Intuit and Application Developers Alliance today announced the availability of open-source software code for developers to implement short-form privacy notices—simple, easily understandable screens that inform consumers what data the app is collecting and with whom the data is shared.
With this open-source code, small app developers can use the same template for their mobile privacy notice that Intuit currently uses in Intuit QuickBooks Online for mobile devices. TrustArc played an important role in Intuit’s short form notice by agreeing to host it under the TRUSTe Privacy Seal program.
TrustArc, Intuit, and the App Developers Alliance forged common ground with consumer and privacy advocates during the 2012-2013 U.S. government-hosted multi-stakeholder talks on mobile app privacy. The result of those discussions was a Mobile App Privacy Voluntary Code of Conduct (pdf).
Today’s code enables developers to adopt short-form notices and comply with that Code of Conduct.
“We applaud today’s announcements from the Application Developers Alliance, Intuit and TRUSTe that they have released enhanced privacy notices for mobile applications, which are based on the code of conduct developed through the NTIA-convened multi-stakeholder process.
This is an important step that will give consumers more information about what data is being collected via mobile apps and empower consumers to protect their privacy. We are pleased that others have tested and implemented notices, including ACT: The App Association and Lookout, and we encourage other companies to implement similar privacy disclosures.” – Assistant Secretary Lawrence E. Strickling, NTIA
TrustArc also worked with Intuit to test the open-source code since initially announcing the effort last March.
The open source code for the short-form privacy notices is available on GitHub and DEVSBUILD.IT, an app industry search engine powered by the Application Developers Alliance.
Learn more about this news on the Intuit blog and visit the NTIA website for the official statement.