Some key points that are worthwhile mentioning:
- All login information that is stored by Wimba is volunteered information through the EULA and sign up process.
- All login information is transferred under SSL.
- Logging is mentioned in the Privacy Statement and Wimba only stores access to the Pronto application (time/date stamps) on their servers. Chat logs are stored locally at an end users discretion. Even if disabled, a user can choose to select all and copy and paste their log into another application.
- Encryption of communication is also mentioned in the Privacy Statement. This would be similar to our existing Groupwise email, student Gmail, and Blackboard communications.
- Wimba responds directly to subpoenas.
- Since we have been using Pronto in teaching and learning at GRCC for 2 years now, more than 900 faculty/staff/students have signed up for a Pronto account and have all agreed to the Pronto EULA which includes the Privacy Statement.
- All users (students, faculty, and staff) who sign up for a Pronto account have to check a box and agree to the End User License Agreement of which includes this Pronto Privacy Statement. (There isn't an auto-create situation like there is with student Gmail for example.)
Please see: http://www.wimba.com/support/pronto_privacy.php
I've pulled out some relevant information from this privacy statement:
1) EULA - Personal Information You Choose to Provide - "When you register to become a member of the Pronto Service ("Member"), you will provide us information about yourself as well as your institutional affiliation; for example, your university, high school or college ("Institution"). Personal information that we may collect includes, but is not limited to, a username, your first name, your last name, and your Institutions.
We are not knowingly sharing your information with any third parties. However, in the event we are involved in an acquisition, merger, dissolution, or sale of our business assets, we may transfer some of your information, including but not limited to your registration information."
2) Logging - "Pronto Service also may log or record information sent by the Pronto Client software, including login/logout information, audio and text communications, idle events (i.e., when you are away from your computer), and settings. Also, Pronto Service may allow Members to record text communications they have with another Member."
3) Personal Information and Communication Encryption - "To protect your security, we may require your username and password when you log-in to access your account. It is your responsibility to keep your username and password secure and to share only such information with those persons authorized to act on your behalf. In addition, you may request access to all of your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain in our database by emailing privacy@wimba.com. Any personal information that You provide in your communications with others through the Pronto Service, including on discussion boards or forums, in text or voice messages, in chat areas, within your public profile page, etc., becomes publicly available and can be collected and used by others, who may forward these communications to other websites or people, making it available to the general public.
We consider your personal information to be an important asset and take appropriate measures to protect it from unauthorized access and disclosure. However, no amount of protective measures will ensure absolute security, and you acknowledge that third parties may unlawfully intercept or access your personal information and private communications, and you agree that you do not expect that your personally identifiable information or private communications will always remain private."
4) Subpoenas - "We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or subpoena or if we believe that such action is necessary to (a) conform to the law or comply with legal process served on us or affiliated parties; (b) protect and defend our rights and property, the Pronto Service, and/or the users and Member of the Pronto Service; or (c) act under circumstances to protect the safety of anyone."
