AME Info joins TRUSTe Privacy Seal program

As people increasingly put their personal data online, there is an urgent need to protect it from hackers, identity thieves, and spammers. AME Info is the first news website in the Middle East to receive a Web Privacy Seal from TRUSTe, the leading organisation for online privacy, as part of its drive to protect user privacy.

The aim is to build users' trust and confidence in the internet by promoting the use of fair information practices, according to Klaus Lovgreen, CEO, AME Info.

"Internet data theft is a worldwide problem affecting both those who run websites and those who use them. With TRUSTe's Privacy Seal, we and our users can be assured that personal information is being protected to the highest standards," said Lovgreen.

The kind of information that many websites store on their members ranges from simple contact details, such as an email address, to exact geographic location, mailing address and phone numbers. Personal details may include full name, birth date, nationality, gender and marital status. For e-commerce websites, credit card numbers and bank details may even be retained.

All user data given to AME Info is done so voluntarily, and Lovgreen says the company is determined to honour this trust.

"Users can also manually request to be deleted from our database, in which case all information held about them will be permanently removed," he says.

AME Info also states clearly on its site exactly what kind of data it holds about its readers, and how this data is used, such as in cookies. It even cautions users about submitting personal information in user discussion forums.

The TRUSTe Privacy Seal is a consumer branded symbol that signifies a web site has posted a privacy statement and, moreover, that its web site information gathering and dissemination practices address the elements of notice, choice, access, security and redress outlined in the Federal Trade Commission's Fair Information Practices.

"By becoming a TRUSTe licensee, AME Info gives its customers a clear signal that it is trustworthy and respects the privacy wishes of the people who visit its web site," said Fran Maier, Executive Director and President of TRUSTe. "We are pleased to have AME Info as part of our distinguished roster of participants in the TRUSTe Privacy Seal program."

Specifically, TRUSTe's members agree to:

• Disclose their information gathering and dissemination practices

• Give consumers choice to limit any secondary uses of their personal information through opt-out

• Provide consumers with access to their personal information to correct any inaccuracies

• Ensure that reasonable security mechanisms are being used to protect the data that is collected

"We are pleased to join TRUSTe in fostering fair information practices online," concluded Lovgreen. "TRUSTe certification serves as a benchmark in our ongoing commitment to safeguard consumer privacy and security."