Why Privacy Matters in a Difficult Economy

As the economic downturn sets in, the time to create long-term, trusting relationships with current and new customers is among us. In a tough economy some players may be tempted to take less-than-ethical approaches to increasing sales – make trust a key differentiator between you and the competition.

TRUSTe helps online businesses engender consumer trust that will be imperative in customer retention and acquisition in coming months. Show consumers that how you conduct business is fair and transparent with TRUSTe.

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New State Laws Require Businesses to Ramp Up Security

This October a Nevada law took effect requiring all businesses, from large to small, to encrypt personally identifiable customer information that is transmitted electronically. Nevada is the first of several states adopting new laws that will force businesses to revamp the way they protect customer data.

The new patchwork of regulations is something many businesses will have to navigate since such laws not only affect businesses based in those states, but also any out-of-state company who transacts with the residents of those states.

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Tip: EU Safe Harbor Seal Requirements

EU Certification signals to consumers and regulators around the globe of your compliance with the EU Safe Harbor Framework - a requirement when transmitting personal data belonging to EU citizens. TRUSTe’s EU Safe Harbor Seal Program is the ultimate solution to expand your global presence. Here are some tips when getting started:

1. Be aware and familiar with the EU Safe Harbor Privacy Principles;
2. Know the details of your internal procedures for implementing your privacy practices;
3. Compliance with EU Safe Harbor Framework is required to be disclosed in your privacy statement;
4. Provide reasonable, appropriate, simple and effective means for users to submit complaints and express concerns regarding privacy practices;
5. Implement a “Review” process to handle concerns about legitimacy of privacy statement against actual privacy practices.