Who we are - Quality Testing Labs (QTL) was formed in July of 2000 as an independent self-governing body with no partnerships and no inherent bias.

Our belief - if used properly, responsibly and ethically, Internet products and services can be of tremendous benefit and value to the World. As an independent service, QTL wants Internet Sites, Services, Products and the individuals and Organizations behind them to succeed for the betterment of all people.

Our mission - our ongoing mission is to enhance Consumer Confidence and Trust for Users and Consumers of Sites, Services, Products and Organizations that have implemented best Internet practices and procedures. These entities are pioneers of the 21st Century. If acceptance of the innovations these Organizations provide can be achieved, this acceptance will make the world a better place. Elevating the real levels of consumer confidence and trust is our mission, which we feel can only be accomplished if it is based on facts and real change.

Our concerns about these industries - 21st Century industries are moving so quickly, and changing so rapidly, that some are taking unjust advantage of the chaos without the Consumer in mind. This fact brings us to the conclusion that there is an immediate need for some form of minimal governance and regulation - and this can only be brought about by a knowledgeable, flexible, committed independent third party with no affiliation with other industry leaders. If embraced, minimal governance and third party regulation could limit the need and extent of government intervention, and the attendant delays caused by the need to have all governments worldwide in agreement. If QTL can enable this, it feels strongly that these entities will grow and flourish along with the Consumers they serve.

Our concerns about internal self-regulation - In a perfect world, people would be able to govern themselves. However history has shown that when people involved in the same industries attempt to govern themselves, there is unavoidable bias in the speed of change and effectiveness of the programs they are capable of developing, due to the inherent bias. In other words, one does not want to punish oneself unless forced to. And the change these 21st Century industries need must keep pace with the frantic growth of the industries. People directly involved in the growth of these industries have little true motivation to expedite this change.

Why has the public lost confidence? - Currently, Sites, Services, Computer Products and the Companies behind them have been fairly unregulated. QTL is not a proponent of strict regulation since we feel it hampers the growth and ability of industries to deliver new and better products and services. However, the reduction in consumer confidence and lack of trust seems to be the result of a lack of regulation. Then, when the acts of a few that have not adhered to promises made or the  fundamentals of good business practices are exposed, consumer trust and confidence is further eroded.

What does QTL plan to do about the issues - To meet its objectives as stated in our Mission, Quality Testing Labs believes there needs to be set forth a basic set of codes, ethics and fundamental practices that all Internet Sites, Services, Products and Organizations can attain and consumers can embrace. We feel that the election to show commitment on the part of these entities will logically result in a dramatic increase in consumer trust these entities require to succeed. This is why we created the Code of good business practices and offer Sites the ability to be licensed and agree to be bound by it. This is also why we require some to carry Site and User Liability Insurance Coverage. The cost of this coverage is minimized by the pre-requisite QTL Code of Ethics and is purchased independently of QTL. We are not an insurance broker, nor are we affiliated or receive commissions from any insurance we suggest. We simply feel insurance is a necessary ingredient in accomplishing our mission for many of those whom we license.

Associations - To meet our objectives, QTL welcomes and will always be open to assisting and becoming involved with all government and regulatory bodies in the US and other Trade Commissions, Departments of Justice, ICANN, the United Nations, and any others that are trying to make the Internet, Services and Products safer and more effective.

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