Privacy Policy
Last Updated: Jan 1, 2025
At Merit Media Inc. ("Company"), we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy elucidates the manner in which we collect, utilize, and disclose personal information with transparency being our priority.
Data Collection
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal details: Information you provide voluntarily, such as your name, email address, and contact details.
Automatically captured data: Automatically collected information, including IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and browsing behavior through cookies and analytics tools.
Third-party integrations: Data received from platforms you connect to our services, which may include demographic or usage information.
Information is collected in compliance with applicable laws and will only be used for the purposes specified herein.
2. Purpose of Data Use
Collected data is utilized for:
Service enhancement: Improving the quality and relevance of our offerings.
Communication: Providing updates, promotional materials, and service-related information tailored to user preferences.
Compliance: Meeting regulatory and legal requirements.
Personalization: Delivering customized experiences based on user preferences and historical interactions.
We also utilize data analytics to identify trends and improve operational efficiency. User preferences will be respected, and options for opting out of specific data uses will be provided.
3. Data Retention
Personal data will be retained only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy. Retention periods will comply with applicable laws. Marketing preferences, including opt-ins and opt-outs, will also be retained and respected accordingly. Specific retention periods for various data types are available upon request.
4. Data Disclosure
Your data will not be sold. However, it may be shared with third-party service providers to facilitate operational activities. These third parties are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use data solely for specified purposes. In the event of a merger or acquisition, user data may be transferred as part of organizational assets.
Data may also be disclosed to law enforcement agencies if required by applicable laws or court orders. All third-party processors handling user data are contractually bound to follow the privacy and security standards set by Merit Media Inc.
5. User Rights
You may request access to or the deletion of your personal data by contacting us at hello@meritmedia.ca. Additionally, you may opt out of marketing communications or request data portability. Users have the right to lodge complaints with regulatory authorities if they believe their data rights have been violated.
For users located within jurisdictions with specific data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, PIPEDA), additional rights may apply, such as the right to restrict data processing or object to automated decision-making. Requests for data deletion will be processed within the legally defined timelines.
6. Cookies Policy
The Company uses cookies to collect and store information about your usage patterns to enhance user experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser and opt out of non-essential cookies at any time. Third-party analytics tools such as Google Analytics may be used, and their data practices are governed by their respective policies.
7. Security Measures
We implement security measures such as encryption and access controls to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. Access to personal data is restricted to authorized employees only. Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) are conducted for significant changes to data processing activities.
8. International Data Transfers
If user data is transferred outside Ontario, Canada, appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses, are implemented to ensure compliance with data protection laws. Data localization may apply depending on jurisdiction-specific requirements.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information.
10. Data Breach
In the event of a data breach, affected users will be notified promptly, in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
11. Behavioural Advertising
The Website may use behavioural advertising techniques to tailor content and advertisements to user preferences. Users can manage their advertising preferences through the "Manage Preferences" section.
12. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the applicable laws of Ontario, Canada. Disputes arising from this policy shall be resolved within Ontario, Canada’s legal framework. Parties are encouraged to pursue arbitration or mediation as a preferred method of dispute resolution.
13. Updates to this Policy
We reserve the right to revise this Privacy Policy and will notify users of any substantial changes through email notifications or prominent announcements on our website within 30 days of such changes.
14. Data Protection Officer
For data privacy inquiries, please contact our Data Protection Officer at hello@meritmedia.ca.
15. Accessibility Statement
We are committed to making our Privacy Policy accessible to individuals with disabilities. Please contact us for alternative formats or accessibility-related inquiries.
16. Contact Information
For any inquiries or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at hello@meritmedia.ca