The major issues that have eroded Consumer Confidence are Privacy, Security and non-disclosure of specifically what the Sites do with the information they gather from you, the User. QTL was formed to help you the User become more well-informed of how how to protect yourself from harm. A glossary of terms will be available here soon.

The Internet can be a very productive and valuable tool. Our mission is to make it a better and safer place for Users while making Sites aware and accountable for promises they make to you.

Basic elements to look for as you visit Sites:

• Privacy Policy or Statement - look for a link to an Organizations' privacy policy and carefully read and understand the policy to know what happens to your information. Also, if you are signing up for a service or buying products, look for an 'opt out' option. Opting Out means you do not give the Site permission to distribute your personally identifiable information to others without your consent.
  
• Security - whenever you give your credit card number or confidential information, look for the site address to start with - https:// . The S in https:// means that you are in a secure area of the Site and that your information will be encrypted when you submit it.
  
• Customer Service - look for Sites that have clear links to customer service pages or areas. Many sites that bury their customer service pages have little or no staff to handle your call. Also, if sending email requests for customer service, look for information on how long it will be before someone gets back with you. Sites that do not specify a time may not respond to you in a reasonable time period.
  
• Hidden Costs - on Sites' that you purchase products, review your purchases and all costs involved with you purchase. Some Sites will offer great deals over the Internet but the shipping/handling charges may be  more costly than your expect. 
  
• Warranty and Return Policy - for e-commerce Sites, look for a Warranty and return policy and carefully read it. If they don't have one, contact them via email or phone before making your purchase. 
  
• Advertisements and User tracking - Some Sites with banner ads or advertisement links to other Sites cannot control how those other Sites track your information and movement throughout the web. Remember when you click these ads and links, that you are on a different Site which is governed by that Sites' Privacy and Security policies which are different from the one you were just on.
  You can tell you have been sent to another Site by looking at the URL (the address in the address or location window in your browser). If it is not the same as the Site you initially visited, you are on another Site and should read that Site's privacy policy or statement. The Privacy Statement link is normally located at the bottom of the web page.
  
• Paper Trail - keep a backup or hard copy of all receipts with regards to buying a purchasing product over the internet. Data can always be deleted or corrupted so having some backup info or paper trail to help solve issues with customer service.
  
• Disclosure - make sure the Site fully discloses its policies in a clear and understandable manner. If there is anything you do not understand, or feel their are omissions, you should be concerned. If this happens, have the Site clarify what you do not understand by e-mailing them and asking.
  
• Look for the Mark - look for the QT Mark of Trust on all Sites you visit.

Read about the issues of concern.