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 system for obtaining consent comprising:
a first computer subsystem programmed to:
send a computer readable message to a second computer; and
receive a computer readable response from the second computer indicating the consent of a user to receive information in electronic form.
2 . The system of claim 1 wherein the first computer subsystem is further programmed to receive the consent.
3 . The system of claim 2 wherein the consent is received over a computer communications link.
4 . The system of claim 1 wherein the first computer subsystem is further programmed to store the consent.
5 . The system of claim 1 wherein the first computer subsystem is further programmed to enable the delivery of information in electronic form.
6 . The system of claim 5 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises sending the information.
7 . The system of claim 5 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises providing instructions for obtaining the information.
8 . The system of claim 5 wherein enabling the delivery of information in electronic form comprises providing an address on the World Wide Web where the information is located.
9 . The system of claim 5 wherein the delivery of information in electronic form is enabled for delivery.
10 . The system of claim 1 wherein the consent is deemed given after an affirmative action from the user.
11 . The system of any of claims 1 - 10 wherein the information is sensitive information.
12 . The system of claim 11 wherein the information is compliance information.
13 . The system of claims 1 , 2 , 4 , or 5 wherein the first computer subsystem s a single computer.