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 of obtaining consent to electronically send information to an individual, the method comprising:
providing computer-executable instructions for obtaining consent from the individual for computer-aided delivery of the information to the individual;
prompting, by execution of the instructions on a first computer, the individual for consent to the computer-aided delivery of the 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 the information to the individual.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the providing occurs over a computer communications link.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting comprises sending an address on the World Wide Web where the information is located to the individual.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the information is transmitted from the second computer to the first computer.
5 . The method of claim 2 , 3 or 4 wherein the transmitting occurs over a computer communications link.
6 . The method of claim 2 , 3 or 4 wherein the information is sensitive information.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein the information is compliance information.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting comprises enabling the individual to access the information.
9 . The method of claim 1 further comprising storing a record of the consent.