Fark's Privacy Policy

Fark.com Privacy Policy:
http://www.fark.com/privacy.shtml

Summary

Fark.com is a humorous news discussion site. Fark Privacy Policy states that Fark will not share users' personal information with third parties... except under certain circumstances. These situations seem to include information necessary to certain interactions, such as the user's address in the case of sales, or system information for tech support. Fark is an ad heavy site, and much of their privacy policy deals with explaining, in vague terms, what information may be kept by what third parties.

Criteria & Analysis

Clarity of language: Exactly what third parties are allowed to get what information is left somewhat vague. Considering the first sentence of the policy says "We will not give your addresses to third parties," it is strange that the rest of the page goes on to explain that they will give your information, presummably including your address, to third parties. The only specific third party listed is ad supplier DoubleClick, which is not encouraging. At least this company is named, and a link is given to Network Advertising Initiative, where one may opt out of their aggregate data compilations.

Stakeholders: Besides the site admins and web surfers, obviously companies placing ads on Fark and ad placement agencies that put them there are major stakeholders. Again, this is not encouraging.

Adjudication & Due Process: No information is given as to what a user can do if he or she feels his privacy has been violated, apart from the notice about DoubleClick and link to their opt-out form. Given the lack of foreclosure about what parties may gain access to what information, it is unclear how a user would know their private information may have been shared with someone unwanted.

Coverage: The policy only addresses what users can expect to be done with their private information. No information is given as to the responsibilites or expectations placed upon advertizers and ad suppliers.

Recommendations

Fark should be explicit about each and every group that may have access to any user info, and what information each may have access to. Responsibilites of these parties to Fark and its users should also be explicitly stated. Users should also be told what recourse is available to them should they suspect that their data is being misused or that one of the parties involved has violated an agreement.