Anyone know if this is allowed?

[lovetoscrap]

For the last few months I have been getting emails from a local charity soliciting donations. I had no idea how they got my email address and how I got on their list. There was no information on how to unsubscribe either.

Today I was annoyed when I got it so I replied and asked to be taken off the list and metioned that I had no idea how I got on it, since I don't remember signing up for it.

I got an email back saying I was removed, and that they got my email from the FREECYCLE list!! I was really mad! I have been on lots of yahoogroups and I have never had anyone pull my email off and use it for their own unsolicited emails!

Wouldn't this be against the rules for Freecycle and maybe even Yahoogroups?

 

[FireDancer]

Read the EULA that you agreed to when joining the list. It is common that they will share information with 3rd parties. There are usually some restrictions but it is a pretty good bet that non-profit 3rd parties would be an exception.

Whenever in doubt read the EULA.

 

[JerseyJanice]

When registering for different things on-line, I've noticed that they often have a checkbox--automatically checked, of course--where it states that they have your consent to share your info with other business partners you may be interested in hearing from.

I swear that the wording and placement of those checkboxes can trip you up.

 

[bumbershoot]

From freecycle's privacy policy:

" We will not sell or exchange your personal information at any time. We will collect general information (such as the type of browser you use, the files you request, and the domain name and country from which you request information) to improve our Web site and better meet your needs."

From their Terms of Service:

" Additionally, you agree not to:


* collect personal data about other users for commercial or unlawful purposes;

*use automated means, including spiders, robots, crawlers, data mining tools, or the like to download data from the Service - exception is made for internet search engines (e.g. Google) and non-commercial public archives (e.g. archive.org) that comply with our robots.txt file;"


I would contact the local freecycle, let them know. Also contact the charity's main group to let THEM know. Because it doesn't seem to be OK to snag email addresses in this way!

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh and of course:

5. No Spam Policy

You understand and agree that sending unsolicited email advertisements to The Freecycle Network email addresses or through The Freecycle Network computer systems, which is expressly prohibited by these Terms, will use or cause to be used servers located in Arizona. Any unauthorized use of The Freecycle Network computer systems is a violation of these Terms and certain federal and state laws. Such violations may subject the sender and his or her agents to civil and criminal penalties.

 

[marlynnp]

Even if a place you sign up with your email has a share clause - there is still an issue. Mass emailers are required to have an unsubscribe link or clear instructions on how to unsubscribe.

 

[disneymarie]

I found one of our own local charities was asking to collect email addresses from past participants and send email, due to the cost of mailing.

I intercepted that unless they use their hand to give the email knowing it is for solicitation, newsletters or updates, that I would not just spring it on anyone.

I would also not want that list shared with other organizations looking for contributions.