Lousy scam in CO2 contracts? Provider takes a stand

After the sales scandal involving Vodafone, the focus is now on competitor O2: In several cases, O2 sales partners are said to have obtained consent from new customers to use data – and that with a system. You accuse O2 of not being able to survive economically in any other way. The mobile operator does not see itself in any guilt.

Lousy scam at o2: Shops don’t pay much attention to data protection

It is probably a bitter surprise for many O2 customers: Several sales partners of the mobile phone provider state that they regularly leave customers in the dark about how O2 will use their data – or the Group even without the knowledge of the customers to grant comprehensive rights to use data (Source: Netzpolitik.org).

Many people now know from the Internet how this should work correctly: The Permission to collect and use data queried. This standard should also apply on site or over the phone when concluding a contract. As reported by Netzpolitik – an online portal about digitization, politics and society – this is often not the case. Both customers and shop owners are said to have confirmed this.

A procedure that would not be compatible with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The sales partners of o2 state that it is economically necessary for them. You are chalking O2, the company would demand quotas for contracts concluded, among other things with mobile communications, for which the full data usage permit is available. Each customer would have to individually agree to up to nine different points. If the approval is not given, up to 25 percent of the income would be lost, according to one shop operator. One feels forced to keep it by all means.

o2 sees partner shops as an obligation

In response to our request, o2 explains that the partner shops are legally obliged to respect the customer’s right to informational self-determination. “Telefónica Deutschland always adheres to all legal and data protection requirements.” This is also ensured at partner shops, among other things through regular checks. Should CO2 violations become known, one suspects this. In addition, corresponding commissions would “make up only a very small part of the determination of the monthly payments to the respective sales partner”, according to Telefónica / o2.

According to network policy, the incidents should already be an issue with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection. Accordingly, it says from the authority that you know the allegations and check the case – Standard procedure when reporting any data breaches. o2 declares that they work closely with the responsible authorities if necessary. The company is currently not aware of any violations.

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What mobile customers can do

Whether unknowingly or not, consent to the use of data for customers can mean that their provider can contact them in various ways, for example to advertise or for market research purposes. However, o2 emphasizes the advantages: For example, you can have customers make individually suitable offers or inform about new products.

If you don’t want that, you can Revoke declarations of consent to the use of data at any time. To do this, o2 customers use the “mein o2” portal or the mein-o2 app. The competitor Vodafone had recently incidents with partner shops, which is why Vodafone is currently taking action against several sales partners.