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Inter-State Studio & Publishing Company® Privacy Policy
Effective: November 11, 2009
Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co. ("Inter-State") knows that you care how information about you is collected, used, maintained and disclosed, and we appreciate your trust that we will do so carefully and sensibly. This Privacy Policy describes our privacy practices, and the manner in which Inter-State collects, uses and discloses information collected from you via the inter-state.com web site and any other web sites or online services operated by Inter-State where this Privacy Policy is posted (collectively, the "Web Site"). While the terms contained throughout this Privacy Policy apply to users of the Web Site in general, a separate children's section below discusses Inter-State's information practices relating to children under the age of 13 as they differ from our general practices. By using the Web Site and/or registering an account, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Please note that the Web Site may contain links to other web sites or online services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to information collected by third party web sites or services linked to or otherwise accessible from offerings presented by or through the Web Site. The information collected or received by third party Web sites is subject to their own privacy policies. We recommend that you review the privacy practices of such other web sites and services that you choose to visit or use.
Inter-State is based, and this web site is hosted, in the United States of America. If you are from the European Union, Canada or other regions of the world with laws governing data collection, use and disclosure that may differ from U.S. law and you are registering an account on the Web Site, visiting the Web Site, purchasing products or services from Inter-State or the Web Site, or otherwise using the Web Site, please note that any personally identifiable information that you provide to Inter-State will be transferred to the United States. Any such personally identifiable information provided will be processed and stored in the United States by Inter-State or a service provider acting on its behalf. By providing your personally identifiable information, you hereby specifically and expressly consent to such transfer and processing and the uses and disclosures set forth herein.
Collection of Your Information
Users browsing the Web Site without registering an account or affirmatively providing personally identifiable information to Inter-State do so anonymously. Otherwise, the information we collect consists of personally identifiable information collected from you when you register to use the Web Site or log into the Web Site as a registered user and interact with the Web Site. Such personally identifiable information may include (i) registration-related information (such as name, home or work addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers, birth date or gender); (ii) transaction-related information (such as credit card or other preferred means of payment, or a history of products purchased through Inter-State.com); (iii) demographic information; (iv) information about your visits to the Web Site, (v) and your responses to the offerings and advertisements presented on the Web Site; information about the features or offerings from Inter-State that you use, and how frequently you use them); (vi) your billing and shipping information; (vii) customer service information about you as a Web Site user or subscriber; and (viii) other information specifically related to your use of a particular Web Site feature or offering. We may collect information that you provide in email or other communications to us. Your information may be supplemented with additional information from other companies or gathered by Inter-State from other sources.
We may also collect information about how you use the Web Site, including certain technical information gathered when you use the Web Site. While all of this information may not be personally identifiable, it may be associated with personally identifiable information that you provide to Inter-State through the Web Site or otherwise. Other information that may not personally identify you may be collected by Inter-State (such as patterns of utilization of the Web Site or any information that is de-identified) and may be utilized and disclosed by Inter-State as allowed by law.
Cookies
Like most web sites, the Web Site uses cookies and web log files to track site usage. A cookie is a tiny data file which resides on your computer which allows Inter-State to recognize you as a user when you return to the Web Site using the same computer and web browser. Unfortunately, if your browser settings do not allow cookies, you may not be able to use the Web Site or certain features thereon. Like the information you enter during account registration, cookie and log file data is used to enhance and personalize your experience on the Web Site, including (i) to operate and improve offerings through the Web Site; (ii) to help authenticate your identity when you visit; (iii) to remember your preferences and registration information; (iv) enable a shopping cart; (v) to present and help measure and research the effectiveness of our offerings, advertisements, and e-mail communications (by determining which Inter-State e-mails you open and act upon); and (vi) to customize the content and advertisements provide to you by Inter-State. One type of cookie, known as a "persistent" cookie, is set once you have logged in to your Web Site account. The next time you visit our Web Site, the persistent cookie will allow us to recognize you as an existing user so you will not need to log in before using the Web Site. Additionally, if you log out of the Web Site you will need to re-enter your password the next time you visit in order to log in to your account. Another type of cookie, called a "session" cookie, is used to identify a particular visit to the Web Site. Session cookies expire after a short time or when you close your web browser. You can choose to disable cookies on your browser or allow your browser to notify you when a cookie is being sent, however this may prevent you from utilizing certain features of the Web Site.
IP Addresses
Due to the communications standards on the Internet, we automatically receive the uniform resource locator (URL) of the web site from which you came and the web site to which you proceed once you leave the Web Site. We also receive the IP address of your computer (or the proxy server you use to access the World Wide Web), your computer operating system and type of web browser you are using, as well as the name of your Internet service provider (ISP). This information is used to analyze overall trends to help us improve the Web Site. The linkage between your IP address and your personally identifiable information may be used and disclosed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Web Beacons and Ad Networks
We may allow other companies, called ad networks, to serve advertisements to users via the Web Site. Ad networks include third party ad servers, ad agencies, ad technology vendors and research firms. Inter-State may "target" some ads to users that fit a certain general profile. To deliver these ads properly, the Web Site may include a file, called a web beacon, from these ad networks within pages served by the Web Site so the networks may provide anonymous, aggregated auditing, research and reporting for advertisers as well as to target ads to you while you visit other web sites. These general targets may also be used by ad networks to display targeted ads on other web sites as a substitute for random, irrelevant ads. In addition, the Web Site may use the technology of ad networks to serve ads only when you visit this Web Site. Ad networks may use non-personally identifiable information, such as your state or zip code, in order to provide advertisements about goods and services that may be of particular interest to you while you visit this Web Site. Because your web browser must request these advertisements and web beacons from the ad network's servers, these companies can view, edit or set their own cookies, just as if you had requested a web page from their site.
How Your Information Is Used
Inter-State may use the personally identifiable information collected through the Web Site (i) for the specific purposes for which the information was provided or collected; (ii) to provide the products and services available on the Web Site and the Web Site itself; (iii) to fulfill your requests for products, programs, and services; (iv) to operate, improve and personalize the features, offerings and content presented to you via the Web Site; (v) to communicate with you and respond to your inquiries; (vi) to conduct research about your use of our products; and (vii) to help offer you other products, programs, or services that may be of interest. Inter-State may use your information in the business planning, marketing, advertising and sales efforts of Inter-State and its trusted affiliates, independent contractors and business partners.
How Your Information Is Disclosed
Inter-State may disclose personally identifiable information collected from you to its parent, subsidiary and other related companies and Inter-State's trusted affiliates, independent contractors and business partners who will use the information for the purposes outlined in the "How Your Information Is Used" section above, as necessary to provide the services offered by the Web Site and the Web Site itself, to fulfill any orders for products and services ordered via the Web Site and for the specific purposes for which the information was collected. Your information will not be shared with third parties other than as set forth above unless you have consented to the sharing of your information. Inter-State may use your information to present offers to you on behalf of business partners and advertisers.
Additionally, Inter-State may disclose personally identifiable information at the request of law enforcement or governmental agencies or in response to subpoenas, court orders or other legal process, to establish, protect or exercise Inter-State's legal or other rights or to defend against a legal claim or as otherwise required by law. Inter-State may disclose personally identifiable information in order to protect the rights, property or safety of Inter-State or any other person. Inter-State may disclose personally identifiable information to investigate or prevent a violation by you of any contractual or other relationship with Inter-State or the perpetration of any illegal or harmful activity.
Inter-State may also disclose aggregate, anonymous data based on information collected from users to investors and potential partners. Inter-State may disclose or transfer personally identifiable information collected from users in connection with or in contemplation of a sale of its assets or business or a merger, consolidation or other reorganization of its business.
We may use agents and contractors in order to help provide the Web Site and Inter-State's products and services. If such agents and contractors have access to personally identifiable information, they are required to protect this information in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy by, for example, not using the information for any purpose other than to carry out the services they are performing for Inter-State.
Our Commitment to Security
Inter-State and its service providers have established safeguards to help prevent unauthorized access to or misuse of your information, but cannot guarantee that your personally identifiable information will never be disclosed in a manner inconsistent with this Privacy Policy (for example, in the event of unauthorized acts by third parties that violate applicable law or the policies of Inter-State). To protect your privacy and security, the Web Site requires the use of passwords to help verify your identity before granting access or making corrections to any of your information. We work to protect the security of your information during transport by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software which encrypts information you input. However, no security methods are perfect or impenetrable.
It is important for you to protect against unauthorized access to your password and to your computer. Be sure to sign off when finished using a shared computer.
Correcting, Changing or Updating Personal Information
You can review the personal information you have provided us and make any desired changes to the information at any time by logging in to your account on the Web Site and editing the information. If you close your account, we will remove your name and other personally identifiable information from our account system. We may retain certain data contributed by you for legitimate business purposes, if it may be necessary to prevent fraud or future abuse, as aggregated, non-personally-identifiable data, for account recovery purposes, if required by law, or as retained in our data backup systems. All retained data will continue to be subject to the terms of the Privacy Policy to which you have previously agreed. To request that we close your account and remove your personal information, please send your request to issnet@inter-state.com. Please send your request using an email account that you have registered with Inter-State under your name.
Opting-Out of Disclosures of Personal Information
You always have the option to opt-out of having your personally identifiable information disclosed by Inter-State to third parties that are not agents or service providers of Inter-State. If you would like to opt-out of such further disclosures, please contact Inter-State at issnet@inter-state.com.
How to Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or its implementation, you may contact us by sending an email to issnet@inter-state.com, or by sending mail to the following address:
Inter-State Studio and Publishing Co.
Attn: Privacy
3500 Snyder Avenue
Sedalia, MO 65301
800-952-6450
Changes to this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time so you should review this Policy periodically. If there are significant changes to Inter-State's information practices and you have an existing account, you will be provided with appropriate online notice.
Special Provisions Regarding Children Under the Age of 13
This section explains provisions in addition to those stated above that govern and explain in greater detail the manner in which Inter-State collects, use and discloses personal information collected from children under the age of 13 (each, a "Child" and collectively, "Children") who utilize the Web Site. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") requires that Inter-State inform parents and legal guardians of Children (each, a "Parent") about how Inter-State collects, uses and discloses personal information collected from Children. COPPA additionally requires that Inter-State obtain the consent of Parents before Inter-State collects such personal information from Children. Inter-State encourages Parents to become involved with and monitor their Child's online activities and to discuss online safety with their Child.
Personal Information Collected from Children Via the Web Site
Children can visit and browse the Web Site generally without Inter-State collecting any personal information about such Children. Inter-State does not collect personal information from a Child online unless such Child registers an account on the Web Site. Please note that Inter-State may receive certain personal information about a Child offline; however, the Child must still access the Web Site to register an account before he or she may use the features of the Web Site and disclose personal information to Inter-State online.
During the account registration process, in order to determine whether COPPA applies, Inter-State asks that any user registering account provide certain basic information during the account registration process. Inter-State collects the user's birth date to determine if the user is a Child. If Inter-State determines that the user is a Child, Inter-State will collect the following information directly from the Child in order to provide notice to the Child's Parent: the Child's account name and password and the Parent's email address. This information will be used to contact the Parent to obtain consent as described below in the section entitled "How Does Inter-State Notify and Obtain Consent From Parents?" Once consent is received from the Parent, Inter-State will collect the following information directly from the Child during the account registration process: the Child's first and last name, a username and password, home mailing address, email address, and telephone number.
Additionally, Inter-State uses cookies, web beacons and ad networks to passively track how all Users, including Children, use the Web Site and collect information related to such use. Inter-State also passively collects IP addresses regarding its Users, including Children. Inter-State's practices relating to these passive tracking features are explained above under the heading "Collection of Your Information." This information is not personal information or personally identifiable, however it may become so if a Child registers on the Web Site or otherwise provides personal information in a manner set forth above. Other information that does not personally identify Children individually is collected by Inter-State from the Web Site (such as patterns of utilization of the Web Site and other information that is de-identified).
Please note that Inter-State cannot condition a Child's participation in an activity on such Child disclosing more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in such activity.
How Inter-State Uses Personal Information Collected from Children
Inter-State may use personally identifiable information collected from a Child for the following purposes: (i) to provide the services available on the Web Site and the Web Site itself (including to administer the Child's account); (ii) to provide the specific services for which the information was provided or collected and to offer personalized features via the Web Site; (iii) to process purchases of products or services offered via the Web Site; (iv) to deliver messages and other communications from Inter-State; (v) to provide customer service and respond to questions regarding the Web Site; (vi) to contact users regarding features, products and services offered by Inter-State; and (vii) otherwise to enhance users' experience with Inter-State. Inter-State may also use information collected through the Web Site for research regarding the effectiveness of the Web Site and the business planning, marketing, advertising and sales efforts of Inter-State.
How and to Whom Inter-State Discloses Information About Children
Inter-State currently does not disclose to third parties personally identifiable information collected from Children, except to third parties engaged by Inter-State specifically to handle, deliver and provide certain aspects of the Web Site or its operations (e.g., third parties engaged to host and operate the Web Site, to provide customer service functions, or to provide order fulfillment services) and other parties specifically allowed by COPPA or other law (e.g., law enforcement and governmental agencies, to respond to judicial process, to protect against Company's liability, or to protect the security or integrity of the Web Site). Such third parties have access to personal information only to the extent necessary to perform the specific functions for which they are engaged or allowed by law, but are not allowed to use it for any other purpose either pursuant their agreements with Company or allowed by law as the case may be.
Parents may consent to Company's collection and internal use of their Child's personal information while refusing to allow Company to disclose the personal information of their Child to third parties (except as set forth above).
Review of the Information Collected from a Child
A Parent may at any time refuse to permit collection by Inter-State of personal information from such Parent's Child. Additionally, a Parent may at any time request that Inter-State delete any personal information about such Parent's Child that Inter-State has collected. Inter-State may continue to retain certain aggregated, non-personally-identifiable data. Finally, a Parent may review the specific personal information that Inter-State has collected about such Parent's Child at any time. A Parent may request any of the foregoing by contacting issnet@inter-state.com or by completing the form located at http://store.inter-state.com/documents/parental-request-form.pdf and mailing it to Inter-State's address above.
How Does Inter-State Notify and Obtain Consent from Parents?
Before collecting personal from a Child (with the exception of the limited personal information allowed under COPPA to contact a Parent for consent), Inter-State will send an email (a "Consent Email") to the email address of a Parent provided by the Child. The Consent Email will contain a hyperlink to this Privacy Policy and request that the Parent provide consent to Inter-State. Only after consent is received will Inter-State collect personal information about a Child and allow the Child to register an account. If Inter-State does not receive consent within a reasonable period of time after sending the Consent Email, Inter-State will delete the limited personal information collected from the Child in order to send the Consent Email. Additionally, once Inter-State receives a response to the Consent Email granting Inter-State consent, Inter-State will follow up by sending a second email to the Parent confirming the receipt of consent within a few days of Inter-State's receipt of the Parent's consent.
How Will Inter-State Notify Parents in the Event of Material Changes to This Privacy Policy?
Inter-State reserves the right to modify or amend this Privacy Policy from time to time in its discretion. In the event that Inter-State materially modifies or amends any of the provisions in this Privacy Policy that govern the manner in which it collects, uses or discloses a Child's personal information, Inter-State will provide notice to the Parent of such Child utilizing the contact information for the Parent that Inter-State has in its records. Each Parent should ensure that Inter-State has such Parent's current email address. Inter-State will apply material changes to this Privacy Policy in conformance with COPPA and other applicable law, including any provisions thereof requiring consent from a Parent. A current version of the Privacy Policy will always be posted on the Web Site.
If you have any questions about the terms contained herein, please contact Inter-State via any of the methods set forth above under "How to Contact Us."
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