Authorities Order Google to Surrender YouTube Records

Few people are aware of the consequential data trail left behind by simply browsing the Internet, and those who are aware typically trust that sufficient precautions are taken by ISPs and Web sites to protect such sensitive data. But what happens when a Web site's user records become evidence in a legal case?

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Louis L. Stanton of New York granted Viacom full access to the YouTube data logs after Viacom and other entities claimed the files could be used to support their copyright case against the video site. Unlike cases in the past which have generally targeted files belonging to select individuals, Viacom has obtained access to the entire YouTube data storehouse to glean evidence against Google, Inc.

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MMA Releases Global Mobile Marketing Guidelines

On Tuesday July 15, 2008 the Mobile Marketing Association released a set of worldwide privacy guidelines to help broaden the scope of previous rules and through such standardization, help open up the gates for increased marketing across international borders. Members of the MMA hope that the below guidelines will provide the clarity needed to deter bad practices.

The code includes guidelines in the following five categories:

1) Providing adequate notice: Informing users of the marketer's identity or products and services offered and the key terms and conditions.

2) Respecting user choice and consent: Obtaining opt-in consent for mobile messages and implementing a simple opt-out process.

3) Ensuring customization and constraint: Handling customer data responsibly and using it for the purpose of serving relevant and valuable services.

4) Taking sufficient security means to protect consumer data.

5) Members are expected to self-regulate in accordance to the MMA Privacy Code of Conduct.

The MMA Privacy Code of Conduct is a step toward building a mobile marketplace that is secure, requests opt-in consent, is fully transparent, and controlled by user-choice.

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Tip: How to Treat Testimonial PII Respectfully

Many TRUSTe certified Web sites use customer testimonials to add credibility to their business and to fortify their marketing messages. Testimonials can be valuable tools in the context of professional services because they are the next best thing to a direct referral.

When sealholders post testimonials along with the full name of the person providing the testimonial on their Web site, TRUSTe encourages sealholders to:

1) Obtain consent prior to posting personally identifiable information along with the testimonial.

2) Disclose in their privacy policy that the Web site does obtain consent prior to posting personally identifiable information along with the testimonial.

3) Provide a mechanism for the person to request the testimonial be removed from the Web site. This can simply be an email address the person can write to.

Read more tech-tips from our archive.

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