Seafax's Privacy Policy and Data Protection Practices
This page provides information and links about Seafax's privacy and data
protection policies and practices for the United States. All relevant data
protection materials for Seafax's online and offline operations in the
United States can be accessed here.
Since 1985, Seafax has collected information on businesses to create
products and services that assist its customers in critical buying and
selling decisions. Today, Seafax is the most trusted source for the
information seafood, meat and poultry companies need to make their
business a success.
Recognizing that the free flow of information must be balanced
against an individual's privacy interests, Seafax has developed and
implemented formal data protection policies. The fundamental principles
of those data protection practices apply to our traditional (offline)
information products and services. Clearly, employing data protection
practices makes good business sense. Therefore, Seafax subscribes to
the practices described below.
Notice:
Seafax collects information on more than 12,000 seafood, meat and poultry
business establishments located primarily in the USA and Canada.
While all of the data collected is business-related, some elements are
specifically identifiable to the individual owners or principals of the
business. Data collected about owners or principals is limited to
information deemed relevant for business decision-making.
For example, this data is collected to give trading partners a sense of
who is responsible for the decisions that drive the business, to provide
the business qualifications of the business manager (such as education),
and to serve as a resource to assess the likelihood of a business' success.
Such business uses represent non-personal interests and do not pertain to
the individual personally.
Access and Correction:
A complimentary copy of a business report is available upon request
to an authorized agent of the business reported upon, by calling a Seafax
customer service representative at 800.777.3533. When a business owner or
principal contacts Seafax about a potential error, we act promptly to
verify and correct it, if appropriate. A correction notice is sent to
businesses or others that Seafax knows to have received erroneous data.
A detailed process is in place for managing corrective action including
report revision and correction notice steps.
Marketing Information / Delisting:
A business may have its information removed from business marketing
lists published by Seafax. An authorized representative of the business
can request the "delisting" (removal from marketing directories and/or
mailing lists) process orally or in writing. To be delisted, call our
Customer Service Center at 800.777.3533 or send e-mail to customerservice@Seafax.com.
Security:
Seafax takes technical, contractual and administrative steps to control
data in order to protect against unauthorized access and disclosure.
For instance, Seafax will not provide reports or information to third
parties without a contract. Our strict contractual processes stipulate
valid/authorized uses of, and restrictions upon, Seafax data and bind
customers to relevant U.S. and foreign laws.
In addition, Seafax requires employees to complete extensive data handling
training. The company has developed numerous volumes of training documents
that detail the policies and procedures associated with data collection,
accuracy, quality, updating, notification, disclosure, privacy concerns
and more. A leading statement in our training materials reads "there is
a vital need to respect individuals' right of privacy," and "employees
will not discuss Business Information Reports or the contents of Business
Information Reports with non-business associates or friends."
System Integrity:
Client agrees to comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and
international laws, statutes, rules and regulations relating to Client's
use of the Site. Without limiting the foregoing, Clients are responsible
for observing all applicable tariffs and trade laws.
Client shall not provide access to the Site to other persons through use of
Client's User Name or Password. The Client is solely responsible for ensuring
that it takes no action or omits to take action that in either case results in any
other person utilizing Client's User Name or Password. Seafax is specifically not
responsible for the use of any Client's User Name or Password by another
party, except to the extent due to the gross negligence of Seafax.
Client agrees not to tamper in any way with the software or functionality of the
Site. Without limiting the foregoing, Client agrees not to put any material into the
Site which contains any viruses, time bombs, Trojan horses, worms, cancelbots
or other computer programming routines that may damage, interfere with,
intercept or expropriate any system, data or information.
Client agrees not to disclose other Clients' confidential information consistent
with accepted industry practices. In addition, Client agrees not to disclose
proprietary or confidential information of Seafax, such as a Client's User Name
and Password, even within Client's own organization, except on a need-to-know
basis. Client agrees not to invade another Client's privacy, including without
limitation breaching or attempting to breach the security of another Client's
computer, software or data without the knowledge and express consent of such
Client. The use or distribution of tools designed for compromising privacy or
security is strictly prohibited.
Data Quality and Sources:
Data quality is at the heart and soul of any successful information company.
Working to ensure that information is up-to-date and accurate benefits
the report subject and Seafax. To help ensure quality data, Seafax
employs extensive measures, including direct contacts with businesses
and quality review at both the point of collection and at the end of
the data collection process. Our primary sources of information are
the owners or senior management of businesses, bank experience, trade
references and public record data such as bankruptcy filings and
business registrations.
Internet Data Protection Practices:
Driven by requests from customers, Seafax delivers products and services
through the Internet faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Many measurable benefits derived from Seafax products and services result
from the ability to freely move information. The free flow of information
must be balanced against data protection interests, and Seafax believes
that a fair balance makes good business sense.
Seafax's web site for the United States implements the Internet data
protection practices in this notice.
Web Site Data Collection Practices:
A visitor to the Seafax's web site is not asked to reveal any
individually identifiable information. We collect some information
about visitors indirectly through standard web logs, including
the IP address and what browser is being used (e.g., Firefox).
We normally use this information in the aggregate to administer
and improve our web site. Some data may be traceable to an
individual, but we do not normally seek to identify individuals
unless we believe that someone is using our site improperly.
Some existing customers come to our web site with IDs and
passwords already assigned. Others who register at our web site are
asked to provide standard contact information, such as name, mailing
and email addresses, and telephone numbers.
We sometimes use an Internet device called a cookie to store login or
other information on your computer. A cookie is a small amount of
information that a web site transfers to your computer's hard drive.
Many web sites use cookies to make your life as a web user easier and
more engaging. We use cookies to simplify your access or to tailor our
services to your needs and interests. In the seafax.com site, we offer
users the choice of having an ID or password stored in a cookie.
Cookies come with some protections. We do not store credit card numbers
in cookies. No other site can read a cookie set by Seafax, and we can't
read a cookie that another web site wrote to your computer. Most Internet
browsers are set to accept cookies. Users can reset browsers to refuse
cookies and still use our web site, although access may not be as simple.
Through our web site, we occasionally offer users the opportunity to
receive sales or promotional information for Seafax products and services
of interest to them. A user who agrees may be asked to provide contact
information (e.g., name, mailing address, email address, telephone and
fax number) that we will use to provide information about our products
and services.
Use, Disclosure, and Choice:
Seafax collects individually identifiable information from registered
users to complete business transactions, deliver products and services,
administer individual accounts, provide customer support and meet government
regulatory requirements. Seafax does not store the information on its web
servers. We ask each registered user to choose whether to receive email
updates about Seafax products and services, we will honor the choices made.
However, we reserve the right to email customers on rare occasion when
we think it is important.
From time to time, Seafax compiles online transaction and registration
information for internal analysis such as researching and identifying
market segments and needs.
Information may be shared with contractors who directly support the Internet
services and who only use the information in accordance with this policy.
In the ordinary course of business, we may share information with auditors,
lawyers or contractors, but we require that recipients use the information
only for the purpose of the disclosure and that they destroy or return
the information when no longer required. When necessary or appropriate,
we may disclose information in response to a court order or subpoena
or when otherwise legally required. We may also disclose information
if appropriate to protect our web site or our legal rights.
Confidentiality and Security Safeguards:
Seafax takes technical, administrative and physical steps to protect against
anticipated hazards including unauthorized access to and disclosure of
individually identifiable information. Seafax employees who handle
confidential or proprietary information belonging to Seafax or its
customers treat it confidentially and may not disclose it to unauthorized
third parties. Seafax employees are responsible for the internal security
of the information.
Accountability:
Operationally, each issue described above, is monitored by a senior
manager, to ensure full compliance with the outlined practices.
For questions about Seafax's data protection policies or practices,
contact Customer Service at 800.777.3533 or send e-mail to
customerservice@Seafax.com