TRUSTe, Ponemon Institute Name Most Trusted Companies for Privacy in 2007

TRUSTe, in conjunction with the Ponemon Institute, named HP, Intuit Inc. and AOL as the Most Trusted Companies for Privacy for 2007. The winners were announced on January 29 in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Internet Caucus faculty reception.

The designations were the result of a two-stage survey to gauge the privacy policies and practices of over 200 companies. The 20 companies rated most trusted in an unaided consumer survey moved on to the expert review where policies, practices and execution were tested for consistent care with regard to privacy issues. The expert review included an evaluation of policies and practices as well as interaction with support staff.

The companies were judged by rigorous criteria, which included the clarity and readability of privacy statements and notice, account information access and the ability to make changes, cookie practices, in-network and out-of-network data sharing practices, choice, regulation, infrastructure and customer service, among others. HP, Intuit and AOL consistently met or exceeded expectations on all fourteen criteria.

"As Internet users interact with each other, use content and view advertising in new ways across multiple platforms, we believe it's important for companies to step up and provide transparency and control to ensure consumers' trust," said Jules Polonetsky, CIPP, Chief Privacy Officer, AOL. "We are honored to be recognized by TRUSTe for our continued efforts to protect consumers on the Internet."