Information drives our economy. Most businesses collect and use personal information every day, and make privacy promises while doing so. Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission recently found that most corporate privacy policies are “incomprehensible,” and that “consumers typically do not read, let alone understand” these privacy disclosures. The FTC has entered into multiple consent orders with companies over alleged failures to make proper privacy disclosures. Some of these consent orders can remain in effect for as long as 20 years.
Meanwhile, consumer advocates complain that privacy policies are too long to read, and yet fail to convey important information. The class action plaintiffs bar has also targeted dozens of companies for alleged failure to communicate what information they collect and why. How can your company be sure it and its partners are sending clear messages about privacy and getting truly informed consent?
