AppLabs Technologies, the world’s largest independent software testing company, today announced that it has successfully completed the first major phase of testing for TRUSTe’s Trusted Download Program. AppLabs partnered with TRUSTe in January 2006 to test and certify technical operations of software applicants to the Trusted Download Beta Program. This was the first time TRUSTe included an outside technology expert to qualify applicants for the company’s privacy programs.
TRUSTe recently unveiled the whitelist of applications that have passed the certification process for inclusion in the TRUSTe's Trusted Download Program. These applications, at the version level, have been certified to clearly communicate key functionalities, to obtain informed consumer consent prior to download, and provide an easy uninstall with clear instructions, among other requirements.
On the successful completion of this project, Sashi Reddi, Founder Chairman & CEO, AppLabs Technologies said, “This particular project involved very rigorous testing across multiple parameters and allowed TRUSTe to be confident in the delivery to their customers. It is another classic example of AppLabs working in partnership with our clients to deliver true end to end benefit.”
In order to be certified, all applicants have made changes to software behavior and/or disclosures. In some cases, distribution networks have been pared back to increase accountability. A number of applicants are being turned away as a result of not meeting the rigorous requirements.
During the beta program, TRUSTe is testing and certifying software applications engaged in a variety of business models and distribution networks. Another dozen applications are currently in the certification queue.
"The companies whose applications have passed the challenging certification process for the Trusted Download whitelist are all demonstrating a commitment to protecting consumer privacy," said Fran Maier, Executive Director and President of TRUSTe. "By completely informing users about the particulars of the downloads they offer up front, the participating companies are increasing transparency and giving control to users."
The program sponsors, representing leading content and search providers, anti-spyware vendors and online advertisers, offer market incentives for downloadable software publishers to get certified. AOL, CA, CNET Networks, Microsoft, Verizon and Yahoo! will use the whitelist as a tool to help make business decisions related to advertising, partnering and distributing software products. By providing a whitelist of trusted applications, the program aims to provide attractive market incentives to software publishers to meet the requirements and earn certification.
AppLabs Technologies was actively involved in the certification process reviewing notice and consent experience for consumers and tested the operation and behavior of the software. With the launch of the whitelist, TRUSTe will be conducting ongoing monitoring of the applications as they are encountered by users.
"The Trusted Download Program represents another important step towards making downloadable software more transparent," said Ari Schwartz, deputy director, Center for Democracy and Technology. "By assuring compliance with consumer protection standards, the Trusted Download Program will help companies make more informed decision about potential partners in this growing industry."
Whitelist Software Classifications:
TRUSTe defines ‘advertising software’ as software that displays advertisements to a user when they are using a separate application. Additional requirements for advertising and tracking behaviors include prominent disclosure of any advertising that will be displayed, personal information that will be tracked and, or, user settings that may be altered. Advertising software must label ads with the name of the software and maintain separate advertising inventory for users of certified applications and must confirm opt-in consent has been obtained from legacy users to certified advertising inventory. For full requirements, prohibited activities, and processes go to www.truste.org/trusteddownload .
Trusted Download Program:
The Trusted Download Program certifies consumer downloadable software programs. The program provides market incentives for software publishers to clearly and unavoidably communicate key functionalities and obtain informed consumer consent prior to download.
The complete set of program requirements, and additional information on the certification criteria, program elements, FAQs and sponsor roles, is available on the Trusted Download website at www.trusteddownload.com
About TRUSTe:
TRUSTe helps consumers and businesses identify trustworthy online organizations through its Web Privacy Seal, Email Privacy Seal and Trusted Download Programs. An independent, nonprofit organization celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2007, TRUSTe certifies more than 2,000 Web sites, including the major internet portals and leading brands such as AOL, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Intuit and eBay. TRUSTe resolves thousands of individual privacy disputes every year. To learn more about internet privacy visit www.truste.org .
About AppLabs Technologies:
AppLabs Technologies is a global IT services company specializing in quality management, testing, and certification solutions. With over a decade of experience, AppLabs has become a trusted partner to more than 600 companies, providing both quality assurance and third-party validation. Customers include American Airlines, American Stock Exchange, Royal Bank of Scotland, VISA, HP, Novell and SAP. AppLabs goes beyond technical expertise when it comes to IT services and offers customers rigorous risk mitigation processes, a singular focus on quality, expert project management, communication and global delivery capabilities. It is the first software testing company to get appraised at SEI CMMI Level 5, the highest quality standard attainable in software engineering. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company maintains advanced testing facilities in the US, India and the UK. For more information, visit www.applabs.com.
