I have brought these issues up in other related threads, but admin has not responded. They are valid concerns that need to be addressed.

1_ The new registration page

It contains six fields, one radio button, and one check box.
** NOwhere on the page does it distinguish required fields/info from optional ones.
** It does NOT warn that filling in the (real) name fields automatically and immediately places that info on display.
** It does NOT warn that, once entered, the registrant's name cannot be altered or removed *by the user*.
** There is NO preview page to allow the registrant to double check the accuracy of their info prior to completing registration.

It is standard practice to designate required fields with an asterisk/star, and to parenthetically note that others are optional. Etsy does NOT follow this standard.

Registrants DO NOT have to provide their real name during registration! This needs to be *clearly* marked as optional. It appears as if every field on the registration page is required for sign up. This is an egregious error, as the majority of users are Buyers-only. Even though Etsy's Privacy Policy (which presumably people will read before signing up) states that "You have the option to publicly display your full name." it does NOT make it clear that the name *cannot be hidden* if it has already been provided (through registration or via the user's profile). There is NO way to toggle between 'show my real name' or 'hide my real name'. The user does NOT truly control that info, therefore it is NOT truly optional to display it.

This first privacy concern ties directly into the second:

2_ The searchability of Buyers

I do not know of another e-commerce site where registration places its buyers into a searchable database (no warning or notification of this during registration). On Etsy, this is now not only an automatic and immediate result, but is retroactive to all accounts. This opens the door to spamming and stalking of Etsy buyers - and there is no way for them to opt out. Etsy has NOT sought permission of these buyers, NOR has it notified them of this new change.

I'd also like to know if this crosses some legal line. If there are laws to protect people from spam and e-mail fraud, surely there are laws to protect online shoppers from being openly targeted right where they shop.



Etsy, will you be taking steps to address and/or rectify these privacy concerns?



Yes, I know that Etsy is trying to transition into social commerce - but that does NOT give it carte blanche with members' private data. And NOWHERE on the site is its new focus clearly outlined where a first-time visitor or casual/occasional user can be made aware.

Social or not, privacy should be rigorously maintained -not exploited.

Posted at 11:35 am Mar 13, 2011 EDT