Just 3 days after I contacted support and started a thread on the DT forum warning contributors about their W-9's and SSN#'s being accessible to anyone logged into their account, DT took action. They closed off viewing access to the W-9 form/SSN # completely, and now you must contact support if you have questions about your W-9.   Wow! Somebody over there actually listens! I realize they can't and won't please everyone with the business decisions they feel they have to make, but this move speaks volumes about how they actually view their contributors.

Now, log in to you Fotolia account, OTOH, and as of this moment you're still be able to see your W-9, SSN#, and full ID-card scan. Of course, so can anyone else who logs into your account.  They've been contacted plenty of times in the past, but.....    'Nuff said.

Since Fotolia has already been warned about their willful disregard for the Regulations and Internal Revenue Code, it may be time to submit the infringement to the proper authorities.  If you send a letter of complaint to the Internal Revenue Service state the following:

1. The name of the Subject in violation, their EIN supplied on the 1099 they sent you and their address.

2. The alleged violation: Non-compliance with IRC section 6103(i)(i) which deals with the Safeguard of private information.  Not even employees of the responsible party are to have access to that information.  Only those having a need to know; such as Accounting Personnel, Legal Staff and CPA performing an audit.   Failure to take proper steps calls for a warning, and then penalties can be applied.

3. Request that the Problem Resolution Officer (PRO) expedite the investigative action so that the issue will be acted upon and finalized within 30 days.  Your basis for getting the PRO to initiate and control the action is predicated upon previous attempts to resolve the issue being fruitless.

Glad to see DT is on the ball!  I'm not sure, but if Fotolia is an overseas operation, it could pose a problem.  If they are based in the U.S, , then they are within reach.

The above information was secured from a reliable source in this matter.

Just my 2 cents.

Since Fotolia has already been warned about their willful disregard for the Regulations and Internal Revenue Code, it may be time to submit the infringement to the proper authorities.  If you send a letter of complaint to the Internal Revenue Service state the following:

1. The name of the Subject in violation, their EIN supplied on the 1099 they sent you and their address.

2. The alleged violation: Non-compliance with IRC section 6103(i)(i) which deals with the Safeguard of private information.  Not even employees of the responsible party are to have access to that information.  Only those having a need to know; such as Accounting Personnel, Legal Staff and CPA performing an audit.   Failure to take proper steps calls for a warning, and then penalties can be applied.

3. Request that the Problem Resolution Officer (PRO) expedite the investigative action so that the issue will be acted upon and finalized within 30 days.  Your basis for getting the PRO to initiate and control the action is predicated upon previous attempts to resolve the issue being fruitless.

Glad to see DT is on the ball!  I'm not sure, but if Fotolia is an overseas operation, it could pose a problem.  If they are based in the U.S, , then they are within reach.

The above information was secured from a reliable source in this matter.

Just my 2 cents.

I just love when people know the laws!

Everyone should.