The EWDCI Certified Trust Seal

The EWDCI Trust Seal: What It Means & How to Use It:

The EWDCI Trust Seal is the public mark of ethical excellence in web data collection. Created by the Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI), the Seal is awarded to organizations that meet our standards for transparency, integrity, and responsible data practices. When displayed, it signals to the world that a company adheres to the EWDCI Principles and is committed to building trust in the digital ecosystem.

How to Earn the EWDCI Trust Seal:

To display the EWDCI Trust Seal, a web data collection company must:

• Be an active participating member of the EWDCI.
• Complete a formal review based on EWDCI Principles, covering key areas such as transparency, data handling, privacy safeguards, and accountability.
• Pass a compliance audit conducted by the i2Coalition in partnership with EWDCI leadership.

Successful participants will be granted access to the official EWDCI Trust Seal assets for use across their digital and promotional platforms.

To inquire about participation or begin the accreditation process, contact us via the EWDCI contact form.

How to Display the EWDCI Trust Seal:

• Use the official Seal exactly as provided. Modifications to its design, color, proportions, or format are not allowed.
• Place the Seal in a visible, relevant location such as your homepage, Trust Center, or ethical data use policy page.
• Feature the Seal in content where ethical data collection is discussed—e.g., press releases, whitepapers, educational material.
• Use the Seal in promotional materials and social media to underscore your EWDCI-aligned practices.

Use of the Seal must always be accompanied by valid accreditation. Expired or unauthorized use will be subject to enforcement.

Maintaining the Trust Seal – Accountability and Enforcement:

The integrity of the EWDCI Trust Seal depends on our shared commitment to uphold its meaning. If concerns arise about a member’s practices:

• The company will be notified and asked to respond within 30 days.
• A compliance committee will review the matter, gathering facts and hearing the member’s position.
• If necessary, the case will be presented at an EWDCI board meeting. Decisions about continued accreditation will be made by consensus.

If accreditation is revoked:

• Written notification will be sent within 3 business days.
• The company must remove the Seal from all public platforms within 30 days.
• Documentation of the review and decision process will be retained for transparency.  

Safeguarding the Seal’s Value:

The integrity of the EWDCI Trust Seal depends on our shared commitment to uphold its meaning. If concerns arise about a member’s practices:

• The company will be notified and asked to respond within 30 days.
• A compliance committee will review the matter, gathering facts and hearing the member’s position.
• If necessary, the case will be presented at an EWDCI board meeting. Decisions about continued accreditation will be made by consensus.

If accreditation is revoked:

• Written notification will be sent within 3 business days.
• The company must remove the Seal from all public platforms within 30 days.
   

Looking Ahead – Dynamic Verification and Future Standards:

The EWDCI is working on a live verification system to allow the public to confirm a company’s accreditation status in real-time. This enhancement will provide an additional layer of trust and distinguish ethical practitioners from those who fall short of the mark.

Have questions or need help with the accreditation process or Seal usage? Contact us through the EWDCI website.