I’ve been looking into subtle advertising resources for the site here and I was just about to sign up with AdBrite, but it’s a good thing I opted to actually read the Terms of Service agreement.
I found a particular clause in the TOS that changed my mind about signing up, especially since you’re required to give an SSN as part of the signup details:
“ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY ACT NOTICE (18USC 2701-2711): COMPANY MAKES NO GUARANTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY OR PRIVACY OF ANY COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TRANSMITTED ON OR THROUGH THE SITE, SERVICES OR ANY WEBSITE LINKED TO THE SITE. Company will not be liable for the privacy of e-mail addresses, registration and identification information, disk space, communications, confidential or trade-secret information, or any other Content stored on Company’s equipment, transmitted over networks accessed by the Site, or otherwise connected
with Subscriber’s use of the Services.” (italicizing and bolding by me)
What this seems to say to me is that, although they have a Privacy Policy — which is not listed under items you must check off as having signed by entering into agreement — the part you actually sign up under as agreeing to states that they do not guarantee confidentiality or privacy of any information taken or given through the site.
I sent them a support ticket asking for clarification. Hmm…
Update — this transcript details my conversation with them, affirming that their privacy policy is that AdBrite remain legally immune from all breeches in information security, should one occur but they’re do their best. Uhh.. no thanks.
[...] Go to the author’s original blog: Does Adbrite’s TOS contradict the Privacy Policy? [...]
Well, that’s certainly a more interesting than mine, lol! Sounds like you had a good time, though.