Acxiom Certifies Under Safe Harbor to Comply with European Union Privacy Directives; Free Flow of Information Called Essential for Successful Global Economy.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2001

Acxiom(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:ACXM) today announced its certification under the Safe Harbor directives, which provide guidance for U.S. organizations on how to provide protection for personal data originating from Europe, as required by the European Union (EU) Directives on Data Protection.

The Safe Harbor agreement was developed by the U.S. Commerce Department working with the EU as a way for U.S. organizations to comply with the directives, which would prohibit the transfer of personal data to non-European Union nations that do not meet the European "adequacy" standard for privacy protection.

Acxiom, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the global leader in Customer Data Integration (CDI) and customer recognition infrastructure. With operations throughout the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Australia, Germany and Japan, Acxiom provides data infrastructure, technology services and data to help companies and organizations better understand customer behavior. Acxiom is a member of the Privacy Leadership Initiative, which aims to accelerate the adoption of technologies designed to give consumers online privacy, create specific privacy practices for companies to adopt, improve accountability efforts, and launch business and consumer educational campaigns to promote overall online privacy.

"The free flow of information is an essential driver in the global economy," said Acxiom Company Leader Charles D. Morgan. "So it was only natural that Acxiom would subscribe to the EU Safe Harbor directives. The U.S.-EU trade amounted to $350 billion in 1999, so it is clear that a method is necessary to preserve and increase this trade while developing a workable framework for protecting privacy for U.S. and EU citizens."

Over the years, the U.S. and the EU have taken differing approaches to protecting privacy and the free movement of personal data. The EU has moved toward legislation, while the U.S. relies on an approach based on federal and state legislation combined with industry self-regulation. The Safe Harbor principles were developed to reflect the U.S. approach to privacy while also meeting the EU Commission's adequacy standards.

"Acxiom has always taken a proactive approach toward ensuring consumer privacy," said Jennifer Barrett, Acxiom's Company Privacy Officer. "Since the founding of our executive level Corporate Privacy Council in 1990, Acxiom has looked for ways to promote policies within the industry that offer individuals the protection to which they're entitled."

As part of the Safe Harbor directives, U.S. organizations are provided a means by which they can provide adequate privacy protections as defined by the EU directive. U.S. organizations that decide to participate in the Safe Harbor Agreement must comply with its requirements and publicly declare that they do so by self-certifying with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Although the decision by U.S. organizations to participate is voluntary, organizations that certify must be subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Transportation.

Acxiom will be acting in two capacities under the Safe Harbor directive. The company will be a "Processor on Behalf," which means Acxiom will provide services designed to help companies manage their customer information more effectively. In this capacity, Acxiom does not own or control any of the information it processes on behalf of the customer, but receives information transferred from the EU to the U.S. merely for processing as spelled out under contract with the customer.

Acxiom's second role is that of a "Data Controller" of personal information, in which Acxiom will provide business and consumer information products to help companies integrate and improve the accuracy of their customer information. In this function, as a data controller, Acxiom will comply with the EU Safe Harbor Fair Information Principles of notice, choice, data integrity, onward transfer, security, access and enforcement.

More detailed information on Acxiom's participation in Safe Harbor is available at www.acxiom.com (click on the "Privacy" section) or by calling Acxiom's Consumer Advocate Hotline toll free at 877/774-2094.

Information may also be obtained by writing to:

         Consumer Advocate
         Acxiom Corporation
         P.O. Box 2000
         Conway, Arkansas USA 72033-9928

About Acxiom Corporation

Acxiom Corporation, a global leader in Customer Data Integration (CDI) and customer recognition infrastructure, enables businesses to develop and deepen customer relationships by creating a single, accurate view of their customers across the enterprise. Acxiom achieves this by providing Customer Data Integration software, database management services, and premier customer data content through its AbiliTec(TM), Solvitur(R) and InfoBase(R) products, while also offering a broad range of information technology outsourcing services. Founded in 1969, Acxiom (Nasdaq:ACXM) is based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with locations throughout the United States and with operations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Australia. Acxiom revenues were $1.01 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. For more information, please visit www.acxiom.com.

The discussion in this release regarding Acxiom Corporation contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks detailed from time to time in the company's SEC reports. Actual results may differ materially. Acxiom undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to any forward-looking statement to reflect any future events or circumstances.

Acxiom, InfoBase and Solvitur are registered trademarks of Acxiom, RTC, Inc. AbiliTec is a trademark of Acxiom Corporation.