In the past seven months, TRUSTe has recorded 14.9 percent growth in revenue from Privacy Seal certifications, compared to the same period last year. Since January 1, 2006, we have certified a record 107 Web sites, including leading brands such as Siebel Systems, Gaiam, and NASDAQ. These new sealholders join more than 2,000 organizations already committed to building consumer trust online through participation in the TRUSTe Privacy Seal program.

New members report strong value from the seal. To earn TRUSTe certification, email service provider BigString Corporation -- which previously had no posted privacy policy -- developed a comprehensive privacy statement that clearly communicates the organization’s practices to customers.

The policy has proven effective. Before becoming certified, BigString estimated that questions about how it stored and used personal information comprised 5 to 10 percent of its customer support emails. In two months since BigString posted the privacy statement and the TRUSTe seal, it has not received another such query. “Thanks to the TRUSTe privacy certification program, BigString Web sites now effectively communicate our responsible privacy practices to customers,” said Adam Kotkin, chief operating officer.

Jamie Cheng, cofounder of Helium Report, an independent resource guide that assists affluent families in making high-value purchase decisions, said, “The TRUSTe seal is the gold standard in demonstrating trust to our discerning customers. TRUSTe’s expertise and high level of personal attention made the certification process both simple and effective.”

For the complete list of the 107 new sealholders, visit the TRUSTe Web site.

 

AppLabs Technologies