DoubleClick Brings Big Names Aboard to Address Privacy Concerns

In a sign that DoubleClick is
serious about improving its image in the privacy arena, the company has
brought aboard two big names — New York City’s consumer affairs
commissioner, and a former attorney general of New York State — to lead
newly-created privacy-related positions.

Jules Polonetsky, the New York City consumer affairs commissioner, is
taking the role of chief privacy officer at the troubled advertising firm.
Former New York State AG Bob Abrams will serve as chair of DoubleClick’s
Privacy Advisory Board. Both positions were created as part of
DoubleClick’s efforts to deflect privacy concerns, in the wake of campaigns
by consumer advocates.

“DoubleClick is dedicated to both guaranteeing user privacy and delivering
effective on-line advertising that will keep the Internet free,” said Kevin
Ryan, president of DoubleClick.

“I believe that appointing Bob Abrams and Jules Polonetsky, two people who
have dedicated their lives to consumer advocacy, shows our commitment to
ensuring online privacy.”

Last week, DoubleClick postponed plans to merge data collected online with
information about offline consumer behavior, which it acquired when it
bought Abacus Direct. It said it
would wait to implement any plans until after industry groups, consumer
groups, and government came to a conclusion about privacy standards.

The decision was spurred by months of mounting pressure, which included
informal inquiries by the Federal Trade
Commission and the New York State Attorney General’s office, and
threats of a lawsuit by the Michigan Attorney General’s office.

In his new job, Polonetsky is charged with acting as a sort of ombudsman
for Internet users. He will also coordinate with DoubleClick’s clients to
institute and police their privacy policies, and he will work to educate
the public about the company’s commitment to online privacy. Polonetsky
will report directly to DoubleClick’s Board of Directors.

“I look forward to working with industry leaders and policy makers to
establish and implement effective privacy standards,” said Jules
Polonetsky, chief privacy officer at DoubleClick.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring to online consumers the benefit
of my experience as New York City’s chief consumer law enforcement official.”

Abrams will head a board of outside experts on Internet privacy, which will
make recommendations on how DoubleClick can improve its privacy policies
and procedures.