IDG TechNetwork Selects Evidon as its Exclusive Provider of Compliance Services for the Interactive Media Self-Regulatory Program

Global Ad Network Signs Master Services Agreement with the Leading Regulatory Service Provider to Manage Compliance throughout the US and European Union

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDG TechNetwork today announced that it has chosen Evidon as the exclusive provider of compliance services for management of the Industry Self-Regulatory Program in the US, and the management of the Pan-European Self-Regulatory Framework for Online Behavioral Advertising in the European Union. The agreement includes IDG TechNetwork access worldwide to Evidon’s Assurance Platform, Evidon InForm, through a Master Services Agreement. By using Evidon as the technology platform to deliver in-ad notification across multiple countries, the IDG TechNetwork positions itself as a global leader in online compliance and self-regulation.

“Working with Evidon enables us to support privacy self-regulation in international markets as their own self-regulatory guidelines are established, and ensures that compliance will be built-in for everything we do online in the US.”

The IDG TechNetwork represents more than 460 independent publishers reaching enterprise, tech enthusiasts, and entertainment and gaming audiences. The ad network averages 90 million unique users and more than one billion impressions per month. Through the partnership, IDG TechNetwork will use Evidon’s industry-standard method for demonstrating compliance with the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) program. Evidon InForm enables simple and scalable implementation of the Advertising Option Icon in display ads and on websites, giving consumers access to and control over how their information is collected and used, including the choice of opting out altogether.

“The IDG TechNetwork is taking a leadership role in consumer transparency and confidence,” said Peter Longo, CEO, IDG Syndication and Networks. “Working with Evidon enables us to support privacy self-regulation in international markets as their own self-regulatory guidelines are established, and ensures that compliance will be built-in for everything we do online in the US.”

IDG TechNetwork joins the growing list of companies, now exceeding 175 brands, agencies, publishers, technology solutions providers and networks that use Evidon to power their compliance efforts in order to inform consumers about how the industry collects and uses interest-based data. Evidon was the first company designated by the DDA as an approved provider of compliance services for the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising. This includes the ability to deliver the Advertising Option (or Forward I) icon on behalf of companies that are participating in the self-regulatory program. The company’s Assurance Platform is operating at scale, delivering the Advertising Option Icon and corresponding notice in billions of monthly advertising impressions across the Internet for leading brands.

“We’re clearly thrilled to have IDG TechNetwork join our dossier of clients around the world, and we see them as very strategic for the promulgation of the industry self-regulatory program’s key messages,” said Scott Meyer, founder and CEO of Evidon. “The smartest marketers and brands understand the role transparency plays in engendering consumer confidence, and results from numerous study agrees.” The industry recognizes Evidon as the leading technology company that enables online advertising transparency through its leadership role in the Open Data Partnership (ODP) alliance. The ODP of online behavioral advertising companies gives consumers access and control over the information companies have collected about their interests, directly from an ad impression or publisher site, which uses Evidon’s platform.

The DAA is made up of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI).

About International Data Group

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events and research company. IDG’s media brands – including CIO®, CSO®, Computerworld®, GamePro®, InfoWorld®, Macworld®, Network World®, PCWorld® and TechWorld® – reach an audience of more than 200 million technology buyers in 90 countries. Online, IDG’s network features more than 450 websites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment, and video games worldwide. The IDG TechNetwork represents more than 460 independent websites in an ad network complementary to IDG’s media brands. IDG® is also a leading producer of more than 700 technology-related events, including Macworld® 2011, E3 Expo®, DEMO®, SNW™, and IDC Directions®. IDG’s marketing services include lead generation with IDG Connect®, custom publishing, social Web marketing with IDG Amplify® ads and IDG Social Scout™ analysis and program development, and IDG Market Fusion™ research and content optimization. IDC®, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence; advisory services; and events in IT, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. Over 1,000 IDC analysts in more than 110 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com.

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