[ 18 May 2005 ] CNSG Revokes TrustSg/BusinessTrust Membership of Accredited Company

Maricar Foundation was accredited on the 3^rd May 2005.  Maricar Foundation was audited and assessed on its adherence to TrustSg/BusinessTrust code of practice. The code of practice included fair trade in marketing & communication, disclosure, data protection, security, availability, redress and dispute resolution mechanisms.

CNSG’s auditor briefed Maricar Foundation on the various model data protection principles.  They were asked to strictly adhere to the best business practices and to ensure that stringent guidelines are in place to protect their customer’s personal data.

On the 9^th May 2005, CNSG received a compliant from NUS stating that their staff received dubious emails, which were authoritative, and “lures” users into entering private personal information. CNSG also received a call from the Singapore Police Force stating that Maricar Foundation is being investigated for luring users into entering private personal information.

When contacted, a representative of Maricar Foundation admitted sending emails, promoting their services to about 1000 users of various organisations, including Government Bodies Departments, Statutory Boards and the public promoting their handphone crime prevention database registration program for mobile equipment in Singapore.

Maricar Foundation violated the marketing & communications principles and the data protection principles, which are clearly stipulated in the code of practice. As Maricar Foundation signed the Licence Agreement with CNSG, they were legally bound to comply with the Code of Practice. CNSG had to proceed with the enforcement action due to the breach in the terms of the Agreement.

The management of CommerceNet Singapore (CNSG) revoked Maricar Foundation’s TrustSg/BusinessTrust membership for 2 years.  All rights acquired by Maricar Foundation under the agreement will automatically expire without the need for any further act or deed