Tips for Choosing a Website Privacy Certification Provider

New concerns about consumer privacy and powerful tracking and data collection technologies are changing online privacy standards and laws. Website privacy certification is much more than a seal of approval. It is an ongoing practice of web privacy that reduces risk for your business and improves the online experience for customers.

Choosing the right provider makes all the difference. What to look for in a website privacy partner:

A complete review of online privacy practices, policies, and technologies
Request a copy of the provider’s risk analysis report to determine if they address all potential privacy risks with easy to understand reporting. Look for review and recommendations based on:

•	The technology you use and trackers deployed on your website.

•	Where you do business and who your customers are.

•	The type of information you collect, how long you keep it and what you do with it.

An expert on privacy laws, industry trends, and best practices
Your website certification provider should be leaders in online privacy and experts in the following privacy laws and standards:

•	Children’s Online Privacy Act (COPA) requires verifiable consent from a parent before collecting information from a child under 13 years old.

•	The EU Safe Harbor Framework requires third party resolution services and has strict data retention policies.

•	The EU Cookie Directive requires prior consent before directing EU citizens to a web page with cookies or other tracking technologies.

•	The Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) has developed guidelines for a self-regulatory program for online behavioral advertising.

•	The privacy policy requirements of the California Online Privacy Protection Act now apply to mobile apps and mobile websites.

A process for monitoring your website for privacy compliance
Innovations in tracking technology and analytics help nurture leads, customize online experiences, and extend your reach to new form factors. Your website certification provider should use a quality website tracking audit to identify trackers, their source, purposes, and the privacy risk level.

A quality, proven dispute resolution service
Website certification validation and a dispute resolution service help you quickly address issues before a negative experience goes viral. Third-party privacy dispute resolution is a requirement for U.S. companies that need to comply with EU privacy law. A security expert with a trusted reputation helps protect your business, your customers and your brand by holding you accountable to your promises.

A trust seal that website users recognize and trust
A trustmark or seal from a credible third party shows that your privacy policy and practices have been certified by security experts. Customers choose to do business with companies they trust.

Over 20 million consumers click on the TRUSTe seal every year, the leading provider of online privacy certification. Download the “TRUSTed Websites and EUSH sample findings report”: