Privacy Policy
Effective Date: August 13, 2024
At Consumer Trust Advocacy (a DBA of Philo Council, a 501(c)(3)
organization), your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines
how we collect, use, and protect your information when you interact with our
website, services, and programs. By accessing or using our services, you
agree to the practices described in this policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
• Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, mailing
address, phone number, and other similar contact information.
• Professional Information: Information related to your business,
profession, or credentials (if you're applying for our vetting services).
• Financial Information: Credit card numbers, billing information, or
payment details when you purchase services from us.
• Technical Information: IP addresses, browser type, and information
about how you use our website (collected through cookies and
analytics tools).
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
• Providing Services: To process your requests, manage your
membership, and deliver the services you have signed up for.
• Vetting and Verification: If you apply for our vetted seal, we use
your professional and personal information to perform background
checks and verify your qualifications.
• Background and Criminal Checks:
For added trust and security, we use Authenticate®’s Background
Verifications to verify a user's employment, education, professional
licenses, and other credentials. Additionally, we conduct criminal
background checks to mitigate risks using Authenticate®’s services.
These checks can be either instant or more comprehensive, ensuring
enhanced security while minimizing costs. The information provided
through these checks helps ensure that individuals and businesses
vetted by Consumer Trust Advocacy meet the highest standards of
trustworthiness.
• Communication: To send you updates, service confirmations,
newsletters, and other information related to our services.
• Improvement of Services: To analyze and improve our website,
services, and user experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and
legal processes, including maintaining records of your membership and
services.
How We Protect Your Information
We take the security of your personal information seriously. We use
industry-standard security measures to protect against unauthorized access,
disclosure, or alteration of your information. These measures include:
• Encryption: Sensitive information (such as payment details) is
encrypted during transmission.
• Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to
authorized personnel who need the information to provide services.
• Data Retention: We retain your personal data only as long as
necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply
with legal requirements.
Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We
may share your information with trusted third parties under the following
circumstances:
• Service Providers: We may share your information with vendors or
partners who assist us in delivering services (e.g., payment
processors, background check providers like Authenticate®).
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or in response to a valid
legal request, we may disclose your personal information to
government authorities or other entities.
• Business Transfers: If our organization is involved in a merger,
acquisition, or dissolution, your information may be transferred as part
of that process, and you will be notified of any changes.
Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
• Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold
about you.
• Correction: You can request that we update or correct any
inaccuracies in your personal information.
• Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information,
subject to legal retention requirements.
• Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving marketing or promotional
communications from us at any time by following the instructions in
the communication or contacting us directly.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our
website. Cookies help us understand how you use our site, personalize your
experience, and deliver relevant content. You can control cookie settings
through your browser preferences, but disabling cookies may limit your use
of certain features of our website.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do
not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become
aware that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under
13, we will take steps to delete it.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in
our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we update the policy,
we will revise the "Effective Date" at the top and notify you of any significant
changes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our
handling of your personal information, please contact us at:
Consumer Trust Advocacy
A DBA of Philo Council (501(c)(3) organization)
contact@consumertrustadvocacy.org