Privacy Information
At OPENonline, we are acutely aware of the sensitivity associated with the use of public records and personal identification information. We strongly believe in preserving the right of privacy for individuals in our society, and take great care in all of our agreements, policies and practices to reflect that belief. At the same time, we recognize that the flow of public information is essential for prudent and legitimate decision-making for both the private and public sectors. Accordingly, our policy is to provide access to information where its use is valid and appropriate for business reasons, guided by compliance with the law and respecting the rights of the individual. We take reasonable steps to help assure and promote lawful access to data via the OPENonline network.
If you have any questions about the policies stated below, contact OPENonline Compliance, PO Box 549, Columbus, OH 43216 (888-381-5656) or email compliance@openonline.com.
Website Policies
Visitors to the OPENonline website are not monitored for personal identification. You may visit the public portions of our web site without providing any personal identification information, with the exception of any personal information you may choose to provide if you voluntarily contact us or make an inquiry. OPENonline does not use cookies. We may collect statistical information or monitor trends based on your visit, but this information is limited to non-personal identification information. This information is used to improve our site and make it more useful for the needs of our customers. Customers or businesses who utilize or apply to use our services must, however, provide personal information for application and authorization purposes. This information is stored in a secure environment, and may be retained for as long as needed for conducting business or to comply with the law.
OPENonline does not sell to unaffiliated third parties, or pass on, or otherwise disseminate individual or company information collected from this web site, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses to unaffiliated third parties. This information is used only by OPENonline for purposes related to the delivery of products and services, or when required in good faith to comply with the law. This information may be shared with data or information providers, but only to the extent that is necessary to deliver services the customer has requested. This information may also be used for internal marketing services for OPENonline, for example, it may be used to notify users of new products and services.
OPENonline provides links to a number of other web sites, and is not responsible for the practices and policies of other web sites outside of its control.
Information Service Policies
OPENonline has adopted additional policies to inform individuals about the nature and types of individually identifiable information accessible via the OPENonline network. These policies outline the choices individuals have regarding limitations of use of individually identifiable information and establish a procedure whereby an individual can seek additional information. They are designed to assist individuals who seek to have alleged errors corrected, or who seek to report and have remedied cases of alleged misuse of their individually identifiable information. OPENonline reserves the right to reevaluate and restate these policies at any time, particularly when there are material changes in the types of information available or whenever changes in laws and regulations governing individually identifiable information are impacted. Visitors are encouraged to re-read these policies from time to time for updated information.
The Value of Information to Our Customers
The OPENonline network grants customers one-stop-access to data that may include criminal records, driving and vehicle records, workers' compensation information, real property data and credit history information. This data may contain individually identifiable information. This information is valuable and serves our customers in the areas of securities, publishing, credit, risk management, real estate, entertainment, employment and other markets. Because of the nature and range of the data we provide, OPENonline is not available to the general public. Our customers must be legitimate businesses that have demonstrated a legal and appropriate use for such information--attorneys, human resource professionals, banks, investigators, employers and employment agencies as well as other businesses. We assist our clients through education efforts and take steps to prevent the illegal or inappropriate use of data. OPENonline reserves the right to restrict, and in certain circumstances does restrict, access to certain data on the OPENonline network. Certain personal data is restricted or limited according to the applicable laws.
Types and Sources of Data
OPENonline warehouses data and we connect to other computer networks via gateways. Using this combination of methods, OPENonline provides customers with a broad range of information to meet their specific requirements. In most cases, the data provided through the OPENonline network is assembled and updated by third parties. It may include a variety of individually identifiable information including, but not limited to, name and address, property holdings, criminal records and financial data. This information is generally obtained; (i) via direct connection to governmental entities, (ii) via third party companies who access, collect and re-distribute public record information and (iii) through other third party sources who compile and distribute access to databases of information from a variety of sources which may or may not include public record information. In most cases, OPENonline cannot control or modify the content of the databases offered. When needed, OPENonline will put individuals or users in contact directly with the source or entity that houses and supplies the data.
Personal Information Disclosure: United States or Overseas
Personal information submitted to OPENonline for a background screening investigation may at times be transferred outside the United States in order to perform the background investigation. All personal information will be transmitted and stored in a secure manner in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy.
OPENonline has established a data privacy policy which complies with the seven Safe Harbor principles administered by the United States Department of Commerce as outlined in the European Commission’s Directive on Data Protection. See Safe Harbor Privacy Policy.
Accuracy of Information
OPENonline takes reasonable steps to assure the accuracy of the information provided by our service. However, there is a possibility that data may be improperly reported or transcribed. In the event a person about whom information has been accessed on the OPENonline system, believes any or all of that information to be inaccurate, then that person should contact OPENonline's Compliance Department in writing using the Dispute Notification Form, via regular or electronic mail, stating the nature of the alleged error(s) and the database in which the alleged error is thought to reside.
Upon receipt of this information, OPENonline will:
- provide the person the name and address of the party responsible for the content of the subject database,
- inform the individual to contact that entity to determine what steps are necessary to correct the alleged error and
- forward the person's original letter to the responsible data provider
Because OPENonline does not assemble or otherwise control the content of most databases, it cannot:
- assure the individual that an alleged error will be corrected,
- verify the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information reported to it by the individual nor,
- post any notices, alerts, warnings etc., other than those that exist of a general nature in the OPENonline Services Agreement, stating that any or all of the information about a particular individual has been alleged to be inaccurate.
OPENonline will provide information and assistance whenever possible to assist individuals in tracking down the source of inaccurate information.
Limitations on Use
Some data providers who furnish access to information via OPENonline may have policies that allow an individual to limit or redact their individually identifiable information from the databases they offer for sale. Federal and/or state laws may, under certain circumstances, allow a person to limit or redact their individually identifiable information from databases offered for resale. In yet other cases, these same federal and state laws may not allow such limitation or redaction.
Any person who has been the subject of an inquiry via the OPENonline network - or whose individually identifiable information may be accessible via the OPENonline network - who desires to have their individually identifiable information limited or redacted, should contact OPENonline's Compliance Officer via regular or electronic mail indicating the name of the entity accessing their information, the nature of the information accessed and requesting the name and address of the applicable data provider(s). The Compliance Officer will provide the name and address of the source of the information to the person making the request.
OPENonline, however, cannot assure that any given data provider incorporates a policy to allow a person to limit or redact individually identifiable information or that the individual's information will be limited or redacted once a request is made to the data provider. Further, OPENonline cannot advise the person of the applicability of any federal or state law to their request. Finally, because OPENonline does not control the content of databases to which it provides access, it cannot assure the individual that their individually identifiable information will in fact be limited or redacted nor can it post any notices, alerts, warnings, etc., stating that the individual has requested their information be limited or redacted.
Security and Accountability
OPENonline uses reasonable methods via its Services Agreement and other customer documentation forms and procedures to assure that entities accessing its network are doing so for legitimate business and other permissible purposes. OPENonline continuously informs its customers that the use of information accessed via the OPENonline network is subject to a variety of laws, and customers are responsible for the appropriate use of the information they access. Additionally, OPENonline takes reasonable steps and has implemented a number of technical systems to help prevent unauthorized access and track use of the data.
OPENonline conducts training for its employees, who are subject to strict auditing and limitations on access, as well as customers. In the event a person believes individually identifiable information obtained via the OPENonline network has been used improperly, then that person should contact OPENonline's Compliance Officer via mail, electronic mail or telephone and inform him of the name of the customer and the alleged misuse. OPENonline will investigate, to the full extent of its ability, allegations of misuse. OPENonline reserves the right, pursuant to its Services Agreement, among other things, to terminate a customer's access to its network, or any applicable parts thereof, in the event a pattern of confirmed, willful misuse of information is documented.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a Federal Act that was created to protect consumers from the potential misuse of information. More information on the Act can be found by clicking on FCRA on the side bar to the left of this page. Data available through OPENonline may or may not be subject to the provisions of the FCRA. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the user to assure, among other things, that applicable releases are obtained from the subject before information is accessed and that appropriate notices are provided to the subject if the information obtained via the service influences, in whole or in part, any adverse action that may be taken. In accordance with their respective agreements with OPENonline, the providers of data supplied to OPENonline are instructed to comply fully with the applicable provisions of the FCRA or take other reasonable steps as may be appropriate.
Summary
OPENonline supports the appropriate, lawful use of information and will continue to take reasonable steps to help assure and promote lawful access to data via its network. In support of this philosophy, OPENonline will also assist persons with particular questions or concerns about their individually identifiable data as a means to seek correction of errors, a method to report allegations of misuse, and a path whereby access to their information may be limited.
Safe Harbor Privacy Policy
OPENonline is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information in the global marketplace. OPENonline has established a data privacy policy which complies with the seven Safe Harbor principles administered by the United States Department of Commerce as outlined in the European Commission’s Directive on Data Protection.
(www.export.gov/safeharbor).
Notice
OPENonline is a consumer reporting agency that collects and maintains personal data for use by our clients in making employment screening decisions. Information collected may include name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number, professional license information, employment history, education and other credentials. All data is collected, stored and delivered in compliance with applicable law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the European Union Data Protection Directive and other local, state and federal laws. OPENonline does not process personal information in a manner incompatible with the purposes for which it has been collected.
Choice
U.S. consumers who do not want personal data made available to the consumer’s employer or OPENonline may elect not to consent to submit personal information to OPENonline. EU residents are given an opportunity to choose whether to disclose personal information to a third party or if the information will be used in a manner inconsistent with the purposes for which it has been collected. Unless a consumer chooses to provide consent, a disclosure of personal information to a third party or for an unauthorized purpose will not be made. By completing and submitting a consent form, you expressly agree to provide personally-identifying information and you consent to the use of that information in accordance with OPENonline’s privacy policy.
Onward Transfer (Transfers to Third Parties)
OPENonline reserves the right to employ other companies or individuals as our subcontractors to perform functions on our behalf. All such contractors are contractually obligated to use and maintain the confidentiality of personal information in a manner consistent with the same level of privacy protection as is required by the seven Safe Harbor principles.
Access
A consumer may request, in writing, access to all data collected and maintained by OPENonline on them. If a consumer believes information in OPENonline's possession is inaccurate, they should contact OPENonline directly to discuss correcting, amending or deleting the incorrect information. Pursuant to the United States Fair Credit Reporting Act, any citizen of the U.S. may obtain a copy of their consumer report free of charge. We reserve the right, however, to charge an administrative fee not to exceed $15 to cover the cost of reviewing our records and obtaining and forwarding any information for consumers who are not citizens of the U.S. For your protection, OPENonline reserves the right to engage in reasonable efforts to require proof of identity - including proper verification and confirmation of the individual requesting the information - to ensure the information is provided only to the subject who is entitled to request access. To request information relating to your personal data, you may contact OPENonline in writing or by e-mail at the addresses listed below.
Security
OPENonline takes reasonable precautions to protect personal information from loss, misuse and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration and destruction. Any personal data transmitted to or from OPENonline’s website is protected by SSL encryption which encrypts the data transmitted over the internet. Servers used to store personal information are kept in a secure environment, with appropriate security measures. Access to those servers and data is strictly limited to authorized personnel of OPENonline who have been trained to protect against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or destruction of personal data under OPENonline’s control.
Data Integrity
OPENonline takes reasonable steps to ensure that data collected is reliable for its intended use, accurate, complete, and current.
Enforcement
OPENonline will conduct periodic compliance audits to verify that this privacy policy is accurate and conforms to each of the seven Safe Harbor principles. Any questions or concerns regarding the use or disclosure of personal data should be directed to the Compliance office at the address given below. OPENonline will investigate and attempt to resolve disputes regarding use and disclosure of personal data in accordance with the principles contained in this policy. For disputes that cannot be resolved between OPENonline and the consumer, OPENonline has agreed to participate in the dispute resolution procedures of the panel established by the European Data Protection Authorities to resolve disputes pursuant to the Safe Harbor principles.
Contact Information:
Attn: Compliance
OPENonline LLC
PO Box 549
Columbus, Ohio 43216
United States of America
Email: Email Us
Phone: 614.481.6999
Fax: 614.481.6980