Consumer Information on the CAUBE.AU Logo Programs
CAUBE.AU operates two logo programs - one for Internet service providers and one for merchants. The logo programs help you, the consumer, identify ISPs that maintain adequate anti spam measures, and online organisations that you can trust with your electronic mail address.
Contents
Why can't we use
TRUSTe?
What are the Logos?
What do the ISP logos mean?
What is the benefit of using an ISP
who displays one of the logos?
What does the merchant logo mean?
What is the benefit of using a
site which displays the merchant logo?
How do I know if a logo has been
withdrawn?
If a site doesn't display a suitable
logo, should I use that site?
What should I do if a site I want
to use doesn't display a suitable logo?
How do I find vendors that are
participating in the logo program?
Why can't we use TRUSTe?
TRUSTe certifies only that a site "will openly share, at a minimum, what personal information is being gathered, how it will be used, with whom it will be shared, who is gathering the information, what options the user has, what security procedures are in place to prevent misuse or loss and how users can correct information to control its dissemination" (from the TRUSTe FAQ).
To clarify - TRUSTe only guarantees that a site will "openly share" its policies and procedures. It makes no guarantee that those policies and procedures are reasonable or acceptable to visitors to that site. TRUSTe certifies policies that both allow the web site to spam their visitors, and even allows the web site to refuse the user the opportunity to prevent unwanted messages.
Reliance TRUSTe requires that the web site visitor read the site's privacy policy, and as if intentionally adding insult to injury, most policies are so long that they guarantee nobody has time to read them.
Specifically, TRUSTe does not require that web sites not spam their visitors, and does not require web sites to refrain from violating the privacy of their visitors in other ways. TRUSTe merely requires that if the web site is going to do these things, that they say so in their policy statement.
If TRUSTe does not make sure policies are reasonable, what use is it?
This is one FAQ that we have no answer for. We're sure it has some use, but we don't know what it is. If anybody figures out what it is, please let us know.
What are the logos?
The ISP logo - used by
Internet Service Providers who agree to the terms of the
ISP logo program.
The white hat logos
are awarded to Internet Service Providers which
demonstrate strong anti spam policies and procedures. An
ISP displaying a white hat logo conforms to the terms of
the ISP logo program, and has also demonstrated that they
either go beyond the requirements that program, or that
they provide outstanding responsiveness and timely action
on complaints.
The merchant logo is
used by web sites which have agreed to the terms of the
merchant logo program.The merchant logo can also appear
with other background colours.
What do the ISP logos mean?
The standard ISP logo indicates that an ISP:
has implemented an Acceptable Uses Policy that conforms to the program requirements;
enforces that policy;
has suitable relay protection in place; and
has configured its systems such that a customer who uses either of the names "mail" or "smtp" with no domain name suffix, will send mail through the correct servers while connected to that ISP.
An ISP requires no specific permission to use this logo, but the logo can be withdrawn from an ISP by CAUBE.AU if we believe the ISP has violated the terms of the logo program.
The "White Hat" logos are awarded to ISPs who have demonstrated good AUP and enforcement policies. The specific reasons for the award of these logos may vary, but white hats are assigned to ISPs who go beyond the minimum program requirements.
What is the benefit of using an ISP which displays one of the logos?
An ISP which does not have a suitable AUP in place will, sooner or later, have a spam problem. This will get messages from that ISP blocked at some sites, and that means that your messages may be blocked if you are using that ISP. When you choose an ISP which displays one of the CAUBE.AU logos, you know that the chances of this happening are much lower. When you choose an ISP with a white hat logo, you know you are choosing an ISP which has a reputation for taking action against spam, and the chances are very slim that mail originating there will be blocked.
In addition, some people like to support ISPs with good policies on spam by offering them their business. The logo program makes it easier to identify ISPs with good policies.
What does the merchant logo mean?
The merchant program logo is used by any organisation that collects email addresses, most notably online vendors. Sites that use this logo are declaring in no uncertain terms that they will not spam you. In the case of sales transactions, the merchant is also promising to compensate you if they do spam you.
What is the benefit of using a site that displays the merchant logo?
By using sites that display the merchant logo, you can be confident that you will not get any unexpected promotional material in your electronic mail box as a result of supplying your electronic mail address to that site. And if the site does spam you, and they did so as a result of a sales transaction, you will be able to get a partial or full refund of your purchases from the vendor, without having to return any goods. Sites displaying the merchant logo guarantee to respect your right to control how your electronic mail address is used.
In addition, by purchasing from web sites that display the merchant logo, you are encouraging other vendors to implement responsible policies regarding email directed at customers.
How do I know if a logo has been withdrawn?
Whenever you see these logos you will be able to click on them. Clicking on the logo will bring you to the CAUBE.AU web site, and display a page which explains the meaning of the logo. That page will also state if the logo has been withdrawn from a site. In the case of white hat logos, it will normally also state why the white hat logo was awarded.
For legal reasons, CAUBE.AU cannot state on its web site why a logo has been withdrawn from a site, however the web site operators will be informed of this, and may get the logo reinstated upon correcting the problem which lead to the withdrawal.
If a site doesn't display a suitable logo, should I use that site?
That is up to you, however there are a number of things you should consider when making your decision.
Does the site have a posted privacy policy? Does the policy allow the web site to spam its customers (privacy policies usually explicitly allow this)? Does the site have a reputation for spamming its customers?
Sites that have opt-out policies frequently don't implement those policies effectively. Experience with some of the world's largest companies has shown that if they have opt-out for their customers, the opt-out mechanisms do not usually work.
Is there an alternative site that does display the logo?
Of course all this may take some time, so you may want to ask the site to participate in the logo program. Once a site does participate, everybody visiting that site can know their policies are sound without having to dig through mountains of information to find out.
What should I do if a site I want to use doesn't display a suitable logo?
Aside from attempting to discover their policy by other means, try to find a "feedback" or "comments" page or electronic mail address on the site's web page. If you let them know you will use their site if they take part in the logo program, they may just do it to get your business. Don't forget to mention that if they participate in the merchant logo program then they are eligible for a listing in the CAUBE.AU Spam Free Mall, so other people who don't like spam will be more likely to use their business than that of somebody who doesn't display the logo.
How can I find vendors that are participating in the logo program?
Participating vendors are eligible for a listing in the CAUBE.AU Spam Free Mall. Listings in this mall are free of charge. By starting your shopping at the CAUBE.AU Spam Free Mall, you can make sure that you visit spam free sites first.