TRUSTe Honors AOL as Top Internet Service Provider

TRUSTe (www.truste.org), an online privacy nonprofit organization and Ponemon Institute, today announced that America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, was the top Internet Service Provider (ISP) in its' rankings for the Most Trusted Company for Privacy.

America Online finished third in the overall rankings behind top company HP and runner-up eBay for the establishment and enforcement of progressive privacy practices.

"America Online finished in the top three companies for privacy and particularly distinguished itself in the areas of user control and choice," said Fran Maier, president and executive director of TRUSTe.

"Studies conducted by Ponemon Institute over the past three years consistently show AOL as one of the most respected companies for privacy and trust," said Dr. Larry Ponemon, Chairman of the Ponemon Institute.

"Our relationship with our members is based on respect for their privacy and an unwavering commitment to protect them from the threats of the online world," said Tatiana Platt, AOL Senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer.

The 50 companies which topped the list in a consumer-focused study released in June by the Ponemon Institute and TRUSTe were invited to participate in the award program. In that survey, the public determined eBay, American Express and HP (in order) as the leading companies in trust and privacy protection.

TRUSTe is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling individuals and organizations to establish trusting relationships based on respect for personal identity and information in the evolving networked world.