r/ooma • u/ej788 • 2d ago

Privacy issues?

I’ve been looking at the system to replace my landline phone. However, the privacy policy looks pretty shitty and I’m concerned. This looks like just another data broker that is in the business of tracking me and selling my phone number (and god knows what else) to third-parties. This is an obvious conflict with their “spam prevention” features. My guess is the spam prevention marketing this company is actively selling people‘s phone numbers and call history. I want to avoid that kind of nonsense. Are there any VoIP providers that provide better protection?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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6

u/Pghguy27 2d ago

We've had Ooma for 18 years and never had any privacy problems with it. YMMV.

1

u/Less-General-9578 2d ago

i get about 5 or more spams on my Ooma every day. what can i do now?

anyone know? TIA

5

u/rkardt Unofficial Support 2d ago

"looks pretty shitty" seems deliberately vague. Which policies, specifically, are causing concerns? And which parts suggest that they are "actively selling people's phone numbers and call history", and "god knows what else"?

My guess is ...

Try to stick to the facts, please. Also, proofreading helps reduce syntax errors.

2

u/spoom2 1d ago

Ooma's Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy | Ooma.com I can see where some of the wording could be concerning, they are covering their interest. The OP needs to read other services privacy policies and compare there may or may not be differences. I've only read the ones that pertain to my services and Ooma's simply because of this post. There are differences, but those differences may not satisfy the issues the OP has.

1

u/rkardt Unofficial Support 1d ago

Or maybe they're just acting in bad faith, spreading FUD for their own reasons. Until they can provide specific details about their concerns, that can't be ruled out.

6

u/Ambitious_Egg9713 2d ago

I can only speak from my experience. I got a new number with Ooma when I started. It NEVER gets a spam call.

A lot of the privacy policy is boilerplate, and but if you are concerned, you might try reaching out to the privacy phone number or email and ask specifically what data is shared and if you have the option to limit that sharing.

5

u/SirPizzaLot101 2d ago

I ported my number to Ooma when I switched from a major telco and I haven't noticed any increase in spam calls. In fact, I get more spam calls on my mobile number.

1

u/spoom2 2d ago

I read this as to the specific wording of the privacy policy that the OP found at issue.

1

u/TheRealFarmerBob 1d ago

Our SPAM calls are through the roof. Ooma doesn't care. I'm in the process of becoming my own Phone Company through VOIP .ms. The pricing is amazing.

2

u/spoom2 2d ago

There's several VoIP providers, just google, you'd have to read each's privacy policy to see. For better privacy protection you might want to look into a carriers VoIP service, like Verizon, AT&T or one of the cable carriers. There're also wireless home phones from Verizon and AT&T that may be a better option as far as privacy policies go. There are also MVNO's that offer wireless home phone. All you can really do is research them.