Privacy Policy
Collection of Data
We use your IP address and browser information to help diagnose problems with our server and to gather broad demographic information. Portions of our site use cookies to deliver content specific to your interests. Some services require registration, which requires users to give us contact information (such as name and e-mail address). When specifically requested by the user, we use customer contact information from registration forms to send the user information about our company and services. The customer’s contact information is also used to contact the visitor when necessary. We never sell, give, share, or disclose any specific personal information we collect on our site, except as required by law, if applicable.
Third Party Websites
Links or pointers to other websites and references to services offered by third parties are provided to you for convenience only and do not constitute an endorsement or approval by us of: the organizations that operate such websites; the content, privacy policies or other terms of use on such websites; or such third party services. As we have no control or responsibility over websites or content maintained by other organizations, or for services offered by third parties, we do not assume any liability for your use of any of the foregoing, which use you acknowledge and agree shall be at your own risk.
This site contains links to other sites. MERAK Systems Corporation is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such Web sites.
PIPEDA
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
Scope
This document presents MERAK’s Privacy and Data Protection policy which applies to all personal and operational information and/or data held on MERAK employees, subcontractors, and clients. All MERAK employees and subcontractors have read and understood this policy. Additionally, all MERAK employees and subcontractors have signed a statement asserting they will apply this policy.
Purpose
While exercising its right to collect, use, and disclose personal and operational information and/or data for legitimate business purposes, MERAK is committed to protect, in all countries where it does business, the personal and operational information and/or data concerning:
- Our employees
- Our subcontractors
- Our clients and their operations
The strict rules of conduct for information handling are maintained in order to decrease the likelihood of:
- Confidentiality breaches
- Loss of privacy
- Loss of trust
- Legal liability
MERAK is committed to protect the personal information of its employees and subcontractors with respect to staffing, employee management, compensation and benefits administration purposes.
MERAK may also collect personal and operational information and/or data on clients and client personnel, for example, in Information Technology and outsourcing contracts. All client personal and operational information and/or data collected by MERAK will comply with the policies and procedures established by the client and/or MERAK. As well, MERAK will always respect and act in compliance with all applicable legislation. Specifically, this policy is intended to comply with the Canadian government’s new Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), effective January 1, 2004.
Accountability
MERAK’s Privacy Officer oversees the application of this policy and takes corrective action on violations and non-compliance. MERAK employees and subcontractors who have concerns regarding the privacy of their own, subcontractor, or client personal information should report their concerns as well as any weakness in the measures protecting such information to their manager (for client and subcontractor personal information) or to their local Human Resources representative (for employee personal information).
All employees and subcontractors must respect this Privacy and Data Protection Policy and, in doing so, respect the privacy of other MERAK employees, subcontractors, clients, and the client’s privacy policies when working at a client site. All employees and subcontractors who hold and manage client personal and operational information and/or data, as a result of providing services to these clients, must protect such information and data.
Indentifying Purpose of Collection
MERAK’s Privacy officer must advise employees, subcontractors and clients why the personal information is being collected and how the information will be used. Individuals will be notified of any new purposes for the information and their consent will be obtained before using it.
MERAK respects the privacy of any visitors to www.meraksystems.com and recommends reading the privacy policy in conjunction with that website. MERAK does not share any personal information with third parties.
Consent for Collection
The employee’s, subcontractor’s, or client’s written or electronic consent will be obtained for the collection of information, the use of information, and whenever a new use of the information is identified.
Limiting Collection
Only the information necessary will be collected for the identified purpose. MERAK does not collect personal information indiscriminately or deceive individuals about the reasons for collecting information.
Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
MERAK will use and disclose information only for the purpose for which it was collected or when required by legislation (in the manner prescribed by the legislation in the jurisdiction where MERAK does business). Information will be retained only as long as necessary and all sensitive information will be disposed of in a secure manner.
Accuracy
MERAK will ensure the accuracy of the information collected by verifying with the individual and updating it periodically. MERAK employees and subcontractors must notify their local Human Resources of any changes or updates that will affect their personal records.
Safeguards
MERAK will protect personal and operational information and/or data according to its sensitivity and as required by any applicable legislation. Sensitive personal and operational information and/or data is to be protected from unauthorized use, disclosure, access, and modification. These safeguards apply to sensitive personal and operational information and/or data irrespective of the storage medium.
Such safeguards may take the form of locked filing cabinets or restricted access to information (physical, on a need-to-know basis, alarm systems or other electronic control devices, technological tools such as passwords, encryption, firewalls, software that renders anonymity, etc). The selection of safeguards will be done considering the sensitivity, amount, and format of the information or data needing protection.
Security measures around data protection are reviewed regularly to follow the company evolution or changes in the organization.
Individual Access
MERAK will provide employees, subcontractors and clients access to their own personal information held by MERAK so that they may know what information is retained. Provide the employees, subcontractors and clients an opportunity to verify the accuracy of their information and to correct any inaccuracies. Inform in writing, if access is refused, of the reasons why and the details for the appeal process.
No Expectation of Privacy
Subject to the applicable legislation, MERAK has the right to monitor any and all aspects of its information systems and infrastructures including, but not limited to:
- Visited Internet sites
- Instant messaging systems
- Chat groups
- News groups
- E-mail sent and/or received
Such monitoring may occur at any time, without notice, and without obtaining the user’s permission.
Openness
In distributing this document, MERAK advises its employees, subcontractors, and clients about MERAK’s practices and the application of this policy.
Recourse
A simple complaint procedure is in place for employees, subcontractors, and clients. Any violation in the handling of client personal or operational information and/or data, in the context of providing services to these clients, should be reported directly to the Manager responsible for the Business Unit safeguarding such information or data.
Sanctions for Violation
Violations of this policy may result in a disciplinary action which will be proportional to the seriousness of the behaviour concerned. Managers responsible for Business Units or corporate functions are responsible to decide on the proper course of action in case of a breach to this policy. MERAK appoints and maintains a designated Privacy and Data Protection Officer.
MERAK would appreciate your help in keeping your contact information current and complete. If you have any questions or concerns about the privacy of your personal information, or if your contact information has changed, please contact us or call us at 519.767.1292.