BBBonline: Understanding Privacy - Internet Security: Organizations

In a world where information can uncover new possibilities, being smart about privacy is essential for consumers and businesses alike. The Better Business Bureau believes that consumers must be able to choose how their personal information is used to better meet their everyday needs.

Here you can find some simple tips to keep your information private, both online and off. We also have a variety of tools and resources to help businesses become more knowledgeable about good privacy practices. The BBB is working hard to help build trust between consumers and businesses so that everyone can reap the rewards of today's information-driven economy.

Consumer Toolbox
The Information Age is, above all, a consumer’s paradise. Never before has so much specialized information been conveniently available at your fingertips to do things like compare products and prices, manage personal finances and follow your favorite sports teams.

It's a new world — with better products and services at better prices — but it’s also intimidating if you don’t know how to manage your personal information to get the best return. At the BBB, we believe a consumer has a right to make choices. Those choices include determining when to share information and with whom you should share. Informed choices are the best ones. The Consumer Toolbox arms you with the tools and tips you need to protect yourself and your family, and keep abreast of changes and updates in privacy policies, regulations and products.

Privacy Manager's Resource Center
As an organization, you are now able to reach out to your customers through a variety of media that benefit both the customer and you. But in this era of information gathering, consumer concerns have risen about the safety and security of personal information. What kind of information is out there? Who can access it? What might it be used for? Before individuals will share their personal information, they must be assured that you will use it accurately and responsibly. If you want a relationship with customers based on mutual trust and respect, you must proactively address these concerns.

The BBB has developed several tools and resources to help you in this effort. We suggest you start with Privacy Made Simple, a do-it-yourself guide for privacy management. Designed for the privacy manager, this guide will help you think through your organization's approach to privacy and show you the steps involved in managing privacy responsibly. There's something for everyone, regardless of knowledge level. We've also provided guidance in creating a privacy policy that's appropriate to your organization, and other information to help build a climate of trust with your customers.

Privacy Library
Information flow is at the heart of today’s economy, and information practices are at the heart of great debate, from boardrooms to focus groups to state capitals. As technology has grown, so has the concern from consumers regarding the collection and use of personal information as it relates to privacy. As a result, we have collected thoughtful, research-based data to contribute to the nation’s dialogue on privacy.

We’re also working with businesses, consumer groups and the government to find the best ideas and solutions regarding both online and off-line privacy. If we are to build a climate of trust between consumers and businesses, we think it is critical that a variety of views and ideas be heard.

The BBBOnLine Education Forum
The companies and organizations that compose BBBOnLine's Education Forum seek to provide consumers with increased knowledge and resources to help them make informed choices about online security and sharing their personal information. The Forum also intends to help businesses, both large and small - in all industries - develop and maintain good business practices in these same critical areas. These educational activities enhance the Better Business Bureau's BBBOnLine goal of promoting consumer trust and confidence in electronic commerce.