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For government agency selections have changed to reflect the outcome of the November 2024 Machinery of government (MoG). For more information, see our MoG change guide.

Module 4: Checkpoint 6—Opt-in

Conformance: Mandatory

Requirements

Opt-in must be used over opt-out.

Benefits of conformance

  • Increased value for all users.
    • Increased trust.
    • Respects user choices.
    • Values user input.

Risks of non-conformance

  • Invasion of privacy for users.
  • Possible misuse of information (e.g. spam).
  • Increased administration of information and data.

Implementation advice

More information

Where a user has the option to:

  • join mailing lists
  • receive newsletters
  • receive promotional material
  • release personal details
  • accept terms and conditions, privacy statements or disclaimers

These options must be presented in an opt-in manner.

Correct: The user has to actively opt-in to receive email notifications.

Correct: The user has to actively opt-in to receive email notifications.

Incorrect: The check box is checked by default. This means the user may proceed to the next step without consciously choosing to receive email notifications.

Incorrect: The check box is checked by default. This means the user may proceed to the next step without consciously choosing to receive email notifications.