Posted by: Bob Quinn on September 22, 2010 at 1:05 pm
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that I usually write about issues concerning the reclassification of broadband and comic strips. Well, now you can throw privacy issues into the mix since I recently took on the role of AT&T’s Chief Privacy Officer. Dorothy Attwood is moving on to a new challenge and has left some big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing the great work she has done in this area. Protecting consumers’ privacy is a top priority for AT&T and I am personally committed to building on the company’s leadership in this area.
As I kick off my new gig, I thought I’d highlight a new (and pretty cool) initiative we recently launched that helps to not only educate consumers about how their online data is gathered but also how they can better control its use.
As the Internet is constantly evolving, so too are the tools we use to protect consumers’ privacy online. Last week, AT&T became one of the first major advertisers to put the new symbol indicating interest-based advertising on its ads. The symbol, the “power i,” is part of the AdChoices tool and was developed in response to calls for greater transparency regarding interest-based advertising.
The goal is that, one day, all interest-based online ads will be labeled with the same “power i” in order to give consumers a consistent way to recognize interest-based ads. Clicking on the symbol will give consumers the opportunity to learn more about how companies gather and use their browsing information for targeted online advertising purposes and how consumers can opt-out of allowing such use.
The AdChoices tool offers increased consumer control, more transparency and the ability to better customize the Web experience. We’re proud to be an industry leader and early adopter of this exciting technology.
Here’s an example of how AdChoices has been integrated into online ads. And here’s what a consumer will see by clicking on the AdChoices icon in the upper right corner of the ad:
This ad was delivered by [ad sales company] on behalf of AT&T. It was
automatically matched to your computer’s browsing activity. AT&T is committed
to providing you with transparency and control over the types of advertising you
see from us; please access the links below for more information and opt-out
options.
The AdChoices menu also provides links to information on interest-based advertising, opt-out options and frequently asked questions about AT&T’s privacy policies. These and other links clearly detail what happens with a person’s data and what happens if someone chooses to opt out.
Pretty nifty, huh?
This is just one example of how we’re working with our partners, advertisers and consumers to ensure strong privacy protections. Last year, we implemented an updated privacy policy that clearly articulated all aspects of AT&T’s activities and interactions with our customers. Protecting consumers’ privacy is not only a business imperative; it’s the right thing to do.
So, I look forward to weighing in here regularly on privacy issues and putting the spotlight on the many exciting things we have in the pipeline to constantly improve the online experience for consumers. Oh, and don’t worry – I’ll still be chiming in on all things net neutrality too.
