Policy on Privacy of Personal Information
Integrated Pelvic Care (IPC) is a Canadian-based organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards of data protection and privacy ethics globally. We strictly adhere to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canada, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, and applicable U.S. privacy laws.
Our commitment to safeguarding your personal information transcends geographical boundaries, ensuring that all our clients, regardless of their location, can trust in our handling of their data with confidentiality and care. At IPC, we don't just follow global privacy standards—we aim to set them, demonstrating our dedication to privacy through rigorous measures designed to protect the data collected via our website https://ipc.health and other IPC-operated online platforms (collectively, the “Site”).
This policy details the types of personal information we collect, outlines your rights, and explains how you can manage your data.
What is personal information?
Personal information refers to data about an identifiable individual, recorded in any format. This includes details such as age, income, date of birth, ethnic origin, and credit records.
However, not all information that relates to an individual is classified as personal information. The following are examples of data not considered personal information:
Information in public telephone directories, where the subscriber has the option to not be listed.
Details in professional and business directories that are accessible to the public.
Information available in public registries and court records.
Data in other publicly available printed and electronic publications.
Our accountability to you
Integrated Pelvic Care (IPC) takes full responsibility for managing and safeguarding all personal information under its control, including any data transferred to third parties for processing, storage, or other functions. We have designated a Privacy Officer to ensure our compliance with privacy principles. You can contact our Privacy Officer via the "How to Contact Us" section at the end of this policy.
Understanding and Consent for the Collection and Use of Your Information
IPC clearly identifies the reasons for collecting and using your personal information. The purposes for which your data may be used or disclosed include, but are not limited to, the following:
General communication, including managing or renewing your membership with IPC, if applicable.
Verifying your identity.
Processing purchases from our e-store.
Handling registrations for events.
Protecting against fraud or error.
Recommending products, events, and services that might interest you.
Conducting statistical analyses to improve our Site and offer relevant marketing insights. We only use aggregated data from these analyses, not individual data.
Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.
Fulfilling any other purpose that would be reasonably apparent at the time of collection.
Consent is assumed when you voluntarily provide your personal information to us for these purposes. If a new purpose arises, we will seek your consent before using your information for that new purpose.
Modifying your consent preferences
You have the freedom to change your consent preferences at any time. If you wish to update your preferences, please reach out to the IPC's Privacy Officer using the contact details provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below. It’s important to note that altering your consent may impact your ability to fully utilize certain products or services provided on our site, or possibly affect your membership benefits, if applicable.
Limiting the collection of your personal information
At IPC, we collect only the personal information necessary to effectively deliver our products and services to you and to manage your membership, if applicable. We ensure that the collection of your personal information is transparent, fair, and lawful.
Information you provide:
You can provide us with information directly through our site or other interactions. While you can choose not to provide certain details, this may limit your ability to use some of our features and services.
Information collected automatically:
Like many websites, we use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. These facilitate quick checkouts, provide personalized experiences, and store items in your Shopping Cart for future visits.
What we collect:
IP address and internet connection details.
Login credentials, email address, and password.
Browser type, version, time zone settings, and system information.
Purchase history and browsing behavior.
Details of your interactions with our site, including download errors, page visits, and navigation paths.
Managing cookies:
Most browsers offer options to manage cookies via their toolbar settings. You can set your browser to reject new cookies, alert you to cookie placement, or disable cookies entirely. However, disabling cookies might stop you from accessing some of the core features of our site, such as placing items in your Shopping Cart or using services that require sign-in.
Analytical tools:
We may use tools to enhance site performance by analyzing page response times, interaction, and navigation methods. These tools help us understand how users interact with our site, allowing us to improve functionality and user experience.
This carefully controlled collection and use of information enable us to offer you a personalized, efficient online experience while ensuring your data is handled responsibly.
Limiting disclosure and retention of your personal Information
At IPC, we are committed to the rigorous safeguarding of your personal information. We do not sell, trade, or unjustifiably disclose personal data to any organization or person, except under the following circumstances:
Disclosure for services and products:
We may share your personal information with trusted third-party organizations to provide you with the specific products or services you have requested from us. You will be aware when a third party is involved in your transactions, and we only share the information necessary to complete those transactions.
Third-Party service providers:
We engage other companies and individuals to perform functions on our behalf, such as order fulfillment, package delivery, mail sending, data analysis, marketing assistance, payment processing, and customer service. In cases involving mailing list labels, these are prepared by IPC and are strictly controlled.
These service providers have access to personal information needed for their functions but are contractually bound not to use it for other purposes. We ensure all third-party partners are held to the same standards of privacy as IPC and are thoroughly vetted to safeguard your information.
International data handling:
Our service providers might be located outside Canada; consequently, your personal information may be processed and stored in foreign countries and could be subject to the laws of those countries.
Your consent:
By interacting with us, you consent to the disclosure of your personal information for these purposes. Any third-party access to your information is governed by strict agreements that ensure the security and confidentiality of your data.
Retention practices:
IPC retains your personal information only as long as necessary for our business interactions, to maintain or renew your membership if applicable, or as required by national and provincial laws.
Your trust is essential to us, and IPC takes comprehensive measures to ensure that your data is managed responsibly and transparently. We ensure all parties handling your information comply with our high standards of privacy protection.
We maintain the accuracy and relevance of your personal information
At IPC, we ensure that your personal information remains accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for its intended purpose. You are entitled to access the personal information we hold about you to review and, if necessary, correct it. If your information was provided by a third party, such as a credit bureau, we will direct you to them for any corrections. For instructions on how to access your personal information, please see the “How to Contact Us” section below.
The security of your personal information is a top priority at IPC.
We have implemented a robust set of measures to ensure your data is protected, which include:
Physical security measures: Our facilities have restricted access, and sensitive documents are kept in securely locked filing cabinets.
Electronic security measures: We safeguard digital information through password protection, database encryption, and personal identification numbers. During data transmission, we use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt your information, showing only the last four digits and the expiration date of your credit card when confirming an order. The complete credit card number is securely transmitted to the credit card company during order processing.
Advanced security technologies: To further protect your information, we employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and two-factor authentication (2FA), enhancing the security of your data access and transfer.
Data access hierarchy: Our organizational structure ensures that only the necessary information is accessible to employees based on their role. The Chief Privacy Officer has comprehensive access to all personal information, while other employees have limited access, strictly as required to perform their designated functions and deliver the services you have requested.
Contractual obligations with third parties: Third parties requiring access to your personal information are bound by strict contractual obligations to protect and secure your data.
To further safeguard your privacy, it’s crucial to secure against unauthorized access to your passwords and devices. Always ensure to sign off when finished using any shared computer to protect your personal information.
External links and your privacy
Our site may include links to other websites. Please be aware that we do not share any personally identifiable information with these linked sites.
It's important to note that we do not control the privacy practices of these external sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies directly for more information about how they handle your data. If you have any concerns about your privacy on these sites, please contact them directly.
At Integrated Pelvic Care, we are dedicated to ensuring that you are fully informed about how we manage your personal information. Our privacy policy and all associated information are readily accessible at any time. You can easily find these details on our website, listed under the “Privacy Policy" section.
Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us. Information on how to reach us is available in the "How to Contact Us” section below. We're committed to providing clear and concise information to help you understand our privacy practices.
Access to Your Personal Information
At Integrated Pelvic Care (IPC), we recognize and uphold your rights concerning your personal information. You have full access to the personal information we hold about you and are entitled to review, verify, or update it as needed. To initiate a request, please refer to the “How to Contact Us" section below.
Upon receiving your request, IPC will take the following steps:
Inform: We will provide details about the type of personal information we maintain in our records or under our control, how it is utilized, and if it has been disclosed to any third parties.
Access: You will be given access to your information to review its accuracy and completeness.
Modify: You have the option to request any necessary modifications to ensure that your personal information remains accurate and up-to-date.
Right to be forgotten: If you choose, you can also exercise your right to be forgotten. This means you can request the deletion or removal of personal information where there is no compelling reason for its continued processing. We will assess each request individually, considering legal, regulatory, and other pertinent factors. If deletion is acceptable, we will securely erase your personal data from our systems.
Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of your personal information is paramount to us, as is respecting your privacy rights, including your right to control and, if necessary, erase your personal information.
Prompt response to privacy inquiries and concerns
At Integrated Pelvic Care (IPC), we are committed to addressing your inquiries, concerns, and complaints about the privacy of your personal information and our privacy policies and procedures promptly. We aim to respond to all such communications within a standard 30-day period to ensure efficient resolution and satisfaction.
How to contact us
For any inquiries or concerns regarding your personal information or our privacy policies, please reach out to our Chief Privacy Officer Zhen Chen via email at zhen@ipc.health.
1) To ask questions:
If you have questions about how your personal information is managed, need more information about our privacy practices, or wish to understand more about your privacy rights, please contact the Chief Privacy Officer. We can provide detailed explanations and clarifications to ensure you fully understand how your personal data is used and how we protect your personal data.
2) To access, amend, delete the information we hold about you:
Inform: We will inform you about the type of personal information we have on record, how it is used, and if it has been disclosed to anyone.
Access: You can access your information to review its accuracy and completeness.
Modify: You may request corrections to ensure your personal information is accurate and up-to-date.
Right to be forgotten: You can request the deletion of your personal information where there is no compelling reason for its continued processing. We will evaluate each request in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations and act accordingly.
3) To make a complaint:
If you have concerns or wish to file a complaint regarding the handling of your personal information or any privacy issues, please follow our simple complaint protocol:
Email the Chief Privacy Officer outlining the nature of your complaint.
Include all relevant details that might help us understand the context and specifics of your complaint.
We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 days.
Our Chief Privacy Officer is dedicated to addressing your privacy concerns with seriousness and respect.
Zhen Chen, CIPP/C
Chief Privacy Officer
For information about your rights and how to file a complaint, we recommend visiting the following resources:
Privacy Commissioner of Canada https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/report-a-concern/file-a-formal-privacy-complaint/
European Commision
Updates to Our Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy is subject to changes and updates at any time. To keep you informed, we may send email reminders of our policies unless you have opted out of such communications. However, we encourage you to regularly visit our website to stay updated on any changes.
We are committed to the protection of your personal information. Please be assured that we will not make any changes to our policies and practices that would make them less protective of personal information collected in the past without obtaining the consent of affected individuals.
Understanding Your data protection right
For individuals seeking to understand more about their rights regarding data protection and privacy, each jurisdiction provides detailed information and resources through their respective agencies. It is highly encouraged for residents to visit the official websites of these privacy oversight bodies. These platforms offer comprehensive guidance on your rights, how to exercise them, and the mechanisms in place to lodge complaints or seek assistance with privacy-related concerns. Engaging with these resources can further enlighten you about the protections available to you and how to effectively assert your privacy rights in your specific region.
Canada:
For matters regarding privacy in Canada, individuals can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. This office is responsible for enforcing the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which govern the use of personal information in the private sector.
United-States:
In the U.S., privacy regulations are handled by both federal and state agencies:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC oversees consumer protection and the enforcement of privacy laws across various sectors.
On a state level, laws such as the CCPA in California are managed by the state attorney general's office. Residents should consult their state’s consumer protection office or attorney general for state-specific privacy laws.
Europe:
In Europe, data protection and privacy are overseen by the European Data Protection Board under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Each EU member state also has its own national data protection authority that enforces data protection laws locally, providing residents with specific channels through which to address privacy-related issues.
United-Kingdom:
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK handles issues related to data protection, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and oversees the processing of information rights.
Australia:
In Australia, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is tasked with overseeing privacy matters, focusing on the protection of personal information as governed by the Australian Privacy Principles.
New Zealand:
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) in New Zealand provides oversight concerning data protection, working to ensure organizations comply with privacy requirements.
Each of these agencies provides resources and channels through which concerns or complaints regarding privacy issues can be addressed. They advocate for the rights of individuals to have control over their personal information and ensure compliance with respective national regulations. For specific guidance on privacy laws or to lodge a complaint, residents are encouraged to visit the official websites of these respective authorities.