Privacy resources

A privacy policy isn’t written to protect your privacy. It’s written to inform you of how a business is collecting and using your data. The terms are non-negotiable. Just like you, we use the internet daily, and probably just like you, we rarely take the time to read the privacy policies on websites and apps that we use. We simply "agree" without reading the fine print. 

We’re on a mission to change this. We have taken care to construct a privacy policy that’s transparent and easy to follow. And your thoughts about privacy do matter to us. We hope you’ll let us know your questions or concerns. 

And, since knowledge is power, we want to share some resources that can help better inform you about issues related to online privacy and the work that’s being done by so many committed individuals. This list is by no means complete. We’re always in search of more suggestions.

Organizations

The Center for Democracy and Technology(CDT): The CTD’s mission is to conceptualize and implement public policies that will keep the internet open, innovative, and free: Enhancing Freedom of Expression, Preserving the Unique Nature of the Internet, Protecting Privacy, Limiting Government Surveillance.

Center for Digital Democracy (CDD): The CDD is recognized as one of the leading consumer protection and privacy organizations in the United States. Since its founding in 2001 (and prior to that through its predecessor organization, the Center for Media Education), CDD has been at the forefront of research, public education, and advocacy on protecting consumers in the digital age.

Do Not Track: The Federal Trade Comission’s (FTC) website on do not track options

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): The EFF is the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Founded in 1990, the EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development. We work to ensure that rights and freedoms are enhanced and protected as our use of technology grows.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC): EPIC is a public interest research center in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values.

Future of Privacy Forum (FPF): A Washington, D.C.-based think tank that seeks to advance responsible data practices. The forum is led by internet privacy experts Jules Polonetsky and Christopher Wolf and includes an advisory board comprised of leading figures from industry, academia, law, and advocacy groups.

National Cyber Security Alliance/Stay Safe Online (NCSA): The NCSA’s mission is to educate and therefore empower a digital society to use the internet safely and securely at home, work, and school, protecting the technology individuals use, the networks they connect to, and our shared digital assets.

The World Privacy Forum (WPF): The WPF is dedicated to reimagining privacy in a digital era through groundbreaking, in-depth privacy research, analysis, and consumer education of the highest quality. Our vision is to empower people with the knowledge, rights, and tools they need to protect their privacy and shape their digital lives.

Documents and research

"Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World: A Framework for Protecting Privacy and Promoting Innovation in a Global Economy" (The White House 2012)

Precision Medicine Initiative Privacy and Trust Principles (The White House 2015)

Medical Privacy (Electronic Frontier Foundation)

Framework for Responsible Sharing of Genomic and Health-Related Data (Global Alliance for Genomics and Health 2014)

Data Brokers: A Call for Transparency and Accountability (FTC Report 2014)

Videos