Verizon pledges to stop some selling of phone-location data [telecom]

• Verizon is committing to stop selling data to outsiders through intermediaries that can pinpoint the location of mobile phones.

• It is the first major U.S. wireless carrier to step back from the business practice.

• The data has allowed third parties to track wireless devices without their owners' knowledge or consent.

Verizon is pledging to stop selling data to outsiders through intermediaries that can pinpoint the location of mobile phones, the Associated Press has learned.

It is the first major U.S. wireless carrier to step back from a business practice that has drawn criticism for endangering privacy. The data has allowed third parties to track wireless devices without their owners' knowledge or consent.