Privacy Policy

 

Contents

  1. Commitment; Applicability.
  2. Types of Information Collected; Collection Process.
  3. Tell-A-Friend.
  4. Uses of Information.
  5. Onward Transfers and Disclosures of Personal Information; Collection of Personal Information by Clients.
  6. Data Security.
  7. Cookies; Online Ad Exposure Programs; Log Files; Clear GIFs; Digital Fingerprinting.
  8. Children’s Privacy Protection.
  9. Third Party Links.
  10. Rights Pertaining to Personal Information.
  11. Enforcement; Safe Harbor Dispute Resolution.
  12. Changes to Privacy Policy.

 

 

1.       Commitment; Applicability.

 

Survey Sampling International, LLC (“SSI”) is a global provider of sampling solutions and technology for survey research, providing clients with access to consumer and business-to-business respondents via internet, telephone (both fixed/landline and wireless/mobile), postal, and multi-mode methodologies. SSI also offers value-added services including data processing, data collection, offline data analysis, consulting, programming and hosting services. SSI serves a vast array of for-profit and not-for profit businesses, universities, and governmental agencies and departments.

 

SSI strives to conform its privacy practices with applicable international, national, Federal, state and/or local laws, codes, and regulations; and the industry codes, standards, rules, and regulations of various market and opinion research professional associations, including, without limitation, the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market and Social Research and the Code of Standards and Ethics for Survey Research of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (collectively "Applicable Laws and Codes"). Panel membership and/or participation in any survey or study offered, provided, hosted, or administered by SSI (individually a “Survey” and collectively “Surveys”) is completely voluntary. All references to SSI in this Privacy Policy include SSI’s parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates.

 

All Personal Information (as defined herein) is stored on servers located in the United States, which servers are owned and maintained by Survey Sampling International, LLC. SSI complies with the United States (“US”) - European Union (“EU”) Safe Harbor Framework as set forth by the US Department of Commerce regarding the collection, use, and retention of personal data from EU member countries. SSI has certified that it adheres to the Safe Harbor Privacy Principles of notice, choice, onward transfer, security, data integrity, access, and enforcement. To learn more about the Safe Harbor program, and to view SSI’s certification page, please visit http://www.export.gov/safeharbor/.  

 

This Privacy Policy applies to:

 

(i) Members of SSI’s panels and subpanels, including, without limitation, SurveySpot Research Panel, Opinion Outpost Research Panel, OpinionWorld Research Panel, Choozz Research Panel, and Your Voice Research Panel (individually each a “Panel” and collectively “Panels”);

 

(ii) Non-Panel members participating in Surveys;

 

(iii) Any individual who visits a Panel website(s); and

 

(iv) Any individual who discloses or provides Personal Information to SSI (except for Personal Information disclosed or provided in connection with http://www.surveysampling.com/).

 

BY JOINING A PANEL, PARTICIPATING IN A SURVEY, OR OTHERWISE DISCLOSING INFORMATION TO SSI, YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY CONSENT TO THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE COLLECTION, USES, PROCESSING, AND DISCLOSURES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, SSI’S USE OF COOKIES, LOG FILES AND CLEAR GIFS, TO PARTICIPATE IN SSI’S ONLINE AD EXPOSURE PROGRAMS, AND TO DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING.

 

2.       Types of Information Collected; Collection Process.

 

For the purpose of this Privacy Policy: (i) "Personal Information" means any information that identifies or can reasonably be used to identify you, including, without limitation, first and last name, residential address, email address, telephone number(s) (home and/or cell), and date of birth; (ii) “Demographic Information” includes, without limitation, marital status, income range, ethnicity, employment status, hobbies, interests and product ownership; (iii) “Survey Data” means responses to Survey questions; and (iv) “Information” means Personal Information, Demographic Information and Survey Data.

 

SSI collects Information through fair and lawful means. Disclosures of Information to SSI are voluntary.

 

SSI may collect the IP Address that is publicly available on an individual’s computer.

 

SSI collects Personal Information and Demographic Information from Panel members during and after registration for membership with a Panel, including, without limitation, through participation in surveys.

 

SSI collects Personal Information and Demographic Information from non-Panel members prior to and during participation in a Survey. SSI retains Personal Information collected by SSI from non-Panel members to fulfill incentives and rewards and to improve user experience.

 

SSI may obtain Personal Information and Demographic Information of prospective Survey respondents or Panel members from third parties, including, without limitation, other sample providers. Prior to obtaining Personal Information from a third party, SSI requires written assurances that: (i) the data subjects have consented to have their Personal Information collected by the third party; and (ii) the third party has the right to disclose the Personal Information to SSI and to allow SSI to use the Personal Information for the specific purpose(s) for which it was disclosed by the third party. SSI uses the Personal Information received from a third party to send an invitation to the data subject for participation in a survey(s) and/or to join a Panel. If the data subject joins a Panel and/or participates in a Survey, the Personal Information and Demographic Information would be subject to the terms of this Privacy Policy.   

 

SSI may engage third parties to recruit individuals to join a Panel or participate in a Survey. The recruitment may include the third party using banner or other advertisements on websites or sending email invitations to individuals to join a Panel or participate in a Survey.

 

This Privacy Policy only applies to Personal Information when SSI actually collects the Personal Information.

 

3.       Tell-A-Friend.

 

Where applicable and if you choose to use SSI’s Tell-A-Friend referral program, you may provide the first and last name and email address for your friend. SSI will send a one-time email inviting your friend to join a Panel. By using SSI’s Tell-A-Friend referral program, you acknowledge and agree you have the right and permission to disclose your friend’s Personal Information and you are initiating the email invitation to your friend voluntarily.

 

4.       Uses of Information.

 

Generally, SSI uses Personal Information and Demographic Information: (i) to communicate with you regarding Panel membership and/or Survey participation; (ii) to tailor Survey opportunities to you; (iii) to send you Survey opportunities; (iv) to comply with legal obligations, including, without limitation, complying with taxation requirements; (v) to administer and manage SSI’s incentive programs and fulfill your requests for incentives; (vi) to facilitate your entry into SSI’s sweepstakes and communicate with you regarding sweepstakes entries; (vii) to update SSI’s records; (viii) to comply with any data suppression obligations or requirements; and (ix) as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Privacy Policy or as otherwise authorized by you.

 

Survey Data is provided to Clients in aggregate form.

 

Demographic Information may be disclosed in either single summary form (i.e. individual respondent level) or aggregate summary form (i.e. group of respondents), without individually identifying the data subject(s).

 

By providing SSI with your email address you hereby expressly consent to receive email communications, including, without limitation, Survey invitations, promotion or incentive information, and notices required hereunder, from SSI and/or any Subcontractor (as defined herein). SSI does not send unsolicited commercial emails.

 

SSI may contact you to participate in Surveys in one of several ways, including, without limitation, email Survey invitations, “push” notifications or SMS text messages, or via telephone. SSI will only contact you for Survey participation via “push” notifications or SMS text messages and/or via telephone if you expressly agree to receive such communication(s).   

 

Certain Panel websites allow Panel members to access Facebook Connect to interact with friends and to share their recent activity on Facebook through various Facebook features including, without limitation, walls and news feeds. If you are logged into both a Panel website and Facebook when you click the “Connect with Facebook” button, you will be prompted to merge your user profiles. If you are already logged into a Panel website but are not logged into Facebook when you click the “Connect with Facebook” button you will be prompted to enter your Facebook login information or to “Sign up for Facebook." By proceeding, you are allowing SSI to access your information and you are agreeing to the Facebook Terms of Use in connection with your use Panel websites.

 

If you attempt to access a Panel website by clicking the “Sign in Using Facebook” button and you are not currently a member of a Panel, you will first be asked to enter your Facebook login details and will be given the option to register and join the applicable Panel. Once you are registered with a Panel and connect with Facebook, you will be able to automatically post your recent activity using Facebook’s features. You can edit privacy settings for the reviews that appear on Facebook, or disconnect this service, by visiting the Facebook Application Settings page.

 

5.       Onward Transfers and Disclosures of Personal Information; Collection of Personal Information by Clients.

 

SSI shall not transfer or disclose Personal Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the data subject, except as follows:

 

(i)        As required pursuant to Applicable Laws and Codes; or a valid court or governmental order or subpoena.

 

(ii)       To establish, exercise, or defend legal claims of an individual or SSI, including in order to protect the safety of an individual or to protect SSI’s rights and/or property.

 

      (iii)      Between various Panels if an individual signs up for more than one Panel.

(iv)    To a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of SSI: (1) in the event of a reorganization or restructuring, or (2) for use and processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy or as authorized by you.

 

(v)     To authorized agents, consultants, vendors, and/or subcontractors of SSI and/or of SSI’s clients, who are providing services to SSI and/or SSI’s clients, including, without limitation data append services, data validation services, database matching services, coding, and incentive fulfillment and sweepstakes services  (individually a “Subcontractor” and collectively the “Subcontractors”).

 

(vi)    To a client for limited market research related uses including modeling, Survey validation, data append, or database segmentation.

 

(vii)    In connection with a change of ownership or control, including, without limitation, a merger or an acquisition of any or all of SSI’s business assets, provided that the party receiving or acquiring the Personal Information agrees to use, protect, and maintain the security, integrity, and confidentiality of Personal Information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

 

(viii)   As otherwise permitted pursuant to this Privacy Policy or as otherwise authorized by you.

 

Generally, disclosures of Personal Information to a third party are made in connection with a written agreement being entered into between SSI and the third party.

 

SSI may allow a client to collect Personal Information from respondents; however, the disclosure of Personal Information is voluntary and, prior to requesting Personal Information from respondents, the client must agree to limit the use of Personal Information for only a limited market research related use/purpose and to ensure the security and confidentiality of the Personal Information. 

 

6.       Data Security.

 

SSI maintains reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect Information. SSI reviews, monitors, and evaluates its privacy practices and protection systems on a regular basis. For sensitive Personal Information (e.g. credit card number(s), social security number, national ID, etc.) submitted via an online registration or web form, SSI uses reasonable encryption methods (e.g. secure socket layer technology, etc.) to protect and secure the sensitive Personal Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, transmissions over the Internet are not one hundred percent (100%) secure and SSI does not guarantee the security of online transmissions.

 

7.       Cookies; Online Ad Exposure Programs; Log Files; Clear GIFS; Digital Fingerprinting.

 

A.         Cookies.

 

(i)         SSI Cookies.       Cookies are small text files or other forms of data, which are stored on a computer by a website that assign a numerical user ID and stores certain information about the internet browsing activity of the user of a computer. SSI uses session and persistent cookies to make it easier for you to navigate SSI’s websites, to provide a better experience for Survey participants, and for quality control and validation purposes. Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your computer, indefinitely, until deleted. Personal Information is not stored or collected in the cookies used by SSI. You may disable and/or delete cookies via your browser and/or plug-in settings; however, this may: (1) decrease the functionality of the websites you visit; (2) limit your ability to use and view SSI’s web sites; and (3) limit your participation in Surveys.   

 

(ii)        Third Party Cookies. The use of cookies by SSI’s affiliates, partners, Subcontractors, and/or clients is not covered by this Privacy Policy. SSI does not have control over the policies and practices of such parties.

 

B.         Online Ad Exposure Programs.     

 

            (i)         From time-to-time, SSI’s clients may engage SSI to facilitate the completion of Surveys on online advertisements that you may have reviewed or clicked on (“Online Ad Exposure Programs”). The intent is to help advertisers obtain feedback and opinions on the online advertisements. 

 

            (ii)        Online Ad Exposure Programs.

 

                        (1)        Generally.          Participation in SSI’s Online Ad Exposure Programs allow SSI’s clients to write, drop, and read third party cookies, locally shared objects, flash cookies, and/or any other online tracking technologies (individually a “Third Party Technology” and collectively “Third Party Technologies”). SSI is neither responsible for the Third Party Technologies nor for a client’s actions in writing, dropping, and/or reading Third Party Technologies. In connection with Online Ad Exposure Programs, SSI will disclose certain Demographic Information and a unique identifier to the client, which do not individually identify the individual to the client.  

 

                        (2)        How are Third Party Technologies written, dropped, and/or read in connection with Online Ad Exposure Programs?

 

(a)        A client will write or drop a Third Party Technology to an individual’s Web browser through SSI’s websites, systems, and/or survey platforms. After the writing or dropping of the Third Party Technology, when an individual clicks on or otherwise interacts with certain online advertisements, the Third Party Technology will be read by a web beacon, javaScript, or other similar technology or code (“Reading Technology”) and the client will collect certain data including a unique identifier and information on the advertisement. The client will transmit to SSI the unique identifier and information on the survey to send to the individual and SSI will send or direct the individual to the applicable Survey.

 

                                    (b)        A client will read an individual’s Web browser to determine if a Third Party Technology is stored on the Web browser and if the Third Party Technology is on the Web browser, the Client will read the Third Party Technology to determine if the individual has been exposed to a certain online advertisement(s). The reading of the Third Party Technology occurs through a Reading Technology used in connection with SSI’s websites, systems, and/or survey platforms. If an individual has been exposed to a certain online advertisement, the client will transmit a unique identifier to SSI and information on the survey to send to the individual and SSI will send or direct the individual to the applicable Survey.       

 

            (iii)       By agreeing to participate in SSI’s Online Ad Exposure Programs you hereby expressly agree to the writing, dropping, and reading of Third Party Technologies by SSI’s clients as set forth in this Privacy Policy. Panel members may opt-out of participating in Online Ad Exposure Programs by going to “My Account” in the members’ area of the applicable Panel website and changing the setting called “Survey for online ad exposure.” Opting-out of SSI’s Online Ad Exposure Programs will not delete the Third Party Technologies. Opting-out will only apply or affect your participation in SSI’s Online Ad Exposure Program and will not affect or restrict third parties from deploying Third Party Technologies on to your Web browser or remove you from any other online ad exposure programs or similar types of programs.       

 

            (iv)       You can manage cookies through your Web browser settings. You can manage flash locally shared objects through the following website:  http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html.

 

C.         Log Files. SSI’s websites automatically gather certain information and store this information in log files. This gathered information includes data available from a user’s web browser, including, without limitation, IP Address, browser type, internet service provider, referring/exiting pages, operating system, date/time stamp, and click stream data.

 

D.         Clear GIFs.         Clear GIFs are embedded invisibly on Web pages and are about the size of the period at the end of a sentence. SSI may permit certain third party suppliers to set clear GIFs on a Panel referrals obtained through their websites. In addition, we may use clear GIFs in our HTML-based e-mails to let us know which e-mails recipients have opened. These GIFs allow us to gauge the effectiveness of certain communications, panel recruitment efforts, and the effectiveness of our panelist outreach campaigns. No personal information is contained in clear GIFs.

 

E.         Digital Fingerprinting.      Generally, digital fingerprinting assigns a unique identifier to a computer to identify and track the computer. SSI uses digital fingerprinting technology (the “Technology”) to assist SSI’s clients in ensuring the integrity of Survey Data by identifying duplicate and fraudulent respondents and to provide security protection. SSI may engage third parties to implement and use the Technology. The Technology analyzes publicly available information and data obtained from a computer or device, including, without limitation, technical settings, characteristics, and IP Address, to create and assign a unique identifier. The identifier should not contain any information or data to individually identify the user of the computer or device. To further the integrity of Survey Data, SSI may: (i) may link the unique identifier to an individual’s Personal Information; (ii) may share a unique identifier with clients or Subcontractors supplying sample; and (iii) may receive a unique identifier from a third party. Any unique identifier received by SSI and linked to an identifiable individual shall be protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy. SSI uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the Technology is safe, secure, and does not cause undue privacy or data security risks. SSI uses and distributes the Technology in a professional and ethical manner and in accordance with: (i) this Privacy Policy and (ii) Applicable Laws and Codes. The Technology may utilize third party cookies, locally shared objects, and/or other similar technology.

 

BY JOINING A PANEL, BY ACCESSING A PANEL WEBSITE, BY PARTICIPATING IN A SURVEY, BY OTHERWISE DISCLOSING INFORMATION TO SSI, AND/OR BY OTHERWISE PROVIDING YOUR CONSENT, YOU HEREBY CONSENT TO SSI’S USE OF COOKIES, LOG FILES, and CLEAR GIFS, TO PARTICIPATE IN SSI’S ONLINE AD EXPOSURE PROGRAMS, AND TO DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING, AS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION 7.

 

8.       Children’s Privacy Protection.

 

SSI strongly believes it is important to protect the online privacy of children. Accordingly, SSI adheres to Applicable Laws and Codes pertaining to the protection of children’s privacy. SSI carefully considers both privacy issues and parental concerns in connection with Surveys involving individuals under the age of eighteen (18). Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact SSI, as set forth in Section 10.A., about this Privacy Policy and to discuss their rights to access, edit, or delete Personal Information of or about their child or children.

 

9.       Third Party Links.

 

SSI may provide the ability to link or connect to websites maintained and/or operated by third parties (“Third Party Websites”). SSI does not endorse, and is not responsible for,: (i) the Third Party Websites, including, without limitation, their policies and practices; or (ii) the products, services, surveys, or opportunities available through the Third Party Websites. Please carefully review all applicable polices and terms of use.   

 

10.     Rights Pertaining to Personal Information.

 

A.         Access to Personal Information; Updating Personal Information.

 

You may access your Personal Information in order to review, correct, or delete Personal Information by: (i) accessing your membership account and following the instructions contained therein; or (ii) sending an email request to privacy@surveysampling.com. When contacting SSI via email, please include your first and last name and your specific request. SSI shall respond to requests for access to Personal Information within thirty (30) days of receipt of a request.

 

B.         Opting-Out.

 

Panel members may opt-out by: (i) following the instructions set forth in your membership account; (ii) clicking on the unsubscribe link contained in a Survey invitation and following the instructions on the opt-out web page; or (iii) contacting SSI via Section 11 of this Privacy Policy. Opt-out requests will be processed promptly; however, you may continue to receive communications and/or Survey invitations from SSI for a few days following receipt of the opt-out request. SSI may retain Personal Information indefinitely following receipt of an opt-out request to ensure compliance with this Privacy Policy and legal obligations.

 

11.     Enforcement; Safe Harbor Dispute Resolution.

 

A.         Questions or Complaints Generally.

 

SSI is committed to working with individuals to address any questions about, or to obtain a fair resolution to any complaints or disputes in connection with, this Privacy Policy. Any questions or complaints about this Privacy Policy should be sent:

 

via regular mail, postage prepaid, addressed to:                or         via email to: privacy@surveysampling.com

 

Survey Sampling International, LLC                                                          

6 Research Drive

Shelton, Connecticut 06484
Attn: Legal Department

 

When contacting SSI via regular mail or email, please include your first and last name and specific information regarding your question or complaint.

 

B.         Privacy Complaints by Citizens of EU Member Countries

 

In compliance with the Safe Harbor Principles, SSI commits to resolve complaints about privacy and its collection or use of Personal Information. Citizens of EU member countries with inquiries or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy should first contact SSI as set forth in Section 11.A. above.

 

Pursuant to the Safe Harbor Principles, SSI has further committed to refer unresolved privacy complaints from Citizens of EU member countries to an independent dispute resolution mechanism, the BBB EU Safe Harbor, operated by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. If a citizen of an EU member country does not receive timely acknowledgment of his or her complaint from SSI or if such complaint is not satisfactorily addressed by SSI, he or she may contact:

 

Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

BBB EU Safe Harbor

4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800

Arlington, Virginia 22203 USA

Phone: 703-276-0100

Web: www.us.bbb.org

Email: eusafeharbor@council.bbb.org

 

NOTE: THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 11.B. IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CITIZENS OF EU MEMBER COUNTRIES.

 

12.     Changes to Privacy Policy.

 

SSI hereby reserves the right, in SSI’s sole discretion, to make changes to this Privacy Policy. SSI encourages you to review this Privacy Policy on an ongoing basis. SSI will treat Personal Information in a manner consistent with the Privacy Policy under which the Personal Information was collected, unless SSI receives your consent to treat the Personal Information in a different manner. SSI will obtain your consent prior to changes that are of such nature that your consent is needed or required. For changes that do not require consent, your continued membership in or with a Panel, participation in a Survey, visitation of a Panel Website(s), or disclosure of Personal Information to SSI, after such changes are made will constitute your acceptance of the Privacy Policy as changed.

 

Please click here for the most recent prior version of this Privacy Policy.

 

Last Updated: 24 August 2012