Forum Discussion

SmithPad's avatar
SmithPad
New Contributor
7 years ago

Browser alerts...privacy issue

Hello:

I am receiving browser alerts from Cox about my bandwidth usage. They are correct and accurate, and I am well aware of how they work and why Cox does them. I have read the Cox notice about the alerts, here:

https://www.cox.com/residential/support/about-cox-browser-alerts.html

The problem is that the browser alerts appear on ALL machines that are on my network. I don't just get the alert, my children do, my guests do when they're on my wi-fi...it even pops up when I'm using Windows on my TV!

I REALLY REALLY REALLY need a way to disable these alerts, because they are a violation of my privacy in that they are notifying my friends and family of the activity on my account. I would feel the same way if it was a virus notification, but I haven't seen any of those yet.

Is there any way I can disable the alerts? If not, I will be leaving for AT&T, because the price is comparable, and they are less invasive.

3 Replies

  • ChrisL's avatar
    ChrisL
    Former Moderator
    7 years ago
    @SmithPad

    At this this these alert cannot be disabled. This is to ensure that important information can be communicated to the customer when necessary. These alerts will never contain private or otherwise sensitive information about the account.

    -Chris
    • SmithPad's avatar
      SmithPad
      New Contributor
      7 years ago

      Incorrect. You ARE disclosing private information. The fact that I am using lots of bandwidth or may have a virus IS private information, and it's being disclosed to friends and family. Why can't you just text me? I already receive the emails, so I already know all I need to know. You don't need to freak out my guests too. It's like having someone ring the doorbell to announce to all the occupants of my house exactly how I'm using my internet.

      This is very disappointing. You claim to be performing a service, but you are damaging my social situation.

      It's time for the tech blogs to get the word out. This is not professional, and I hope you can pass this on to administration, as I will not be remaining a customer of Cox while I risk being embarrassed by you.

      • MariaL's avatar
        MariaL
        Moderator
        7 years ago
        Hi SmithPad,

        Cox uses browser alerts to inform customers about important service-impacting information. Relating to Data Usage, Cox attempts to notify through a Cox Browser alert when 85%, 100%, and 125% of your data plan has been used. Cox does not disclose personal information such as full name, PIN number, last 4 of SSN, account number, email address, etc. We are unable to disable these browser alerts; however, I will certainly share your feedback with management.

        Maria L.
        Cox Support Forum Moderator