FTC Proposes “Nutrition Label” for Privacy Policies

During the annual Wired for Change privacy conference in New York, the FTC and fellow panel members discussed ways to improve privacy policies to fit not only traditional websites, but also mobile-based websites and applications. The FTC proposed a “nutrition label” type privacy policy for companies that will be shorter and more readable than many traditional privacy policies found on websites. The FTC is trying to offer support and guidance in the ever-evolving industries rather than binding rules. Identifying the essential terms that should go into a privacy policy creates clarity for the consumer and the business owner.

Panelists also focused on redesigns of website privacy policies that emphasize visual clarity and maximize user experience. Short notices for mobile users were featured. These notices represented a succinct privacy policy with expandable sections for various topics such as collection and use of data, sharing of information, security, and contact information.

The FTC has been working with mobile app providers to effectively establish a nationwide standard for app privacy policies. Other topics of focus during the conference were the type of information included in privacy policies for websites targeted to children and ways to provide a shortcut to inform parents of the information gathered through these websites.

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