Iger Strikes Back - Letter to Edward Markey - The DIS Discussion Forums

crazy4wdw · 01-29-2013, 08:39 AM

January 28, 2013

The Honorable Edward Markey

2108 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Congressman Markey:

For 90 years, Disney has been synonymous with high-quality entertainment for families and children of all ages. We use creativity, innovation and technology to create memorable moments and experiences for our hundreds of millions of customers and guests. And, as you well know, Disney’s record and commitment to children’s safety and security and the protection of their privacy is exemplary. People around the world trust Disney and its products. That trust is the cornerstone of our company, and we take it very seriously.

We are offended by the ludicrous and utterly ill-informed assertion in your letter dated January 24, 2013, that we would in any way haphazardly or recklessly introduce a program that manipulates children, or wantonly puts their safety at risk.

It is truly unfortunate and extremely disappointing that you chose to publicly attack us before taking the time to review our policies and/or contact us for information, which would have obviated the need for your letter. Had you or your staff made the slightest effort, you would have found most of the answers to your questions already existed and were publicly available online at http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/pp.html and https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/fa...rivacy-policy/.

In the enclosed attachment, we address the questions in your letter about our new, yet-to-be launched program, MyMagic+. However, to ensure that you fully understand our practices as they pertain to children, and our commitment to our guests’ privacy, let me be clear and reiterate the basic facts.

MyMagic+ is a completely optional program that was designed with privacy controls from the outset. Disney does not use personal information to market to children under age 13, does not personalize or target advertisements to an individual child, and never shares children’s personal information with any third party for their marketing purposes. Additionally, parents have full control over their child’s participation in MyMagic+. We have transparent privacy practices, guests can control and limit the amount of information they provide to us — and how their information is used.

Further details are attached

Sincerely,
Robert A Iger

Tonka's Skipper · 01-29-2013, 09:06 AM

Good for Iger.........that congressman was out for nothing more then to get his name in the news!

Peter Pirate 2 · 01-29-2013, 12:57 PM

Good response, I guess. Because now, should something happen to someone along the lines that were discussed, the wronged parties ought to be able to successfully sue the beejesus ot of Disney.

Hey Bobby, the company used to stand for all those things you mentioned but these days it's mostly just talk, PR and living off of your reputation I think.

DRDISNEYMD · 01-29-2013, 08:55 PM

~I love it! Iger's response is scathing, ouch!!! Oh well, you blew it Markey! There will be no fabulous castle suite & VIP tour for you!

~With that said, it's kind of sad that Markey looks at Disney no differently than Walmart! Disney hasn't been looking too hot in the press, as of late -- they're in dire need of some serious damage control.

Peter Pirate 2 · 01-29-2013, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRDISNEYMD

~I love it! Iger's response is scathing, ouch!!! Oh well, you blew it Markey! There will be no fabulous castle suite & VIP tour for you!

~With that said, it's kind of sad that Markey looks at Disney no differently than Walmart! Disney hasn't been looking too hot in the press, as of late -- they're in dire need of some serious damage control.

Dr. You're not paying attention to Baron, Lokedout or Yoho ... Today's Disney is no different than Walmart with the exception that Disney's founder was a guy named Walt and Walmart's was a guy named Sam. Care to compare the two.

insureman · 01-29-2013, 09:58 PM

The is the same idiot that wants to run for John Kerry's Senate seat here in Massachusetts if Kerry gets Secretary Of State. Sorry America.

SpacePlace · 01-29-2013, 10:28 PM

Iger made Markey look like a complete amateur. It's true, do your research, especially before you go out and attack someone/organization publicly. Markey needs to get new staff - like ones that know how to view the Disney website.

Planogirl · 01-29-2013, 10:32 PM

Iger sounds peevish to me and I can't help but think that much of this could have been avoided if Disney were more forthcoming about their plans. There is still much that we don't know about this new system but at least Markey should shut up now.

Reddog1134 · 01-30-2013, 09:58 AM

All the info in Iger's letter may be correct but the attitude and tone was completely inappropriate.

He should have been much more professional.

ChipnDale79 · 01-30-2013, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddog1134

All the info in Iger's letter may be correct but the attitude and tone was completely inappropriate.

He should have been much more professional.

I was wondering if I was the only one that felt that way...

pwdebbie · 01-30-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddog1134

All the info in Iger's letter may be correct but the attitude and tone was completely inappropriate.

He should have been much more professional.

Agree.

thegib95 · 01-30-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planogirl

Iger sounds peevish to me and I can't help but think that much of this could have been avoided if Disney were more forthcoming about their plans. There is still much that we don't know about this new system but at least Markey should shut up now.

What they accused Disney of doing in this letter from Markey, the answers were already provided by Disney..... Although you may want more info on how it is going to change how a visit to the park happens, that doesn't mean that the privacy concerns haven't already been addressed...

Maybe they aren't announcing more of how its going to work, because if there is a change, the boards will go nuts... Trying to avoid Hyperion Warf like happenings until things are set in stone maybe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddog1134

All the info in Iger's letter may be correct but the attitude and tone was completely inappropriate.

He should have been much more professional.

Agree to a Point, however, It's hard to respond to allegations that could be disproved by just reading the information they have released with out a bit of snarkism in your tone.

neilbrassfrog · 01-30-2013, 04:31 PM

I wish a Congressman would write Iger to get details on when FP+ will be implemented.

sachilles · 01-30-2013, 04:53 PM

I can see why one would use a little snark, since if Markey was truly concerned he or his staff could have contacted Disney for the info and ask the questions from there.
Instead, they drafted a formal letter for the whole public to see. It was grandstanding. It asked questions that were answerable with moderate research or even a simple phone call. There is no doubt they intended to cast disney is a negative light.
Iger answered in kind. He could have gone with a little less snark. Iger could have privately responded with snark, but that likely would have ignited a vendetta. He could have responded respectfully, answering all questions, but that would add credibility to the concerns.
The snark was wise because its makes Markey look foolish, and calls his credibility into question. If he further accuses Disney it will now look like he has a personal agenda against the company.
Iger might get the big book of manners next Christmas, but it was probably the right thing to do.

tiki23 · 01-30-2013, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachilles

Iger might get the big book of manners next Christmas, but it was probably the right thing to do.

Ha! Love that.

You can bet that letter was run through PR and legal before it was sent.

01-29-2013, 08:39 AM	#1
crazy4wdw DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,757	Iger Strikes Back - Letter to Edward Markey January 28, 2013 The Honorable Edward Markey 2108 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Congressman Markey: For 90 years, Disney has been synonymous with high-quality entertainment for families and children of all ages. We use creativity, innovation and technology to create memorable moments and experiences for our hundreds of millions of customers and guests. And, as you well know, Disney’s record and commitment to children’s safety and security and the protection of their privacy is exemplary. People around the world trust Disney and its products. That trust is the cornerstone of our company, and we take it very seriously. We are offended by the ludicrous and utterly ill-informed assertion in your letter dated January 24, 2013, that we would in any way haphazardly or recklessly introduce a program that manipulates children, or wantonly puts their safety at risk. It is truly unfortunate and extremely disappointing that you chose to publicly attack us before taking the time to review our policies and/or contact us for information, which would have obviated the need for your letter. Had you or your staff made the slightest effort, you would have found most of the answers to your questions already existed and were publicly available online at http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/pp.html and https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/fa...rivacy-policy/. In the enclosed attachment, we address the questions in your letter about our new, yet-to-be launched program, MyMagic+. However, to ensure that you fully understand our practices as they pertain to children, and our commitment to our guests’ privacy, let me be clear and reiterate the basic facts. MyMagic+ is a completely optional program that was designed with privacy controls from the outset. Disney does not use personal information to market to children under age 13, does not personalize or target advertisements to an individual child, and never shares children’s personal information with any third party for their marketing purposes. Additionally, parents have full control over their child’s participation in MyMagic+. We have transparent privacy practices, guests can control and limit the amount of information they provide to us — and how their information is used. Further details are attached Sincerely, Robert A Iger __________________

01-29-2013, 10:32 PM	#8
Planogirl I feel the nerd in me stirring already Oh well, let's look on the bright side If I hadn't been so wiped out I would have kissed my anesthesiologist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Frisco,Texas Posts: 40,962	Iger sounds peevish to me and I can't help but think that much of this could have been avoided if Disney were more forthcoming about their plans. There is still much that we don't know about this new system but at least Markey should shut up now. __________________ PG

01-30-2013, 09:58 AM	#9
Reddog1134 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,306	All the info in Iger's letter may be correct but the attitude and tone was completely inappropriate. He should have been much more professional. __________________ October '13 Pre-Trip Report

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01-29-2013, 09:06 AM	#2
Tonka's Skipper DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Connecticut in the Good Ole USA Posts: 3,220	Good for Iger.........that congressman was out for nothing more then to get his name in the news!

01-29-2013, 12:57 PM	#3
Peter Pirate 2 I may be a Disney curmudgeon but I still have Disney hope What happened to Peter Pirate? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,817	Good response, I guess. Because now, should something happen to someone along the lines that were discussed, the wronged parties ought to be able to successfully sue the beejesus ot of Disney. Hey Bobby, the company used to stand for all those things you mentioned but these days it's mostly just talk, PR and living off of your reputation I think.

01-29-2013, 08:55 PM	#4
DRDISNEYMD ++++++++* ~Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein~ ++++++++* Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,770	~I love it! Iger's response is scathing, ouch!!! Oh well, you blew it Markey! There will be no fabulous castle suite & VIP tour for you! ~With that said, it's kind of sad that Markey looks at Disney no differently than Walmart! Disney hasn't been looking too hot in the press, as of late -- they're in dire need of some serious damage control.

01-29-2013, 09:58 PM	#6
insureman Disney Cruise Crazy or so my family tells me! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southcoast Massachusetts.Not close enough to Port Canaveral! Posts: 802	The is the same idiot that wants to run for John Kerry's Senate seat here in Massachusetts if Kerry gets Secretary Of State. Sorry America.

01-29-2013, 10:28 PM	#7
SpacePlace Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 131	Iger made Markey look like a complete amateur. It's true, do your research, especially before you go out and attack someone/organization publicly. Markey needs to get new staff - like ones that know how to view the Disney website.

01-30-2013, 04:31 PM	#13
neilbrassfrog Earning My Ears Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 27	I wish a Congressman would write Iger to get details on when FP+ will be implemented.

01-30-2013, 04:53 PM	#14
sachilles Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Waitsfield VT Posts: 122	I can see why one would use a little snark, since if Markey was truly concerned he or his staff could have contacted Disney for the info and ask the questions from there. Instead, they drafted a formal letter for the whole public to see. It was grandstanding. It asked questions that were answerable with moderate research or even a simple phone call. There is no doubt they intended to cast disney is a negative light. Iger answered in kind. He could have gone with a little less snark. Iger could have privately responded with snark, but that likely would have ignited a vendetta. He could have responded respectfully, answering all questions, but that would add credibility to the concerns. The snark was wise because its makes Markey look foolish, and calls his credibility into question. If he further accuses Disney it will now look like he has a personal agenda against the company. Iger might get the big book of manners next Christmas, but it was probably the right thing to do.