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Data Privacy Links
European Union Data Protection Resources:
- European Commission’s Data Protection Documents
- Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data
- European Data Protection Authorities Panel
- Data Protection Panel Standard Complaint Form
Please note that the contact information relevant to the submission of the standard complaint form is as follows (n.b. the contact information in the form has yet to be updated): Commission européenne, Directorate General Justice, Directorate C (Fundamental Rights and Union Citizenship) of the European Commission, Data Protection Panel, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium, Telephone: (32-2) 299 11 11, Fax: (32-2) 298.80.94, email: ec-dppanel-secr@ec.europa.eu
Swiss Data Protection Resources:
Codes of Conduct/Privacy Frameworks:
OPA has developed guidelines for creating an effective privacy policy, establishing enforcement mechanisms, and protecting children's privacy online. The alliance is comprised of more than 40 global corporations and associations.
Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)
NAI is an association of advertising networks, data exchanges, and marketing analytics services providers engaged in "online profiling". NAI sets forth self-regulatory principles for online advertisers to protect consumers' privacy while engaging in online advertising.
Global Business Dialogue on e-Society (GBDe)
GBDe is a worldwide, CEO-led, business initiative, established in January 1999 to assist the development of a global policy framework for the emerging online economy. GBDe supports, in cooperation with consumer groups, the development of an international system of online business-to-consumer ADR. It has developed personal data protection guidelines and is currently involved in fostering the growth of a global network of trustmark service providers.
The Assurance Services Executive Committee (ASEC) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Assurance Services Development Board (ASDB) of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) have issued an exposure draft of a proposed Privacy Framework. The proposed Framework provides criteria and related material for protecting the privacy of personal information and can be used by certified public accountants (CPAs) in the United States and chartered accountants (CAs) in Canada, both in industry and in public practice, to guide and assist the organizations they serve in implementing privacy programs.
Privacy Policy Generator Tools:
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Electronic commerce is a central element in the OECD's vision of the potential that the networked world holds for sustainable economic growth, more and better jobs, expanding world trade, and improved social conditions.
Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
This tool has been developed to help marketers create policies that are consistent with The DMA's Privacy Principles for Online Marketing.
Privacy "Seal" Programs (Verification + Third-Party Dispute Resolution):
TRUSTe is an internet privacy services provider whose mission is to build users' trust and confidence on the Internet and, in doing so, accelerate growth of the Internet industry. TRUSTe's professional services include site reputation management, trust seals, privacy policy generation, vendor evaluation, and consumer privacy dispute resolution. TRUSTe’s EU Safe Harbor Seal Program provides a company with assistance in preparing to self-certify to Safe Harbor (e.g. developing a privacy policy based on the Safe Harbor Privacy Principles), a letter of verification, third-party dispute resolution mechanism, and a distinctive seal for use on the company’s website.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
The DMA is the largest trade association for businesses interested in interactive and database marketing. Companies displaying The DMA Member mark have committed to the association's Privacy Promise, which is an assurance to consumers that U.S. marketers who are DMA members will use personal information in a manner that respects consumers' wishes. The DMA Safe Harbor Program, which is only available to DMA members, provides a participating member with assistance in preparing to self-certify to Safe Harbor (e.g. developing a privacy policy based on the Safe Harbor Privacy Principles), third-party dispute resolution mechanism, and a distinctive mark for use on the member’s website.
The WebTrust program is a set of e-commerce standards comprised of prevailing best practices and requirements from around the world; an independent verification that a site meets the standards; and a web trust seal.
SquareTrade is the largest independent warranty provider. SquareTrade's mission is to build trust in transactions and to create a better online trading experience. Through its online merchant verification and dispute resolution services, SquareTrade aims to help buyers identify trustworthy sellers they can buy from safely, as well as help good sellers show buyers that they can be trusted.
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
ESRB Privacy Online addresses consumers' concerns regarding privacy by requiring Web publishers to develop and implement privacy policies and practices for their websites.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (Third-Party Dispute Resolution Only):
In addition to the "seal" programs listed above, the following organizations provide dispute resolution services for their members/clients:
The Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) created the BBB EU Safe Harbor Dispute Resolution Program to provide businesses with a forum in which to resolve privacy disputes with EU citizens. Ordinary BBB accreditation does not include EU Safe Harbor dispute resolution. The BBB EU Safe Harbor Program operates exclusively as a dispute resolution mechanism and does not offer verification services. This program does provide a participating business with guidance on preparing to self-certify to Safe Harbor, including on developing a privacy policy based on the Safe Harbor Privacy Principles. No seal or mark is offered for use on a website to demonstrate participation in the BBB EU Safe Harbor Program (i.e. in contrast to the accredited business seal, which a BBB-accredited business may use in accordance with the BBB accreditation agreement).
American Arbitration Association
The American Arbitration Association is available to resolve a range of disputes through mediation, arbitration, elections and other out-of-court settlement procedures. The American Arbitration Association assists in the design of ADR systems for corporations, unions, government agencies, law firms, and the courts.
JAMS provides dispute resolution services to its clients and to local, national, and global communities. JAMS' neutrals include respected mediators, arbitrators, private judges, facilitators, special masters (or referees), and neutral advisors.
Privacy Protection Training/Awareness:
Provides public information on privacy compliance initiatives and safeguards.
ISP organization that educates parents on tools and measures to protect their children's privacy and security online.
Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)
The CDT is a non-profit public interest organization working to keep the Internet open, innovative, and free. As a civil liberties group with expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT works to enhance free expression and privacy in communications technologies by finding practical and innovative solutions to public policy challenges while protecting civil liberties.
Econsumer.gov was created in response to the challenges of multinational Internet fraud and aims to enhance consumer protection and consumer confidence in e-commerce by allowing consumers to lodge cross-border complaints, and to try to resolve their complaints through means other than formal legal action.
ITA Website Endorsement Policy
Links to websites outside the U.S. Federal Government, or the use of trade, firm or corporation names with the International Trade Administration websites, are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the U.S. Commerce Department of any private sector website, product or service.
