After reviewing Walmart’s Privacy Policy (PP), I have to say I was not particularly surprised of its content. Of course, I had just read Charles Ess’ and Spinello’s take on privacy policy. However, I was surprised to read that Walmart may be obtaining information about me from other sources. The explanation of what sources they use is rather vague. It includes “entities that can help us correct or supplement our records, improve the quality or personalization of our service to you, and help prevent or detect fraud”. Out of those three, I only find the third one truly acceptable. The first two (have accurate information and give me the best possible service) should be done only according to the information I am willing to provide.
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In regards to the information Walmart obtains, there is nothing in the list I have not given them myself at one point or another. However, I was surprised to find out Walmart uses web beacons.
The site justifies their privacy policy based on their business function. Examples include “order or service fulfillment, internal business processes, marketing, authentication, loss and fraud prevention, public safety and legal functions.” We could say that three (the last three) of these seven elements could be deontologically defended. Most people find fraud prevention, safety, and compliance to the law to be worthy reasons to sacrifice a certain level of privacy. The others have a business purpose, and therefore are acceptable in a utilitarian perspectives as their benefits are more than their costs.However, as Ess explains, one of the problems with digital information is that it is greased. It moves easily and fast through channels of communication. Walmart’s PP proudly says that the company “does not sell or rent … personal information to third parties”, and then goes on to list four paragraphs of exceptions. Oh well.
The site also explains under what circumstances they use and opt-in or opt-out approach when it comes to using saved information.
Looking at the big picture, I do feel comfortable with Walmart’s privacy policy. I hope they will not prove me wrong. However, if I chose to not engage in e-commerce with them, I feel like my option is to go to a similar retailer or service provider whose privacy policy is probably going to run along the same ethical lines.