three weeks ago I collected three phone numbers in three categories (home improvement, granite countertops, and home medical supplies) using dexknows.com.
I then waited 10 days just to make sure my use of dexknows didn't get picked up by anything which feeds gmail.
I called all the numbers about 10 days ago using MJ. Some had voice menus which allowed me to stay on the line long enough that it wouldn't be treated as insignificant (if MJ were really analyzing calls and selling information, but ignoring calls that might be so short to be considered hang-ups.).
I waited 10 days for ads to appear in gmail. Nothing appeared.
Mark |
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zaldy
join:2007-12-07 | reply to amigo_boy
Yeah that must be some weird coincidence especially when a Felon realted ads appeared in your Gmail. |
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prestonlewis
Premium,MVM
join:2003-04-13
Sacramento, CA
·VoiceStick
| reply to amigo_boy
There's been conspiracy arguments about MJ since day one, mainly due to the expansive TOS which pretty much allows anything on their part. But no one has really ever noticed anything in real time. I think PX E is correct that this would be a real stretch. |
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