GUARDS Offers Consumer Data Collection Audit

US consultancy Web Analytics Demystified is piloting a new methodology known as GUARDS, which it claims is the world's first audit and certification system for consumer data collection platforms.

The firm was founded in 2007 by former JupiterResearch analyst Eric T. Peterson. GUARDS offers an assessment of how consumer data is flowing into and through an organization via a range of online platforms and solutions.

The process identifies consumer data touchpoints and collectors, and specific consumer data collected, while evaluating its usage and offering results and certification. Organizations passing GUARDS will be certified as taking 'appropriate caution' when collecting and using consumer data.

Digital audit firm BPA Worldwide is currently testing the system as a means of helping business owners and consumers understand how consumer digital data is being used on the Internet and via mobile devices. BPA auditors will use the service to evaluate complete digital environments and look for personally identifiable information to ensure its use is consistent with stated privacy policies.

Web Analytics Demystified Senior Partner and VP John Lovett (pictured) comments: 'GUARDS is designed to give senior leaders, boards and shareholders clarity regarding the collection and use of consumer data across the organization. The audit balances consumer data collection against the presence of appropriate governance and privacy controls, yielding both a comprehensive and actionable systems audit.'

GUARDS is currently being tested with Web Analytics Demystified and BPA Worldwide clients and is expected to be available for widespread release by January 2012.

Web sites: www.webanalyticsdemystified.com and www.bpaww.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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