SSL Privacy Seal Program FAQ

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Privacy Seal Program FAQ Answered

For E-Business Web Sites

1.     What is the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program and Privacy Seal?

Guardian eCommerce is a trusted third party organization dedicated to online consumer protection while exposing valid, legit, and trustworthy Web sites. The Privacy Seal Program is nothing more than the official name for what Guardian eCommerce administers on a 24/7 basis. The Privacy Seal Program is what Guardian eCommerce administers through: Web site monitoring, Web site evaluation, Web site seal certification, and online consumer protection. The Privacy Seal Program is responsible for the daily, around-the-clock activities associated with maintaining harmony between Web sites and online consumers worldwide. The Privacy Seal is a site seal of approval or trust seal that is awarded to trustworthy Web sites that respect online privacy and e-commerce security.

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2.     What are the e-business benefits of the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program?

There are many proven e-business benefits for Privacy Seal Program site certification. The major e-business benefit revolves around the our proven concept: site credibility pays! This means many e-business Web sites can increase online sales substantially with Privacy Seal Program certification. In fact, in some cases, e-business member Web sites can increase online sales up to 250% just by displaying the Guardian eCommerce privacy seal. Another e-business benefit of Privacy Seal Program certification is that it's an extremely affordable e-business solution. See more Privacy Seal Program benefits.

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3.     What Web site qualifications are required for Privacy Seal certification?

Our Web site Privacy Seal Program site certification qualifications are outlined in our site requirements page. Web sites meeting most, but not all, of the site seal certification requirements may qualify for the 'safe site' seal status instead (for information Web sites, non-ecommerce sites only). For Web sites to qualify for the Privacy Seal Program site certification, Web sites must comply with the Guardian eCommerce site code of ethics, which addresses consumer online privacy and e-commerce security concerns. All privacy seal applicants must complete the online registration form to initiate the site certification process. We also offer a free Web site evaluation for Web sites that want to save time and quickly see if their Web site pre-qualifies for Privacy Seal Program site seal certification. Guardian eCommerce has also provided a quick 'how-to-register' guide for new Web site applicants. Generally, a Web site that is committed to online privacy, e-commerce security, and online consumer protection is one that will easily qualify for inclusion into the Privacy Seal Program.

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4.     Will Guardian eCommerce award site seal certification to adult or gambling Web sites?

The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is an e-business solution available to ANY Web site that can meet the Privacy Seal Program site seal certification requirements, regardless of Web site content. The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program will not discriminate against any Web site or e-business, provided it is free from illegal, violent, abusive, and/or racial content. There are many legitimate, consumer-safe, and responsible adult, gambling, and lottery sites on the Web, the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program exists to identify them.

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5.     How much does it cost for Privacy Seal Program site certification and are there discounts?

There is only ONE price charged for ALL Web site and e-business applicants. Currently, the regular price for Privacy Seal Program site certification is $39.99 USD, (but Guardian eCommerce has a limited time site seal certification offer of $19.99 USD). This will give member Web sites ONE YEAR active site seal certification status. By comparison to other site seal programs, Guardian eCommerce site seal certification pricing is very reasonable and gives Web sites far MORE benefits. It's also one of the MOST affordable e-business solutions in it's category. Discounts are offered to those Web site applicants seeking site seal certification for more than one Web site. In such cases, one of the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program administrators will contact multi-site applicants once initial site registration is received.

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6.     How long does the Privacy Seal Program site certification term last?

Web sites that have registered for site seal certification will get their Privacy Seal Program benefits and Privacy Seal active site seal status for ONE YEAR. (However, if the Web site registers for a two year term, then of course, their Privacy Seal Program site benefits and their active site seal status will expire after two years.

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7.     How long does the Web site evaluation take before my Web site is approved?

The Web site evaluation process will commence once a Web site or e-business applicant has registered for Privacy Seal Program site certification and has made proper payment. It takes no more than 8 business days to complete the Web site evaluation process and to issue the Privacy Seal Program active site seal. We execute countless Web site evaluations daily, but usually Web site evaluations are completed within 5 business days, (provided all Web site privacy seal certification requirements have been met).

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8.     Does Guardian eCommmerce work with other organizations or government agencies?

Guardian eCommerce provides a trusted third party site verification service. Our trusted third party site verification service is acknowledged by several entites. However, Guardian eCommerce is a totally independent organization, functioning as a private entity but a public advocate for online consumer protection. We are dedicated to online consumer protection and e-business site credibility, while exposing trustworthy Web sites, paving the way for a safe and secure Internet environment for all. Guardian eCommerce is connected internally to several authoritative and law enforcement agencies for the purposes of reporting Internet activities that endanger online consumers. We are currently creating alliances with these entities; all in the name of solidifying a collaborative effort in establishing an e-commerce experience that is safe, private, and secure for online consumers worldwide.

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9.     My Web site already has a site seal, why register for your Privacy Seal?

Guardian eCommerce does not necessarily suggest Web sites or e-business sites should participate in all similar site seal certification programs. The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program can only increase consumer confidence and Web site credibility, which in turn allows Web sites to increase online sales. In the end, it is up to the Web site or e-business owner to decide if added consumer assurance and site credibility are important. Web sites could never have too much online consumer assurance that it can be trusted, as for some online consumers, more assurance is better! In todays e-commerce environment, online consumers must feel totally confident and comfortable with EVERY aspect about the Web sites they visit before they consider conducting business with the site. Therefore, Guardian eCommerce recommends Privacy Seal Program site membership to gain maximum confidence from online consumers, and most of all, potential customers.

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10.     Do I need a privacy policy for my Web site?

Web sites do not necessarily need a privacy policy. No. But to gain trust and respect from Internet users, Web sites have to earn it. Guardian eCommerce strongly advises all Web sites to provide a privacy policy (or privacy statement). A Web site that provides open disclosure through it's privacy policy is one that can be trusted and is respected. E-business success will clearly depend upon whether or not it can be trusted, Web site success comes with site credibility... and that's a proven fact! Web sites should provide the respect for online privacy, e-commerce security, consumer protection, and trust. Web sites should treat customer personal information with privacy, security, and care. Web sites should utilize a privacy policy that gives users notice, choice, access, and security with regard to their personal information. Web sites should utilize a privacy policy which is based on fair information principles, taking appropriate measures to provide adequate security, and respecting customer preferences regarding unsolicited email. Currently, in most parts of the world, there is no law or legislation in place requiring Web sites to display a privacy policy. However, while governments are becoming increasingly aware of issues pertaining to online privacy, consumers are becoming increasingly sensitive to online privacy and surrendering personal information. Most online consumers know now that their personal information may be used for a purpose other than it was originally gathered for. Web site's are advised to provide open disclosure through a privacy policy which addresses personal information collection. Be assured that whether the law requires it or not, a Web site lacking a privacy policy or privacy statement that is easily accessible, can only have a negative impact on the Web site as a whole. Please Note: To become a Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program certified site, a privacy policy is mandatory.

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11.     My Web site has a privacy policy already, why should I still register my Web site?

A privacy policy only suggests to site visitors and potential customers that you may respect the online privacy of consumers. This is fine. However, studies have shown that by having a privacy policy alone does not necessarily make your Web site a trustworthy one? After all, any Web site can generate a privacy policy and post it? Today, online consumers need more. Online consumers want to engage in e-commerce with the confidence and assurance that the Web sites they visit can be trusted, and is credible enough to transact with. Therefore, a Web site's privacy policy is simply not enough. It's proven, utilizing non-objective trusted third party site verification, like the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program adds merit to the Web site's privacy policy, and site credibility for the Web site as a whole.

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12.     Why must I have a privacy policy in order to get a Privacy Seal?

Guardian eCommerce's primary objective is to protect online consumers while exposing trustworthy Web sites. As such, a primary requirement for Privacy Seal Program site seal certification is that applicant Web sites must have a valid privacy policy. Guardian eCommerce is a proponent of fair information principles, taking appropriate measures to provide adequate security, full and open disclosure, and respecting customer preferences regarding unsolicited email and online privacy. Guardian eCommerce will only certify Web sites respecting the online privacy of consumers.

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13.     How is your Privacy Seal Program different from other site seal certification programs?

The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is indeed different in several ways from other site seal certification programs available today. Some Web site certification programs may ONLY focus on and confirm a Web site's privacy policy existence, while others may ONLY check and confirm a Web site's business record. There is one site seal program on the Web that identifies ONLY Web sites by their consumer complaint track records. None of these site seal programs or third party site verification providers give real assurance online consumers require today to conduct business online! This is a proven fact!

On the other hand, the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program identifies trustworthy Web sites, providing maximum assurance to online consumers that our Privacy Seal member sites can be trusted. As further assurance, Guardian eCommerce also provides consumers with a consumer protection warranty, assuring consumers that Guardian eCommerce approved Web sites can be trusted. The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is the only trusted third party site certification program that provides an online consumer protection warranty on a 24/7 basis keeping online consumers truly protected! Currently, there are NO site seal certification providers that provide the same warranty.

Consider what online consumers believe to be the most important factors to them in terms of what is verified by a trusted third party like Guardian eCommerce. In todays e-commerce environment, online consumers must feel totally confident and comfortable with EVERY aspect of a Web site before they consider conducting business with the site. Therefore, some Web sites may want to consider getting certified by Guardian eCommerce to gain maximum confidence from online consumers, and most of all, potential customers! Other major differences between our Privacy Seal Program site certification and others are:

  • Guardian eCommerce charges fees based solely for the cost of operating this service and the Privacy Seal Program. The fee is the SAME for all Web site applicants regardless of annual sales or e-business size.
  • Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program site requirements are less restrictive in terms of which Web sites will be reviewed, verified, and approved. Meaning, some site seal certification programs do NOT approve of gambling or adult-related sites. Whereas the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program will register and approve any Web site, provided these sites conform 100% to our site requirements and e-commerce code of ethics.
  • The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program maximizes online consumer confidence by ensuring all aspects of online safety exist
  • The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program provides online consumer protection, and a one-of-a-kind consumer protection warranty.
  • Online consumers seeking Web site references from Guardian eCommerce will be referred to Privacy Seal Program member Web sites ONLY... which means additional quality traffic and our member e-business sites increase online sales
  • All member Web sites will be listed in our Safe Site Web directory
  • The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is the most affordable e-business solution, in its class.

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    14.     My Web site does not sell anything, should I still register my Web site?

    Our Privacy Seal Program helps to assure your site visitors or potential customers that the information you are providing on your Web site is reliable and comes from an honest source. Further, should you incorporate third party advertising on your Web site, your Web site's credibility is necessary if you want your Web site to be considered seriously. Our mission is to make the Web a safer place for online consumers worldwide, whether you are selling or merely providing informative content online.

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    15.     My Web site does not collect personal information, so why register my Web site?

    Whether you are collecting personal information or not, the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program increases the credibility and reputation of member Web sites. Again, studies have shown that a vast majority of online consumers prefer to visit and transact with Web sites that have been verified and approved by a non-objective trusted third party such as Guardian eCommerce. An approved Web site that displays a recognized seal of approval will only have a positive impact in the online consumer and the member Web site. Our Privacy Seal does exactly that for all Web sites.

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    16.     My Web site has been around for many years, so why register my Web site?

    It's imperative to understand that many studies have shown that those Web sites participating in a non-objective trusted third party site certification program receive more business than those Web sites that don't. Plain and simple. Site credibility pays. A Web site's participation in a trusted third party Privacy Seal Program in what Guardian eCommerce administers ALSO enhances profitability and sales. So although you might have had a Web site for a long time now, no matter what type of Web site you have, a Web site approved by a trusted third party site seal certification program only increases consumer confidence and helps increase online sales. If you want to increase your Web site's credibility and awareness of your commitment to consumer protection, it is suggested Web sites apply for participation in the Privacy Seal Program and get approved by Guardian eCommerce. We also offer a free Web site evaluation to see if your Web site pre-qualifies for Privacy Seal Program site seal certification. Save time, get the free Web site evaluation.

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    17.     Do you have a sample privacy policy I could post on my Web site?

    The Guardian eCommerce privacy policy is based on effective personal information management and can be used by Web sites as a reference for effective privacy policy implementation. Alternatively, you may want to visit the Guardian eCommerce Online Privacy Web Site Resource And Information page or the Guardian eCommerce Online Privacy Guide, where you will find loads of references, resources, and key information relating to online privacy and effective privacy policy implementation. You will also find links to privacy policy generators and even a sample privacy policy that's accepted by Guardian eCommerce.

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    18.     If I purchase the Privacy Seal, can I still collect personal information?

    Of course. But this must be openly disclosed. We certainly realize email, for example, can be a huge marketing tool for legit Web sites and e-business, no question. However, we do not approve personal information collected for a purpose other than what it was originally gathered for. We do not approve repeated or harassing unsolicited mail, or third party repeated unsolicited email campaigns, (i.e. SPAM). If you intend to collect personal information from customers as an approved Web site, make it clear to the online customer your Web site will do so (as per stated privacy policy). However, an approved Web site must respect consumer online privacy and an online consumer's right to privacy and choice, (unsubscribe requests or 'opt-outs').

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    19.     What happens if my Web site fails your Web site evaluation process?

    If your Web site is found to be in 'total' non-compliance with our site requirements or e-commerce code of ethics, your Web site will not be certified. At this point, you will be notified and advised of the changes you will need to make your Web site certifiable. You will have 14 days to make those changes and notify us when this has been completed. Then we will re-attempt the Web site evaluation process. If your Web site still fails to comply, then site seal certification will be denied. Your Web site seal application will be discarded. Our Web site approval rate is 94% as of February 2006. So chances are, your Web site will be approved. However, if it fails to be approved the first time you apply, we will work with you closely to help your Web site pass the Web site evaluation process. Generally, if you respect online privacy, e-commerce security, and consumer protection, your site will be likely be approved.

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    20.     Can I apply for a site seal if my Web site has not yet been launched?

    You can apply for Privacy Seal Program site certification at anytime. However, if your Web site is not active yet, then you need to specify this on the registration form where requested. After you submit the registration form, and once we receive payment, we will initiate the Web site evaluation process during or near the Web site launch date you specify on the registration form. Alternatively, you may want to register once your Web site is up and active. We do advise you to register with us before the official launch of your Web site, this will ensure that your Web site is already registered and approved when your Web site is first launched.

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    21.     What if my site content changes after my Web site is approved?

    No problem. First off, we know from time to time, people will need to update their Web site content, and this is fine. Our Privacy Seal Program personnel will monitor approved member Web sites periodically. As long as your certified Web site remains in compliance with the site requirements, code of ethics, and member terms and conditions, there is no problem with changing the content of your Web site. If we happen to visit your Web site after issuing your site certification seal, anytime throughout your Privacy Seal Program certification term (of one year), and find that your Web site has been altered or changed in a manner that does not conform to our site requirements, code of ethics, and member terms and conditions, then we will notify you to correct the problem accordingly. In this case, you will have 14 days to do this and notify us of the required changes made. If by then, the Web site has not been updated, we will be forced to revoke your Web site's Privacy Seal Program seal certification status, and NO refunds will be issued in this case. So Web site content changes are fine as long as they meet above stated standards.

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    22.     Can I use my site seal logo in offline marketing material like telephone books?

    Yes. If your Web site has been approved, you can use the seal of approval or privacy seal in your offline marketing efforts, whatever that may entail, (i.e. newspapers, brochures, telephone directory ads, etc.).

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    23.     Does Guardian eCommerce evaluate site SSL encryption and SSL security?

    Yes. Where sensitive personal or financial information will be collected by the Web site or e-business applicant, online security will be evaluated closely. Only where applicable: any online transactions (i.e. online payments) to be conducted within the Web site MUST be in an encrypted SSL connection, (session encryption strength, server certificate, SSL authentication, and SSL certificate expiry will be analyzed for 'actual' online security provided vs. what is posted.

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    24.     Is there a dispute resolution process for customers and Privacy Seal sites?

    We will act as a non-objective trusted third party for the resolution of disputes between Guardian eCommerce certified Web sites, (current and active Privacy Seal Program member sites) and their customers, who have filed a complaint against such sites. Arbitrary intervention is only the last alternative, customers must seek to resolve disputes with Web sites first. We will provide our dispute resolution for Guardian eCommerce approved Web sites only. In such cases, we will administer our dispute resolution process by working with both the Web site operator/owner and the customer. We will execute a dispute resolution process where the end result will be deemed arbitrarily binding and fair. In which case, both parties must mutually agree to execute, thus resolving the dispute.

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    25.     Why is your Privacy Seal Program more affordable than others?

    Our primary clients (target-market) are Internet business startups, WAHM business Web sites, and small business online entities seeking an affordable e-business solution that exposes their legitimate and safe Web sites. Many of these online businesses simply cannot afford what some of the other site seal certification programs charge. We do not subscribe to costly Web-based ad campaigns. (We rely only on word-of-mouth and search engine results for sufficient Web exposure.) We do not utilize costly forms of financial payment services. (Honestly, if we incorporated every form of payment services available on the Web today, our operating costs would substantially increase - in which case, so would our registration price.) We do not execute marketing measures through mass media channels. (Media channels like magazines, newspapers, television, etc. do help, but to keep costs down, we do without mass media marketing.) We have our own 'in-house' payrolled technical support staff available 24/7. (We do not 'sub-contract' various technical services with multiple parties, this is simply too costly an expense for our organization.) We maintain low operating costs, to keep our site seal price low! We do not subscribe to umpteen offices and telephone lines, nor do we endorse any cost that is truly unnecessary. Before we launched in 2002, it was clear, our clientele wanted an affordable e-business solution, we delivered! These are just some of the reasons why the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is more affordable than some of the other trust seal programs available on the Web today. We simply transform the cost-savings realized into an economical price for member Web sites to participate in our Privacy Seal Program. We are very dedicated to exposing safe and trustworthy Web sites, in a way that is cost-efficient for all Web sites.

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    26.    What is the difference between the 'Safe Site' and the 'Approved Site' site certification seals?

    Guardian eCommerce provides only 2 kinds of Privacy Seal Program certified site seals (i.e. site seal logos). There is the 'Safe Site' certified site seal of approval, and the 'Approved Site' certified site seal of approval.

    Our 'Safe Site' certified site seal of approval are for Web sites that provide valid privacy policies and contact information, but do not provide for secure online transactions or are not engaged in e-commerce altogether, (i.e. online transactions).

    Our 'Approved Site' certified site seal of approval is more dynamic in that it is mostly for e-commerce Web sites. This site seal is also referred to as our SSL Secure site seal or SSL seal, (padlock image within the site seal). The 'Approved Site' certified site seal is for e-commerce Web sites that have valid privacy policies and contact information, utilizing online transactions in a secure environment, (SSL secure session encryption, 128 bit minimum). The 'Approved Site' acts as our Privacy Seal and an SSL Secure site seal, and is recommended for ALL e-commerce Web sites. Both certified site seals come in two colors, and two styles (flash-animated and image type only), but you can view all certified site seal samples here.

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Privacy Seal Program FAQ Answered

For Online Consumers

1.     What is the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program and Privacy Seal?

Guardian eCommerce is a trusted third party organization dedicated to online consumer protection while exposing valid, legit, and trustworthy Web sites. The Privacy Seal Program is nothing more than the official name for what Guardian eCommerce administers on a 24/7 basis. The Privacy Seal Program is what Guardian eCommerce administers through: Web site monitoring, Web site evaluation, Web site seal certification, and online consumer protection. The Privacy Seal Program is responsible for the daily, around-the-clock activities associated with maintaining harmony between Web sites and online consumers worldwide. The Privacy Seal is a site seal of approval or trust seal that is awarded to trustworthy Web sites that respect online privacy and e-commerce security.

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2.     Does Guardian eCommmerce work with other organizations or government agencies?

Guardian eCommerce is a trusted third party site verification service acknowledged by several entites. However, Guardian eCommerce is a totally independent organization, functioning as a private entity but a public advocate for online consumer protection. Guardian eCommerce is connected internally to several authoritative and law enforcement agencies for the purposes of reporting Internet activities that endanger online consumers. We are currently creating alliances with these entities; all in the name of solidifying a collaborative effort in establishing an e-commerce experience that is safe, private, and secure for online consumers worldwide.

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3.     What are the Web site qualifications for it to be certified?

Our Web site Privacy Seal Program site certification qualifications are very simple. For Web sites to qualify for the Privacy Seal Program site certification and Privacy Seal, Web sites must comply with the Guardian eCommerce site code of ethics, which encompasses the respect for consumer online privacy and e-commerce security concerns. Generally, a Web site that is committed to online privacy, e-commerce security, and online consumer protection is one that will easily qualify for inclusion into our Privacy Seal Program.

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4.     How can I file a complaint against a Web site?

We are a non-objective trusted third party, and will act in the resolution of disputes between approved Guardian eCommerce member Web sites and online consumers. Simply file a complaint to initiate the dispute resolution process. We will investigate each complaint filed and we will work with both the Web site and affected customers to resolve the issue expeditiously. You can also file a complaint about non-member Web sites. All complaints received will be investigated.

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5.     Are all Privacy Seal Program member sites required to have a privacy policy?

Our Privacy Seal Program is ONLY awarded to Web sites that meet our online privacy, e-commerce security, and consumer protection initiatives. Our Privacy Seal Program member Web sites agree not only to respect online privacy, e-commerce security, and consumer protection, but also to post and have an accessible privacy policy, that implements our principles of online privacy, reflecting on fair information practices, open disclosure, and personal information collection. Therefore, when you see our Privacy Seal on a Web site, online consumers can be assured that the Web site has been verified and approved by Guardian eCommerce, whereby online consumers can transact with confidence.

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6.     Is your Privacy Seal Program different from other site seal certification programs?

Yes. The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is different from other site seal certification programs available today. Some Web site certification programs may ONLY focus on and confirm a Web site's privacy policy existence, while others may ONLY check and confirm a Web site's business record. We feel this is NOT enough. None of these site seal programs or third party site verification providers give real assurance online consumers require today to conduct business online! This is a proven fact! On the other hand, the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program identifies trustworthy Web sites, providing maximum assurance to online consumers that our Privacy Seal member sites can be trusted in EVERY aspect of online business from online privacy to e-commerce security to online safety. As further assurance, Guardian eCommerce also provides consumers with a consumer protection warranty, assuring consumers that Guardian eCommerce approved Web sites can be trusted. The Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is the ONLY trusted third party site certification program that provides an online consumer protection warranty on a 24/7 basis keeping online consumers truly protected! Currently, there are NO site seal certification providers that provide the same protective warranty for online consumers. So yes, the Guardian eCommerce Privacy Seal Program is different from other site certification programs in many ways, which means maximum online consumer protection!

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7.     How am I protected when I visit one a Privacy Seal Program certified site?

When you see our Privacy seal on a Web site, online consumers can be assured that the Web site has been verified and approved by Guardian eCommerce, so all online consumers are protected. Guardian eCommerce provides consumer warranty protection, giving online consumers added assurance and protection when transacting with Guardian eCommerce member Web sites.

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8.     How can I tell if your Privacy Seal Program site seal logo is authentic and not fake?

Our Privacy Seal always links to a secure, dedicated, and time-stamped certification page declaring that Web site's Privacy Seal Program certification. When you click on the site seal and are not re-directed to Guardian eCommerce for Web site verification, chances are, our site seal is being fraudulently or incorrectly used. Unfortunately, there's no 100 percent guarantee that our Privacy Seal Program trust seal won't be pirated or fraudulently used. If you think our Privacy Seal Program site certification seal is being fraudulently used, you may be entitled to a cash reward... please contact us immediately.

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9.     Where can I get more information regarding online privacy?

Guardian eCommerce has designated a special area of this Web site for people who would like to obtain more information about online privacy. Learn more, visit our online privacy resources and information page and our online privacy guide that our Privacy Seal Program Web sites apply.

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10.     How is my personal information collected and what are cookies or web beacons?

It is safe to assume that many Web sites utilize some form of personal or user tracking information collection. The information can be collected in a variety of ways: directly by user-inputted information provided voluntarily, (i.e. registration forms, guest books, etc.); and indirectly through web beacons and/or cookies.

A web beacon, sometimes referred to as a clear GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or pixel tag, is a line of code that some Web sites install on some of their site pages to help learn more about how visitors interact with the content and services that are offered on the Web site. They can also be used to count the traffic to different areas of the Web site. A web beacon is usually invisible and doesn't affect the content being seen on a Web site.  Web beacons are not used to collect any personal information, but they allow the gathering of aggregated information about the use of the Web site. In fact, the majority of information collected by Web sites is better known as 'usage data', or data that helps a Web site learn more about its use.  Web beacons are usually used for this kind of data capturing.

Cookies are a little different in that they are used to track your activity with a block of text a Web site places in a file in your computer's hard drive. Now a Cookie can contain information such as user id, user preferences, archive shopping cart information, and etc. While a code in the cookie file enables the site to label you as a particular user, it doesn't identify you by name or address UNLESS you've provided the Web site with such information, or set up your browser's user preferences to do so automatically.

Personally identifiable information, (information that can be traced specifically to you) usually is gathered by Web sites and is based solely on user-inputted information. You may also want to view information about the W3C Consumers Guide To The P3P Privacy Platform, as P3P Privacy will address the above areas in new browser softwares to come.

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11.     What is SSL security and should all Web sites have SSL security?

SSL is short form for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol for transmitting private or financially sensitive documents via the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data - a public key known to everyone, and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message. Most Web browsers support SSL, and many Web sites use the SSL protocol to obtain confidential user information, such as credit card numbers. This ensures such information remains secure and encrypted when in transit. By convention, URLs that require an SSL connection start with https:// instead of http://. Those Web sites that must collect any private information from its users should do so using SSL encryption to ensure information submitted remains secure when in transit. Our Privacy Seal Program member Web sites must utilize all aspects of e-commerce security, including SSL session encryption.

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