Preiskel & Co is one of 15 MEF (the leading forum for the mobile industry) members taking part in the Privacy in Mobile Apps Initiative. Other members among the 15 leading the initiative alongside Preiskel & Co include Vodafone, EA and InMobi. Further information as set out in the MEF press release is available at:
http://www.mefmobile.org/activities-and-analytics/Initiatives_home/privacy
Privacy in Mobile Applications Initiative
The recently released Global Consumer Survey 2012, available for all members found that consumer trust remains a key barrier to the uptake of mobile content & commerce, with 35% of the global audience citing it as their primary concern.
MEF launched its Privacy in Mobile Applications Initiative at the inaugural MEF Privacy Summit in Washington DC earlier this year, with the goal of helping the global mobile industry build consumer trust when interacting with mobile apps that collect user data.
There are now 15 MEF members part of the initiative’s Working Group representing all stakeholders from across the value chain including network operators, brands, content owners and privacy & security experts. Members include Addafix, AVG, Electronic Arts, Impact Mobile, InMobi, mBlox, Nielsen, OpenMarket, Preiskel & Co, SNR Denton, UFT and Vodafone.
In the current phase of the Initiative the Working Group has approved the development of a comprehensive tool for app developers that will enable them to incorporate privacy best practice into the design of their app at the earliest stages of development. A simple web-based platform will quiz app-makers about how their software uses a consumer’s information, providing them with:
An easily-digestible privacy policy that clearly explains to consumers how the app will use their information
A comprehensive analysis for developers of how “privacy-friendly” their app is, identifying where the app falls short of app store requirements and industry best practice, offering suggestions as to how to improve their rating
The Working Group would like to hear from any members interested in actively contributing to the development of the tool. It presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate expertise to both the developer and wider mobile community, as well as being involved in a truly ground-breaking initiative that will be of tangible benefit to the industry and consumers alike.