What is WebTrust and how does it work?

The WebTrust Privacy Program was developed by the public accounting profession. Accountants and their counterparts verify that web sites keep their promises regarding private customer information. Personally identifiable information such as your name, address, email address, and credit card information is covered by the program. WebTrust requires that the business tell you what information is being gathered, how it will be used, how you can "opt out" and how you can correct the information.

The WebTrust standards demand that the web site discloses and complies with its on-line privacy practices. The WebTrust On-line Privacy seal on a web site tells consumers that an accountant has independently verified that the business lives up to its privacy commitments.

The WebTrust program involves other requirements related to online business transactions. WebTrust standards for security demand that the web site disclose and comply with its key security practices and ensures that access to the e-Commerce system and data is restricted only to authorized as stated in its policies. The program also sets standards for business practices and transaction integrity, requiring that the company disclose its business practices for e-commerce, execute transaction in conformity with those practices, and maintain effective controls to provide reasonable assurance that electronic commerce transactions are process completely, and accurately.

WebTrust does not provide a dispute resolution process for consumers.