Stop Offshoring
Sunday, November 23, 2003
No wonder more people aren't aware of the offshoring epidemic -- companies are hiding the practice, even as they try to tout its cost cutting effectiveness.
The user has a right to know - SF Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/11/09/BUGME2SG5L1.DTL
"One important aspect of the outsourcing trend is that practitioners frequently take elaborate steps to keep their exporting of work overseas a secret.
"Nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements are routine among outsourcers and their contractors abroad. Most companies in fact refuse to even comment on such activities, citing the need to protect proprietary information.
"This practice seems unsavory in part because such companies treat it as something shameful. In their efforts to avoid embarrassing questions and bad press, these firms have all but invited increased scrutiny of their actions.
"What, consumers rightfully ask, do they have to hide?
"DeMartinis' proposed Information Technology Disclosure Act seeks to put such questions to rest by mandating that customers be informed if any of their personal data is sent abroad. It also would require that:
-- Consumers be given the right to opt out from having personal information -- such as their name, address or Social Security number -- go to other countries;
-- A 'serviced in' label be affixed to every statement or document processed overseas, just as manufactured goods must state a country of origin;
-- Overseas customer-service workers, who often take pains to mask their location, identify their whereabouts at the outset of any conversation;
-- Calls be rerouted to domestic facilities if the consumer so chooses."
Comments:
Post a Comment
