January 2006 : Volume 10 : Number 1 : newsletter@truste.org


TRUSTe’s Executive Director Looks Back at 2005 -- and Ahead at 2006
by Fran Maier

The past year saw TRUSTe building new products and improving existing ones. For Fran Maier, highlights from the past 12 months include launching the Email Privacy Seal program, developing a way for organizations to apply for TRUSTe seals online, hosting the first-ever “Phish Fry” event, and setting new records for membership. And that’s not all. More...





2006 State Legislative Outlook
by Emily Hackett

Over the past few years, state legislatures have emerged as the crucible for laws ensuring the privacy and security of consumer data. This year promises to be no exception. The executive director of the Internet Alliance gives a quick overview of the leading Internet and e-commerce issues to be debated in state legislatures this year, including data security breaches, phishing, violent video games, and upcoming technologies such as VoIP and RFID. More...





AppLabs Chosen as Software Testing Partner for TRUSTe’s Trusted Download Program

TRUSTe just announced that it has chosen AppLabs Technologies to test the technical operation of applicants to TRUSTe’s new Trusted Download program. The program, which begins beta testing early this year, promotes ethical behavior among downloadable-software makers by publishing a “whitelist” of certified applications. AppLabs will be responsible for vetting potential sealholders’ software for the whitelist to make sure it doesn’t exhibit the most pernicious characteristics of unwelcome, hard-to-remove spyware. More...





Consumers and Businesses Give TRUSTe’s Watchdog Process High Marks

The online Watchdog Dispute Resolution Form allows consumers to report violations of posted privacy statements and specific privacy concerns pertaining to TRUSTe member Web sites. Over the past two years, TRUSTe has asked sealholders and consumers who have gone through the Watchdog process to complete an internal survey about their experiences. The results are in: 70 percent of consumers and businesses stated that they are highly satisfied with both the Watchdog form and the resolution process. More...





EPIC Year in Review

At the end of December, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a public-interest research center based in Washington, D.C., devoted its e-newsletter to the topic of “Top Ten Privacy Stories of 2005.” The stories cover such controversial topics as the renewal of the Patriot Act, RFID issues, and voter privacy. EPIC also presents its predictions for the top ten stories that will attract media attention in the coming year. More...




Tip: Make sure TRUSTe has the most up-to-date contact information for your company.
by Sallie Greene

Since the relationship between your company and your TRUSTe account manager is the first level of support you receive as a sealholder, it is important to keep our records up to date reflecting the current status of your operation. More...




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TRUSTe is an independent, nonprofit organization that administers the Internet's first and largest privacy seal program.

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Email: privacyseals@truste.org
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The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributing authors. TRUSTe presents these views as a service to our members, and does not necessarily share or endorse these views.




 


Find even more conferences and workshops on TRUSTe’s events page.

Anti-Spyware Coalition Public Workshop
Date: February 9, 2006
Location: Washington, D.C.

The Anti-Spyware Coalition is holding its first public meeting to discuss the evolution of the spyware problem and its affects on privacy, financial security, corporate responsibility, and productivity. Tickets are $250. However, representatives of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the press may register for free. More . . .

2005 “Most Trusted Company for Privacy” Award Reception
Date: March 7, 2006
Location: Washington, D.C.

TRUSTe will be recognizing the winner of its second annual Most Trusted Company for Privacy Award on Capitol Hill. The award matches consumer experience and perceptions of trust with expert insight into nominated companies’ active privacy initiatives. For more information, contact Carolyn Hodge at chodge@truste.org.

IAPP National Summit
Date: March 8-10, 2006
Location: Washington, D.C.

The International Association of Privacy Professionals’ National Summit will feature plenary sessions presented by internationally recognized leaders in the field and industry tracks focusing on ID theft, genetic privacy, data security, and international privacy. TRUSTe members receive the IAPP member rate. More . . .

KnowledgeNets

TRUSTe-IAPP KnowledgeNet events are free local networking luncheons open to all TRUSTe sealholders and IAPP members. The spring schedule is currently being planned, with first-time events taking place in Miami/South Florida, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong. To check on event dates, times, locations, and speakers as they are released, visit TRUSTe¹s events page!




TRUSTe would like to congratulate the following new members on successfully completing our certification process:

All Breakers
Baruch Gutwein Diamonds
Bonanza Sports
Crafta
Dial Up
Direct Lending Solutions
DNA Direct
Exlcom
Ez Web Shopping
FacultyOutcomes.com
ForKidsSafety
Gaiam
Genealogy Today
InkjetCartridge.com
Mitamins
Modern Bathrooms
namesarecheap.com
NetBridge Investments
P4 Healthcare
Passado
Platinum Server Management
Search Chips
Siebel Systems
Smokey Software
Sweet in Touch Company
Tell-A-Pal
TitleInsurance.com
Two Oars
UNYK

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