Private policy review
I have never read a privacy policy before this assignment. I perused several options before selecting one to review. They all started out with a statement about how much they respect the privacy of the users on their site.
This is a response to the privacy policy adopted by the WebMediaBrands, Inc., which includes SocialTimes.com. The privacy policy informs users of personal data collection and use practices on all WEBM Network owned Web pages, newsletters, discussion forums and lists. Users accept the terms of the privacy policy through participation on WEMB Network owned entities.
Practices that benefit the user
The privacy policy informs users of the general purpose of a computer internet protocol (IP) address, HTTP cookies and web bugs. The IP address is automatically recognized by Web servers once visiting a WEMB Network Web site. Cookies are used only to identify which areas of WEBM's Network a user visits or has customized. WEBM Web servers does not automatically gather credit card information and e-mail addresses of the users nor collect data targeting specific individuals through the use of web bugs.
WEBM Web sites utilize a shopping cart feature that safeguards information by using industry standard transport layer security (TLS) encrypted servers. TLS codes the information transferred between the user and the server, rendering it unreadable to those attempting to intercept the information.
Information collected by WEBM is only used to:
- Examine traffic of aggregate data
- Maintain your account within discussion forums
- Investigate, protect and defend the rights or property of the WEBM Network of sites due to misuse
- Cooperate with the investigations of unlawful activities by identifying persons who may be violating the law
Practices that put the user at risk
By setting your browser not to accept cookies, you limit the features to areas of WEBM Web sites. In order to view and use the Web sites as intended, you are forced to accept cookies. Third party service providers and advertisers use web bugs to track personal information from cookies that may have been previously placed on a user's computer.
Third party providers may gather your name, e-mail address, mailing address, credit card number and expiration date when a user:
- Purchase a product or service
- Register for events on the WEBM Network
- Sign up for a WEBM e-mail newsletter
The WEBM Network contains hyperlinks to third party and advertiser’s Web sites. The WEBM privacy practices does not apply to such sites. Plus, if the WEBM Network sells a company, asset or if any of the companies are acquired by another company the user’s information may be transferred to the new party without notification.
Protection starts with the user
As I read the privacy policy statement, I noticed contradictions in the use of information gathered by the WEBM Network. For example, it starts stating that WEBM “only uses your IP address and personal information for internal use” but later reads “may share IP addresses and personal information with third parties.” WEBM maintains a no-spam policy agreeing not to sell, rent, or otherwise give your e-mail address to a third-party, without your consent. There are other inconsistencies protected by the phrase, “except as stated elsewhere within this privacy policy.”
Ultimately, you are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your personal information when online. By sharing your personal information through e-mail, discussion lists, or elsewhere, you are putting that data at risk to be collected and used by others.
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