As part of an industry dealing with sensitive financial information, MasterCard has always recognized the importance of consumer privacy. Years ago, we implemented policies and programs designed to create an awareness of these issues and to help protect your privacy.

Today, with the rise of the Internet, concern about privacy has skyrocketed. MasterCard's commitment to your privacy has evolved with technology and encompasses our Web site and online relationships.

MasterCard's consumer privacy initiatives include:

• MasterCard's Formal Privacy Position
• Providing More Information

MasterCard's Formal Privacy Position

The foundation for all of MasterCard's efforts in the area of consumer privacy is MasterCard's Privacy Position adopted at the end of 1995. The purpose of the Privacy Position is to provide flexible guidelines that can be adapted to meet the demands of changing technology and varying consumer expectations regarding privacy.

Providing More Information

MasterCard will continue to stay at the forefront of the critical issue of privacy. In addition to consumer education and policy implementation, MasterCard's efforts include ongoing research into consumer attitudes on privacy and continuing communications with others in our industry.

To learn more about the privacy issue, consider visiting some of these sources on the Web:

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) - EPIC is a public interest research center established to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment and constitutional values. The EPIC site provides information on electronic privacy issues, news updates and a guide to additional online resources.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - The ACLU site offers a number of pamphlets on various aspects of consumer privacy. It also provides information about "Take Back Your Data," a campaign designed to increase awareness of privacy issues and put consumers in control of their personal information.

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC) - The PRC was established with funding from the telecommunications Education Trust, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission. The PRC site helps consumers learn how to protect their personal privacy. It offers publications on a variety of privacy issues, as well as practical tips on safeguarding personal privacy.