Entrypoint had a news item today about recent changes to
the Amazon privacy policy. Amazon apparently is now viewing
customer information as an "asset" that may be freely traded.
Policy URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/misc/policy/privacy.html
This is probably related to the FTC stomping on the transfer
of information in the wake of the eToys demise and Amazon
perhaps wanting to create a smooth path for asset shedding
if they get into a tight financial spot.
So, I'd urge you all with Amazon accounts to write them a letter
letting them know that you don't want to receive more unsolicited
mail if Amazon goes belly up. My letter is attached below.
Also of interest is the fact that Amazon has never subscribed to
TRUSTe's policies (www.TRUSTe.com), perhaps because Amazon may have
predated TRUSTe. But it would be nice to move Amazon in a more
consumer friendly direction.
Robert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
To: feedback@amazon.com
Subject: Recent changes to privacy policy
Hello,
I have recently read about changes to your privacy policy in
the New York Times. I have reviewed your revised privacy policy.
I have a *SIGNIFICANT* problem with your "Business Transfers"
policy:
"As we continue to develop our business, we might sell or buy stores or
assets. In such transactions, customer information generally is one of
the transferred business assets. Also, in the unlikely event that
Amazon.com, Inc., or substantially all of its assets are acquired,
customer information will of course be one of the transferred assets."
My name, address, mailing information buying history, etc. ARE NOT
the property of Amazon.com. They are MY PROPERTY and you only have
the right to use them in so far as I have expressly granted you the
right to use them in providing a service that I HAVE PAID FOR, namely
selling me thousands of dollars of books that I have in the past
purchased from you.
Please confirm IN WRITING, that you will abide by this policy. To wit
I expect a statement of the general form:
"Amazon.com confirms that it WILL NOT sell or transfer your name,
email or postal address or order history to any other corporate entity
or organization without your express permission."
Without such a confirmation, I feel that I cannot be a customer of
Amazon and will delete my account.
Sincerely,
Robert Bradbury
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 02 2000 - 17:37:00 MDT