Consumer Review: Symantec’s Norton Anti-Virus Privacy Policy
Posted by Alerts For Consumers at Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:52:00 GMT and is filed under Consumer News,Technology Alerts 
Category: Anti-Virus Protection, Privacy Policy
Do not believe the privacy options offered at Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus Protection. Downloading and purchasing the software is tantamount to signing up for junk mail, telemarketing and of course spam.
With each download of their product, four privacy options are offered. Although, Symantec is thoughtful enough to pre-check their various marketing options, their privacy option articulates another message.
Review Symantec's privacy alternatives and what they really mean:
The first opportunity is to receive mail from Symantec's business partners (in other words junk mail). The second option is to receive more unnecessary snail mailed communications from Symantec. A third choice includes phone calls from Symantec. The dichotomy of option number three is that Symantec charges customers who phone in for help -- but their double standard does not include telemarketer's invasive communications. The last "privacy option" is to receive "business is to receive email (spam) and updates of "special offers."
Out of all the options, the last one is the most consumer-driven. After all, we all need updates now and then. Of the four questions, the email notification is the only one most consumers should opt for. However, after a customer goes through the process of "registering" their information, the following notices appears:
Symantec’s Privacy Disclaimer
Privacy Options
Your privacy information will be processed.
The majority of preferences are processed within a few days. However, please allow up to 8-12 weeks to ensure all updates are complete.
We apologize we are unable to stop any mail already in the delivery process. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.
Thank you for using online Customer Service.
Their privacy options are more of a formality than a reality. Just consider these questions:
• How does an anti-virus company take up to eight to 12 weeks to register information that was just input online, today?
• Isn't their information delivered in real-time?
• Aren't most virus companies out looking for solutions to protect computers networks?
• Are anti-virus companies devised as marketing ploys to invade consumer's privacy to track their online behavior, send junk mail/spam and telemarketing calls?
It presents another interesting possibility, maybe these companies are the culprits behind those debilitating viruses, Trojans, spy ware and so forth.
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