Microsoft, Ask.com Join on Privacy Protections

Both Microsoft Corp. and Ask.com announced they are combining their efforts in calling upon the industry to develop worldwide privacy principles to protect consumers with regards to consumer searching and online advertising, and consumer data collection. They plan to work with consumer advocacy groups and academics, as well as other leaders in technology, in order to accomplish this goal. They also plan to share their information with regards to the best practices of the protections they currently have in place.

Chief privacy strategist at Microsoft, Peter Cullen, says in order to develop consumer trust, it is vital that their collected information be used appropriately and the information be of use to the consumer. It is his hope that the industry will realize that consumers should feel comfortable with their privacy regarding the storage of their search information.

Microsoft's current privacy statement ensures that users will not have intrusions of spam or adware and is committed to protecting consumers from identity theft and spyware. They state that they develop their processes, services and software bearing in mind that the information collected from consumers must be protected. They partner with other companies and professionals in the technology industry to create standards and policies in order to "safeguard" consumer's personal data and protect their data usage.