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 delivery of information in electronic form, the method comprising:
sending a computer readable message notifying an entity of the availability of information in electronic form;
allowing the entity to indicate the entity's level of consent to viewing information in electronic form.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the sending occurs over a computer communications link.
3 . The method of claim 1 further comprising enabling the delivery of information in electronic form.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises providing instructions for obtaining the information.
5 . The system of claim 4 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises sending the information.
6 . The method of claim 3 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises providing an address on the World Wide Web where the information is located.
7 . The method of claim 3 wherein the delivery of information in electronic form is enabled for delivery to the entity.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein the level of consent is determined through an affirmative action from the entity.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein the computer readable message is contained on a portable computer readable device.
10 . The method of any of claims 1 - 9 wherein the information is sensitive information.
11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the information is compliance information.
12 . The method of claim 1 further comprising storing a record of the entity's level of consent.