Great question, honestly, and I will answer here for everyone to see in full transparency. Short answer: Using Appraisal IQ does not violate USPAP confidentiality, the Ethics Rule, or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), provided it is used correctly. Long answer: 1. USPAP Confidentiality Rule USPAP requires that we protect confidential information and assignment results from unauthorized disclosure. Using a technology platform for internal quality control is not a disclosure to a new “intended user.” It is comparable to: - Using appraisal software (Total, ACI, etc.) - Using cloud storage - Using an appraisal review platform - Using an in-house staff member or trainee to QC a report The key factor is that the information is not being shared publicly or with unauthorized third parties. It is being used internally to improve clarity and compliance before submission. You remain the appraiser. You retain responsibility. The tool does not act as an intended user or independent party to the assignment. 2. Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLBA) GLBA focuses on protecting non-public personal information (NPI). Every appraiser already uses: - Email systems - Cloud backup - AMC portals - MLS systems - Appraisal software vendors All of those involve data transmission and storage. The relevant question under GLBA is whether reasonable safeguards are in place. Appraisal IQ operates within secure, encrypted environments consistent with modern industry SaaS tools. It is not publishing, selling, or redistributing report data. From a compliance standpoint, using secure software for internal QC is not materially different from using cloud-based appraisal software. 3. Ethics & Professional Responsibility The important distinction is this: - Appraisal IQ does not determine value. - It does not select comparables. - It does not act as the appraiser. - It does not override your judgment. It functions as an internal quality control and clarity tool. The licensed appraiser remains fully responsible for all opinions, conclusions, and certifications.