Web Analytics Demystified and BPA Worldwide have announced the first-ever digital consumer data privacy audit they say will benefit webmasters and consumers alike.

BPA is providing digital systems audits against Web Analytics GUARDS methodology to "bring clarity to the consumer data privacy debate." The joint effort will "help business owners and consumers alike understand how consumer digital data is being used on the internet and mobile internet," according to BPA. 

Based on Demystified's GUARDS privacy auditing, BPA auditors are able to "evaluate complete digital environments, looking for personally identifiable information to ensure use of it is consistent with stated privacy policies [in the U.S. and Canada] and the current and foreseeable legislative landscape."

John Lovett, Web Analytics Demystified senior partner, explained, "[Website] operators are increasingly under attack because of their use of consumer data collected online ... The GUARDS audit balances consumer data collection against the presence of appropriate governance and privacy controls, yielding both a comprehensive and actionable systems audit.”

GUARDS is currently being tested with Web Analytics Demystified and BPA Worldwide clients and is expected to be available for widespread release by Jan. 1, 2012. For more information or to participate in testing contact John Lovett at Web Analytics Demystified by email or by phone at 603-262-5636.