everytime I download something I am asked for my firms details so questions
1) why is this information need
2) who gets its
3) where is our right to opt out
4) can we get the info without providing our details
5) if not why not
6) if its the only way to get the info cant it be automated further
CLARITY REQUIRED AWEB
Replies (25)
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Don't hold your breath on getting a satisfactory answer on this. I was being given the brush-off when querying the need to collect such details for a download link AWeb provided way back in April 2015.
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tech/accounting-software/clients-want-el...
Requesting the details will usually be so that the provider can use your details for marketing purposes. The value of the download is probably worth less to you than your details are to the provider. You can probably get by without the download.
Just my view.
Dave
It is so that every few years when the site is upgraded, they can release the full names, email addresses and places of work of every member without their consent. It will be met with half-hearted apologies.
If you want the data, just give fake details using a webmail account you use for junk.
I don't normally look at it if its a download as its usually just sales pish pushing something or other product you dont actually need, or they wouldn't need to market like that, folk would just buy it!
Yes it's just marketing rubbish.
I downloaded something from here a number of years ago and then got nuisance phone calls afterwards.
Morning carnmores, nice to see you back on the site :-)
The vast majority of our downloads are from our advertisers, who work with us to provide content or products in which our readers might be interested. A lot of people find them useful, but not everyone does (see above).
For more detailed info on the why I'm afraid I have to point you in the direction of our Ts & Cs:
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-of-use
The third-party resources part is about two-thirds of the way down, or you could hit Ctrl+F and find it that way.
Hope that was useful and provided a little more clarity.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom
Thanks for the link. As you say "our" T&Cs can you advise us on the policy of passing on the contact details? In particular if contact details are given - are the details collected directly by the third party or by AccountingWeb? If it is directly by the third party - should this not be communicated to users (it may be - I've never tried)? If it is by AccountingWeb - can you confirm that you do not pass this information onto anyone else? If you are passing it on please can you advise subscribers as to the clause in any T&C's that allow this (and are compliant with the Data Protection Act). I thank you for being specific rather than general.
Dave
If you click on a sponsored link and fill in your contact details and then are surprised when the sponsor gets your details then you may be too naive to use the internet.
You don't need to give express approval, your implied approval is enough and you gave it when you filled in the form.
It might be more subtle than the flashing banner ads in other places but make no mistake, you are clicking an advert which is clearly identified as an advert and then supplying your information. Should they be popping up a second window to ask you if you're sure?
"You don't need to give express approval, your implied approval is enough and you gave it when you filled in the form."
I feel the Data Protection Act suggests differently.
Data can only be collected for one or more specified purposes and not further processed in a manor incompatible to that purpose or those purposes. The processing of the data as intended requires consent.
If you are filling in a form to get a download, then you are providing those details in order to get that download; maybe you will be sent a link via email! Once you have the download - the purpose of providing the details have been consumed.
Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation, which covers emails amongst other electronic communications, consent must be knowingly and freely given, clear and specific. You also need to specifically opt-in or out; not either by default.
The Data Protection Act 1998 is expected to be replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation from May 2018 and it is proposed that consent obtained as a pre-condition to service will not provide a legal basis for processing the data.
Well that's my interpretation and basis for my views.
I’m sure like everyone else if I fill in a sponsored link and fill in my details I both expect the details will be used and that I will subsequently get follow up calls. That is why personally I avoid it at all costs.
However the point of the original question is why do AccountingWeb allow this? Obviously they have a commercial interest in doing so.
Referring to the specific questions raised by the posting:
1. It is not required but the provider want the details for marketing purposes
2. Expect that the provider gets the details directly (unless AccountingWeb state otherwise; although it would probably please most if it were the other way around). A purpose of my reply to Tom
3. Another purpose of my reply to Tom – clarity for the originator.
4. No you probably cannot get the information without providing the details – at least not from this source.
5. Because there is probably no commercial gain to them unless they obtain the details.
6. This might be suggesting the automation of filled in contact details. Please don’t encourage!
The general theme is the originator does not like the idea of giving details and thus questioning options – but that’s the cost of the download – as many have said - take it or leave it.
They allow it because it is in their interest to do so.
If you want a response from AccountingWeb then I would suggest that you write to them as I very much doubt they would engage in a conversation in this forum.
Remember most downloads offered will be of “passing interest” and like those “unbelievable offers” on your doorstep you can both do without them and not be concerned with what they even are.
As examples there have been downloads for “MTD Compliant Checklists” – prior to knowing its full requirements or specification!; also links to available MTD Compliant software.
You pay your money; you make your choice!
The claim will often be “it’s for editorial purposes not marketing” as made in the referred to article [stepurhan]. There was also an invite to discuss the editorial procedures; however a discussion of their marketing procedures would have been more useful; but not offered. Now whether for editorial purposes or otherwise, the collection of the data gives the possibility of its use for marketing purposes.
So now the issue is with that of the Data Protection Act. With regard to [mrme89] “release of data,” [by “who- ever” to “who-ever” needs to be established], following an upgrade would, in my view be a serious breach of the Data Protection Act.
So if you want the download you may have to give your details; if you do and you feel your details has been misused then challenge the user’s use of those details with them and their compliance with the requirement of the Data Protection Act.
Now if everybody refused to give their details such that no downloads were ever taken that might just flush out the true value, to the providers of the downloads, of the details being collected.
I have a specific email address for this sort of thing (often use it for other online access/registrations etc.), that way I can get the information/online registration and ignore/filter any gumpf that may follow.
The download links are optional / voluntary.
Ignore the the eMails if not of interest.
Click on the links if of interest.
The sponsors of the links clearly have a commercial motivation for providing the links (those who choose to download the very useful information are potential customers for the sponsors).
Personally I have no problems with the links, a great deal of useful knowledge has been gained by myself from the links.
Yes, there's resulting ongoing extra incoming eMails from the sponsors, but not really an issue so far as I am concerned - I am always open to see what is on offer. If the incoming eMails became obtrusive I can always unsubscribe from the senders.
Has Carnmores been down the High Horse tavern again?
As usual, lots of noise but no value added to any debate.
I personally don’t mind giving my details. I do have an email address that I use for this kind of stuff and therefore I don’t get inundated with lots of marketing mails. I generally download something at least once a week. You'll be surprised what you can learn.