Notice and Consent Guidelines

B) Consent

B1) What is meant by Consent?

Consent is the informed, voluntary agreement of an individual to the collection of his or her personal information and to the subsequent uses, disclosure and retention of that information. "Informed" Consent is only achieved by first providing the individual with appropriate Notice.

B2) How is Consent given?

For federal government Web sites, consent is given after a person has submitted their personal information and then clicks (or accesses via a keyboard) a link or button that says, in effect, they "agree" to submit their information in accordance with the Privacy Notice Statement. Once this link or button has been clicked or accessed, their personal information is sent.

Suggested wording for Consent is as follows:

"By submitting your personal information, you are consenting to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the Privacy Notice Statement." (The words "Privacy Notice Statement" should be linked to the Privacy Notice Statement page).

B3) Is Consent necessary?

Acquiring Consent is not required in many cases. However, it is desirable as a way to confirm that a person has accessed the Privacy Notice Statement.

B4) Is Consent sufficient?

A federal program or service requires legal authority to collect, use and disclose personal information.  If there is no legislative authority for the on-line program or service, consult with your legal advisor to determine if there is authority to proceed with the program or service.