Internet Privacy

Obtaining a Trustmark

Obtaining a trustmark to display on a Web site involves several steps. The first step is the creation of a privacy statement and submission of a copy of the statement along with an application to TRUSTe. Next, the organization must read TRUSTe's license agreement and sign the two copies. TRUSTe then reviews the application, and if approved, signs both license agreements and returns them to the submitting organization. Finally, TRUSTe determines an annual fee based on the company's annual revenue and grants permission to display a trustmark on the company's Web site.

TRUSTe recognizes that when it comes to privacy, children under the age of 13 have special needs. Young children often do not comprehend the consequences of giving out personally identifiable information. Therefore, a Web site displaying the TRUSTe's Children's Seal is committed to obtaining prior parental consent when and if information will be collected, as well as giving parental notice of how that information will be used.

Organizations that join the TRUSTe online seal program are leading the way in building a Web site users can trust, where users can exchange information and conduct transactions, and where Web sites can thrive and become profitable. Its members believe that creating an environment of mutual trust and openness will help keep the Internet a free, comfortable, and diverse community for everyone. TRUSTe's goal is to give online consumers control over their personal information; provide Web site operators a standardized, cost-effective solution for addressing consumer anxiety about privacy issues while achieving their own business objectives; and demonstrate to government regulators that the industry can successfully regulate itself.