First Phase of Testing for TRUSTe’s Completed By AppLabs

MUMBAI, India & PHILADELPHIA - AppLabs Technologies, the world’s largest independent software testing company, has successfully completed the first major phase of testing for TRUSTe’s Trusted Download Program. AppLabs partnered with TRUSTe in January 2006 to test and certify technical operations of software applicants to the Trusted Download Beta Program. This was the first time TRUSTe included an outside technology expert to qualify applicants for the company’s privacy programs.

TRUSTe recently unveiled the whitelist of applications that have passed the certification process for inclusion in the TRUSTe’s Trusted Download Program. These applications, at the version level, have been certified to clearly communicate key functionalities, to obtain informed consumer consent prior to download, and provide an easy uninstall with clear instructions, among other requirements.

On the successful completion of this project, Sashi Reddi, Founder, Chairman & CEO, AppLabs Technologies said, “This particular project involved very rigorous testing across multiple parameters and allowed TRUSTe to be confident in the delivery to their customers. It is another classic example of AppLabs working in partnership with our clients to deliver true end to end benefit.”

In order to be certified, all applicants have made changes to software behavior and/or disclosures. In some cases, distribution networks have been pared back to increase accountability. A number of applicants are being turned away as a result of not meeting the rigorous requirements.

During the beta program, TRUSTe is testing and certifying software applications engaged in a variety of business models and distribution networks. Another dozen applications are currently in the certification queue.

“The companies whose applications have passed the challenging certification process for the Trusted Download whitelist are all demonstrating a commitment to protecting consumer privacy,” said Fran Maier, Executive Director and President of TRUSTe. “By completely informing users about the particulars of the downloads they offer up front, the participating companies are increasing transparency and giving control to users.”

The program sponsors, representing leading content and search providers, anti-spyware vendors and online advertisers, offer market incentives for downloadable software publishers to get certified. AOL, CA, CNET Networks, Microsoft, Verizon and Yahoo! will use the whitelist as a tool to help make business decisions related to advertising, partnering and distributing software products. By providing a whitelist of trusted applications, the program aims to provide attractive market incentives to software publishers to meet the requirements and earn certification.

AppLabs Technologies was actively involved in the certification process reviewing notice and consent experience for consumers and tested the operation and behavior of the software. With the launch of the whitelist, TRUSTe will be conducting ongoing monitoring of the applications as they are encountered by users.

“The Trusted Download Program represents another important step towards making downloadable software more transparent,” said Ari Schwartz, deputy director, Center for Democracy and Technology. “By assuring compliance with consumer protection standards, the Trusted Download Program will help companies make more informed decision about potential partners in this growing industry.”