Chicago, IL- December 8, 2011 – More than 60 domain names are
registered in the name of Santa Claus, offering children a wide range of
opportunities to email St. Nick. Sadly, some of the websites aren’t always so
trustworthy and can potentially be a dangerous way to share personal
information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising parents to do their
homework before letting their child write to Santa this holiday season.
Letters
to Santa may seem innocent and fun, but it is very important for adults to
carefully review websites to determine who is seeking information, how it will
be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.
“Writing
Santa is a favorite tradition for many families,” said Steve J. Bernas, president
& CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago
and northern Illinois.
“Unfortunately, some of these Santa sites do not have the best intentions, and
will misuse information handed over by children.”
All
websites directed to children – or websites designed with a special children’s
section – should have a privacy policy that explains the site’s information
collection practices. The privacy policy should include the name of the company
and the company’s complete contact information.
It
should also state whether the company shares information with third parties,
including advertisers, and whether the company publicly discloses the
information or retains the information for any future purpose.
The BBB offers the
following ‘Dear Santa’ site review tips:
Check to see what they are seeking. Websites
directed at children should not ask a child to disclose more information than
is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity.
Limit the personal information children share online and omit physical
addresses. In many cases, there really shouldn’t be a need to
share this information. Instead, provide just a first name and email address.
Check websites for unwelcome content. Some
sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults
may not want children to see.
Check the links. Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly
from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t
access inappropriate content.
For more business information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
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As a
private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is
to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by
means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising
claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop
and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
