Packetworks Commitment to Privacy

 

At Packetworks, we are committed to safeguarding your right to privacy. This commitment and policy applies to all Packetworks entities including Packetworks, Packet-tel Corp. and TFBN Packetworks Inc. (collectively “Packetworks”).

 

We place strict controls on the protection and use of personal information within our systems and processes and ensure that our employees are trained to respect your privacy at all times.

 

The Packetworks Customer Privacy Policy and the Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices spell out the commitments of Packetworks and the rights of customers regarding personal information. They also comply fully with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

 

In addition to the Packetworks Privacy Policy, Packetworks may also be subject to the requirements of applicable legislation, tariffs and regulations and the orders of any court or other lawful authority. 

 

The Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices

 

To ensure our commitment to your privacy is upheld, we have updated our existing policies and developed a formal privacy code setting out your rights and our obligations respecting the treatment of your personal information by Packetworks. The Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices (the Code) complies with the requirements of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act as well as the Canadian Standards Association Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information. (The Code is included at the end of this privacy policy.) The Packetworks Customer Privacy Policy (the Policy) that you are reading is intended as summary of the approach of Packetworks to customer privacy, including the Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices.

 

Employees and Agents

 

The Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices also governs the behavior of our employees and agents acting on our behalf. All of our employees who have access to personal information have been trained on the handling of such information. And, new employees receive training on privacy as a fundamental part of their initial company training. All of our employees must review and commit to the Packetworks Code of Fair Information Practices.

 

Personal Information

 

Personal information is information about an identifiable individual. This includes information about your product and service subscriptions and usage. Publicly available information, such as public directory listing of your name, address, telephone number, electronic address, is not considered to be personal information.

 

Collecting Information Helps Us Serve You Better

 

Packetworks collects personal information only for the following purposes: 

 

  • To establish and maintain responsible commercial relations with you and provide you with ongoing service;
  • To understand your needs and eligibility for products & services;
  • To recommend particular products & services to meet your needs;
  • To develop, enhance, market or provide products and services;
  • To manage and develop Packetworks' business and operations, including personnel and employment matters; and
  • To meet legal and regulatory requirements. 

 

Your personal information will not be used for any other purpose without your consent.

 

Should you identify incorrect or outdated information to us, we will make the necessary changes promptly.

 

Other Parties with Whom the Packetworks May Share Personal Information

 

While our policy is not to provide personal information to any party outside of Packetworks, there are certain limited circumstances, outlined below, in which it is necessary to do so. When we do provide personal information to third parties, we provide only that information that is required. Information provided to third parties is used only for the purpose stipulated and is subject to strict terms of confidentiality. Employees of the companies to whom we may provide information must adhere to our privacy standards. Third parties include: 

 

  • An agent acting on behalf of Packetworks, such as a company hired to perform Customer billing, installation, and maintenance on our behalf;
  • Another communications service provider, in order to offer efficient and effective communications services (e.g., third party emergency answering services)
  • A collection agency, for the express purpose of the collection of past due bills;
  • Law enforcement agencies, in emergencies, for internal security matters, or where required by court order or search warrant; and
  • Emergency services, in emergency situations.

 

The Packetworks commitment to privacy

 

We take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safeguarding of your information, whether it is stored electronically or in paper format. In all cases, information is retained in secure facilities, protected from unauthorized access and kept only as long as reasonably required. For example, our electronic files are backed up for redundancy, password protected and accessible only by authorized employees, on a need-to-know basis.

 

Use of "Cookies" 

 

During user interaction with one of our Internet sites, we may use a browser feature called a "cookie" to collect information anonymously and track user patterns on our websites. A cookie is a small text file containing a unique identification number that identifies your browser—but not you—to our computers each time you visit one of our sites that uses cookies. Cookies tell us which pages of our sites are visited and by how many people. This helps us to enhance the online experience of visitors to our sites. 

 

Unless you specifically advise us, we will not know who you are, even though we may assign your computer a cookie. We cannot use cookies, by themselves, to disclose the individual identity of any site user, and we never combine information gathered by a cookie with personally identifiable information like your name, telephone number, or even your email address without your consent. 

 

You will find that most major websites use cookies and most major browsers are set up to accept them. If you wish, you can resent your browser either to notify you when you have received a cookie or to refuse to accept cookies. You do not need cookies to visit Packetworks sites. However, if you refuse to accept cookies, you may not be able to use some of the features available on our sites such as personalization features. 

 

Protection of Children On-Line

 

As an added protection for children, on any of our commercial websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, we will obtain the permission of a parent or legal guardian before collecting, using, or disclosing any personally identifiable information about a child, e.g., for participation in contests or promotions.

 

Privacy-Enhancing Services Offered by Packetworks

 

Packetworks offers a number of services to help balance the privacy interests of customers and the people they call. You can find information about the Packetworks services (e.g., Call Display, Call Blocking, etc.) by visiting www.Packetworks.net or by contacting our Packetworks business office based in Waterloo, Ontario. Packetworks Internet offers solutions for internet connectivity that allows you to maintain the privacy and security of your corporate electronic information. For more information, please contact our business office.

 

Questions or Concerns

 

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, you can contact us through the Packetworks company website listed below or call us at the number shown on your bill. Our customer service representatives will assist you in resolving the situation.


Packetworks Privacy Ombudsman 

 

If you still have unresolved concerns with respect to the treatment of your personal information by Packetworks, you may address these concerns, in writing, to the Packetworks Privacy Officer, who has overall responsibility for the company's compliance with this policy and applicable privacy restrictions.

 

You should write to:

 

The Privacy Officer

515 Dotzert Ct., Unit 7

Waterloo, ON

N2L 6A7

privacy@Packetworks.net

 

Further Complaint Procedure

 

If the Packetworks Privacy Officer does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you may file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling

 

1-800-282-1376 or writing to:

 

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada

112 Kent St.

Ottawa, ON

K1A 1H3

 

privcan@fox.nstn.ca