Obtaining consent for electronic delivery of compliance information
A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.
1 . A method for obtaining consent for computer-aided delivery of compliance information, the method comprising:
electronically providing computer-executable instructions for obtaining consent from an individual for subsequent computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information to the individual;
prompting, by execution of the instructions on a first computer, the individual for consent to the subsequent computer-aided delivery of the additional compliance information to the individual;
communicating the individual's consent from the first computer to a second computer, the second computer connected to the first computer over a network; and
transmitting additional compliance information from the second computer to the first computer.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the computer-executable instructions includes instructions for providing a first set of compliance information to the individual.
3 . A system for obtaining consent from a user for computer-aided delivery of compliance information, the system comprising:
a sending computer arrangement programmed to send software to a user device, the software comprising computer executable instructions; and
the user device programmed to:
execute the computer executable instructions,
prompt the user to consent to the computer aided delivery of compliance information, and
communicate the consent to a second device.
4 . The system of claim 3 wherein the second device is the sending computer arrangement.
5 . The system of claim 3 wherein the software is sent in a message over a network.
6 . The system of claim 5 wherein the computer executable instructions allow the user to consent by replying to the message.
7 . The system of claim 5 wherein the computer executable instructions allow the user to consent by following a link in the message.
8 . The system of claim 5 wherein the computer executable instructions allow the user to consent by executing a form included in the message.
9 . The system of claim 3 wherein the sending computer arrangement is further programmed to send compliance information to the user device.
10 . The system of claim 3 wherein the sending computer arrangement is further programmed to send a notification about the compliance information to the user device.
11 . The system of claim 10 wherein the notification comprises a message sent over a network.
12 . The system of claim 11 wherein the notification contains a link to a location of the compliance information.
13 . The system of claim 12 wherein the location of the compliance information is a web page.
14 . The system of claim 13 wherein the web page is stored in the sending computer arrangement.
15 . The system of claim 3 wherein the compliance information comprises one or more additions or changes to a mutual fund prospectus.
16 . The system of claim 3 wherein the second device stores the communicated consent.
17 . The system of claim 3 wherein the sending computer arrangement comprises a server.