Mobile App Privacy Violations Bring Lawsuits

California Sues Delta Airlines
The California Attorney General’s Office filed their first lawsuit, enforcing the California Online Privacy Protection Act, on December 6, 2012. California sued Delta Airlines for failure to comply with California privacy law. The company allegedly failed to post a privacy policy within their mobile app, according to PC World. Why privacy is different on mobile devices: Smartphone Privacy: Protecting Consumers

Cal OPPA Includes a $2,500 Fine Per Download
The California Online Privacy Protection Act (Cal OPPA) requires commercial operators of websites and online services, which collect personally identifiable information (PII) from California citizens to conspicuously post a privacy policy. The mobile privacy policy should notify users what PII is collected and how it is used. The penalty for non-compliance is a $2,500 fine PER DOWNLOAD. No matter where your company is located, the law applies if a Californian uses your app or website.

Mobile Privacy Policy Requirements
Website privacy policies are not enough to protect citizen’s privacy when they use mobile devices for access. For example, Delta Airlines mobile app, Fly Delta, collects user’s name, telephone number, email address, frequent flyer number, and pin code—just like their website. However, the mobile app also collects photographs and geo-location, information not typically covered in a website privacy policy. See How Mobile Certification Protects Privacy and Your Business

Get Ready for Mobile App Privacy Enforcement
Mobile app certification from a third party privacy expert ensures that your mobile privacy disclosures and privacy practices comply with evolving privacy laws and best practices.

•	Conspicuously display your privacy policy on the first page of your app or link to it using the word “privacy”.

•	List the information collected, how it will be used, and how a user may review or request changes to their PII.

•	Describe how users will be notified of changes to the privacy policy and the effective date.

Learn more: How to Create a Mobile App Privacy Policy

TRUSTe Mobile Privacy Policy Solution
Some of the most well-known brands with mobile apps and websites rely on TRUSTe to certify their privacy policies and communicate that verification to users with the TRUSTe seal.

To learn more about TRUSTe Mobile Privacy Certification: Download TRUSTe Mobile Privacy Certification Datasheet:

Or, speak with a TRUSTe Mobile App Privacy Expert: 1-888-878-7830