Privacy: How is data that passes through widget treated?

[cogg]

The AB widget asks for a user's username/pw and access all of their contacts. I really like the functionality, but am concerned about what may be done with the data.

I couldn't figure out from the privacy policy / TOS any guarantees on how this will be treated. There are multiple parties involved me (website), Plaxo and the user using the widget.

Can anyone point me the right direction? I am assuming based on comments I have seen elsewhere that Plaxo's policy is to not retain any of the information, but I haven't seen that supported in the legal language.

Thanks,

Craig

[kas]

Hi Craig,

The widget is covered by the terms of service found at www.plaxo.com/tos_widget.

Any information processed through Plaxo will be used in according with our privacy practices described in our privacy policy www.plaxo.com/privacy . These practices also apply to information processed through the Plaxo network through the Plaxo API and Address Book Widget. Plaxo will not sell, exchange, or otherwise share information with 3rd parties, unless required by law or in accordance with the user's instructions. We may share aggregated anonymous demographic information with our business partners but no such information can be linked directly to any personally identifiable information.

Let me know if you have more questions on this.

Best,

Kathy

[cogg]

I have reviewed the widget TOS and the privacy policy are not comforting regarding my concerns.

I am not worried about Plaxo selling the information to a third party, I am concerned about Plaxo will do directly with the our customer's address book data, personal information and email address.

As far as I can tell, the agreements and privacy policies are silent on this point.

The Privacy Policy talks about "Plaxo Members—Your Information," but it appears one of our customers would not be considered a Plaxo Member under the definitions. Even if they are then "[Plaxo] may use Your Account Information: [...] To provide you with information about Plaxo products, services, news and events through the Software, the Site or e-mail" (where "Your Account Information" would refer to our customer's email address).

The widget is really well executed and I would love to use it, but need to make sure we are complying with our own policies.

Thanks,

Craig

[kas]

Hi Craig,

I see your point that the privacy policy doesn't explicitly discuss non-members - the intent is that we would treat non-members similarly to members. I'll talk to our privacy officer about updating the language so that it's more clear about the widget.

Kathy

[cogg]

Kathy,

Any ETA on this? If this is not likely to happen quickly, I need to pursue another solution.

Thanks,

Craig

[kas]

Hi Cogg -

All I can tell you is that it is being discussed. We're not to where I have an ETA for a new doc. Sorry I don't have more specifics for you yet.

Kathy