MEF launches App Privacy Initiative

MEF has officially launched its Privacy in Mobile Applications Initiative at its inaugural Privacy Summit in Washington D.C. with the goal to help the global mobile industry build consumer trust when interacting with mobile apps that collect user data.

The initiative has been formalised by the creation of the Privacy in Mobile Applications Working Group representing stakeholders from across the value chain to actively champion the groups’ objectives throughout the mobile ecosystem - the initial founding members include Impact Mobile, InMobi, mBlox, SNR Denton and Vodafone, with additional members to be announced shortly.

Yesterday’s Privacy Summit was attended by members, Government Agencies and other guests including CTIA, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Reserve Board, Future of Privacy Forum, KPMG, Truste, Turner Broadcasting and Verifone.

MEF Global Chair, Andrew Bud said: “Mobile applications can use consumer data such as user location and address books to create great consumer value, but raise privacy concerns which we must address as an industry. Transparency and informed consent are key to consumer trust, and whilst apps stores can make a great contribution, it’s essential the total mobile value-chain is engaged and empowered. MEF’s Privacy in Mobile Applications Initiative will ensure both a holistic view is taken and practical tools delivered.”

The D.C. summit and initiative follow previous focus by MEF on privacy as a key issue - privacy and security were identified as a concern by 27 per cent of the respondents in MEF’s Global Consumer Survey late last year, and at MWC 2012 members met to debate the issue at a dedicated roundtable session - you can listen to the podcast here.

Head over to the MEF website for the full press release, and let us know what you think of the initiative in the comments.

Women in Wireless launches UK chapter to help empower women in mobile and digital media sectors

Last week, the not-for-profit organisation Women in Wireless (WiW) announced the launch of its UK chapter at a sell-out event in London. Aimed at connecting, developing and promoting women in the mobile and digital media sector, WiW already has over 3,000 members across its New York and San Francisco chapters. The group aims to create a community and framework through which members can connect with like-minded professionals, while developing the skills needed to reach senior positions and promote and recognise the achievements of those women who have already succeeded in the industry.

At the London event, Nokia CMO Jerri DeVard, shared her career experiences from over 25 years as a marketer and as a prominent member of the Women in Wireless community to an audience of over 100 mobile and digital media professionals.

The founder members of the new UK chapter were also announced, and include MEF Executive Director Rimma Perelmuter, who commented “In my role at MEF, I see women making a pivotal contribution to driving success in mobile and digital media. We at Women in Wireless UK look forward to accelerating this by helping women in our industry to maximise their potential and be recognised for their achievements.”

Team leader and head of Strategy & Partnerships, Jen Macrae said “The launch of WiW's first international London-based UK chapter, will extend an already successful model from the USA and establish a dedicated organisation for tailoring and delivering an inspirational event series, needs based coaching & mentoring and promotional opportunities to advance and recognise women in the UK mobile and digital media industries.”
The full lineup of founder members consists of:

• Jen Macrae - Team Leader & Head of Strategy & Partnerships
• Jennifer Hiley - Head of Social Committee
• Rhian Pamphilon - Head of Marketing
• Rimma Perelmuter - Head of Professional Development

You can find out more about Women in Wireless at their website or become a member via their WiW UK LinkedIn group.

Mobile Convention Amsterdam - MEF Member discounts available

Mobile Convention Amsterdam (MCA) is the platform for mobile marketing, services and m-Commerce in North-Europe. This is the third such event after last year's hugely successful edition attracted some 800 professionals from across Europe and beyond, and this year's theme is, fittingly, the Mobile World.

On the 8th of May, Amsterdam will see professionals in the field of marketing, banking, ICT & Telecom share their knowledge of mobile marketing & communications, social media, mobile payments, couponing, augmented reality and mobile advertising.

Speakers such as the BBC, Unilever, Google and BMW will be joined by trendsetting mobile players We love Mobile, Mobile Future group, Moop.Me, Beyond Reality and frog Design amongst many others. This year the speakers also include none other than MEF Global Chair and Founder/Chief Strategy Officer of mBlox, Andrew Bud, who will speak on developments and trends seen in mobile, and the current work being undertaken by MEF.

Best of all, MEF members can enjoy a €50 discount on the entry fee! - Drop us an email to get your exclusive discount code and check out the website for more details on speakers and the extensive programme.