Finnish on-line buyers of Dell computers asked to disclose intended use of hardware
Finnish executive does not know who end-users of personal information might be
|
|
|
By Tuomo Pietiläinen
The computer manufacturer Dell sells computers and other devices on the Internet to Finnish consumers. On its website, Dell informs buyers that as an American company it is obliged to comply with US export legislation.
Dell nevertheless has a Finnish headquarters in Espoo, and it is with that office that the company's Finnish customers do their business.
On Thursday, December 15th, Helsingin Sanomat first asked Dell about the disclosure of customer information to the United States, and about where the information was ending up.
On the following day, Helsingin Sanomat specifically asked whether or not Dell was providing US officials with customer information.
Dell's Marketing Director Jouni Halme has been trying to find an answer to the question ever since.
The question was put to Dell again the following Thursday, this time by telephone.
Marketing Director Halme, isn't it Finnish law that applies in Finland?
"Well, yes."
So why does this page [Dell's Finnish website] mention US export legislation?
"What makes this matter difficult is that these are difficult questions. We need to use experts in this, and this question is such that I am not able to answer it."
The purpose of the export legislation (Export Administration Regulations, or EAR) is to prevent the export of devices with civilian and military applications to countries that the United States considers its enemies.
Finland is a signatory of the so-called Wassenaar Treaty, which regulates the export of supercomputers to certain countries. Why has Dell extended its monitoring of exports to apply to ordinary PCs as well?
"Right... now you are speaking of export control, and so far we have spoken about the passing on of personal data."
Surely, the same thing is involved - the passing of information to the United States, among other places. According to your website, export restrictions require that you notify the US Government.
"Unfortunately we do not have experts in Finland now who would be capable of answering this question. And now I do not have the answer to this question, either."
Buyers have to fill a part on the website asking the purpose for which the product is to be used. Options include "Missile technology research/manufacture", and "Chemical research/manufacture". What in the world is this all about?
"(...) Again, as I said, so far I have discussed the submitting of personal details. I do understand the link with the submitting of personal information, but I am not an expert in this matter."
You are nevertheless responsible for marketing and sales at Dell?
"I am responsible for marketing at Dell in Finland, yes, but here we are operating internationally, as it were."
Before making an online purchase, the Dell customer is required to indicate on the Internet order form what the products that are ordered are to be used for, and if the delivery address is the place of final use. If this is not the case, the final delivery address must be mentioned. According to the website, the details are needed for giving "certain information" to the US Government.
"Yes - I need to find out more about this. I cannot comment."
However, according to Dell's privacy policy, Dell can hand over personal information of its clients to Dell Inc. in the United States, and to the American authorities.
"I need to find out more about this, and I cannot answer that question."
Some airlines are required to submit their passenger lists in advance to US security officials.
Does Dell submit information of Finns to the CIA, for instance?
"I cannot answer that question, either. This is a question that I have been working on since Monday. In any case, Dell will submit information to US officials only in cases in which it is allowed by European and Finnish legislation on personal data."
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 23.12.2005
TUOMO PIETILÄINEN / Helsingin Sanomat
tuomo.pietilainen@hs.fi
|
| 3.1.2006 - THIS WEEK |
 Finnish on-line buyers of Dell computers asked to disclose intended use of hardware |
|
