privacy policy
The Fat Disorders Research Society (“FDRS”) takes the privacy of its users very seriously and maintains safeguards to store and secure information about its users. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains what information is collected from you and your use of the FDRS Website and its services through your voluntary interactions with FDRS (for example, subscription to an FDRS publication, communication with or posting information on the FDRS Website, or participation in an FDRS member survey), and how FDRS uses this information. We urge you to read this Policy carefully.
This Policy applies to the fatdisorders.org web site owned and operated by FDRS, as well as any mobile optimized version of this site, and any blogs maintained by FDRS outside the web site (collectively, the FDRS Website”). References to "FDRS" includes the FDRS, any corporate parent or subsidiary thereof, any company affiliated with FDRS, and any officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents of same. FDRS may share information among the various persons and entities within FDRS, but information collected under this Privacy Policy is always protected under the terms of this Privacy Policy.
This Policy applies only to the FDRS Website and not to the websites of unrelated third-party companies or organizations to which the FDRS Website provides links, or to any software that may be downloaded either from the FDRS Website or from unrelated third-party websites.
By visiting the FDRS Website, becoming a member or customer, or otherwise voluntarily interacting with and/or submitting information to the FDRS Website, you agree to this Policy. FDRS reserves the right to make changes to this Policy at any time. In such case, FDRS will post a notice that this Policy has been modified by revising the “Last updated” date at the bottom of this page.
What information does FDRS collect?
FDRS collects two types of information: (1) non-personally identifiable information for everyone who visits its websites; and (2) personally identifiable information for members, registered website users, and anyone who purchases or requests products, services, or information.
Non-personally identifiable information
FDRS employs cookies to collect information about all visitors to the FDRS Website, including pages viewed and the order visited, terms used in searching the FDRS Website, and products investigated or purchased. FDRS uses cookies to offer greater functionality, and the information generated from these cookies is used to help determine which services are most important and to guide editorial and business decisions.
Users who do not desire the functionality offered by cookies may disable cookie functionality in their browsers or through settings on their mobile devices. However, users who do so may not be able to use some features of the FDRS Website. For example, a registered user must have cookies enabled in order to access the registered-user sections of the FDRS Website.
For system administration and troubleshooting purposes, FDRS logs the originating Internet Protocol (IP) address, the browser and operating system used, and information about your individual use, such as time and date of visits, duration of sessions, and other similar usage or system data.
FDRS collects this non-personally identifiable information from users who access the public areas of the FDRS Website. Users of the public areas of the FDRS Website browse anonymously. FDRS does not review the use of publicly accessible areas of the FDRS Website by individual users unless this information will assist in troubleshooting individual problems or in certain cases in conjunction with personally identifiable information (as set forth below under “How does FDRS use information collected?”). FDRS will also review this information if a user access of the FDRS Website is associated with: (i) attempts to violate the security of FDRS computer networks; (ii) activity that affects the performance of the FDRS Website; or (iii) activity that may be related to copyright or other intellectual property infringement, or other violations.
Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”)
In addition to non-personally identifiable information, FDRS records the user’s name and member/customer ID number for all registered users (i.e., users who have logged into a password-protected area of an FDRS website). In the course of using the FDRS Website, a user may be asked to provide “Personally Identifiable Information” or “PII” (for example, name, address, zip code, email address, telephone number, fax number) in order to submit content, participate in an FDRS activity, subscribe to a journal, request information, or otherwise interact with the FDRS Website. Users may be asked to update their contact information from time to time.
FDRS also collects email addresses voluntarily provided via membership applications and renewals, website registrations, product purchases, member surveys, downloads of certain materials, email communication sign-ups, and comments made in discussion threads on the FDRS Website.
The FDRS Website gives users the ability to post content and interact with other users. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not disclose your PII to other users, or ask other users for their PII. If you disclose PII through content you submit to the FDRS Website or while otherwise accessing the FDRS Website or interacting with other users whether via the FDRS Website or otherwise, be aware that such information could be read, collected and/or used by other users. We are not responsible for any information you disclose.
How does FDRS use the information collected?
FDRS uses the information it collects to improve its web content, to respond to user preferences and needs, and to develop new products and services. For example, FDRS may combine non-personally identifiable information with PII to offer services that may be of specific interest to the user.
Disclosure of PII to Third parties
FDRS may disclose limited personally identifiable information (e.g., name, address, email address, purchase information) to outside service providers that help FDRS offer services, and information. For example, FDRS may work with outside service providers to: (i) distribute emails or make telephone solicitations; (ii) assist with direct marketing, customize journal advertisements, and collect data; (iii) help detect and prevent fraud; and (iv) otherwise assist FDRS in enhancing its services and serving its users. FDRS requires that these outside service providers agree to keep confidential all such information and to use it for the purposes designated by FDRS.
Like many other organizations, FDRS may use outside marketing companies to place and monitor advertisements or links on the FDRS Website and other websites. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., links clicked on during a visit, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked on or scrolled over) and PII during your visits to the FDRS Website and other websites in order to provide advertisements about products and services likely to be of interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or a third-party web beacon to collect this information. FDRS is not responsible for the collection or use of information by such marketing companies or third-party websites.
FDRS also may provide certain PII to an outside service provider in order to rent mailing lists of FDRS’s users to third parties that offer their own products or services deemed to be of interest to the specific user. These third parties only receive names and addresses. They do not receive phone numbers, fax numbers, demographic information, or email addresses.
When a user voluntarily provides FDRS with an email address, the user hereby grants permission to FDRS to use that email address to send email that user including but not limited to questions, follow-up, advertisements, and bulk email messages. FDRS collects data to track the effectiveness of emails, which enables FDRS to better serve its users. FDRS does not sell the email addresses of its members and customers.
Disclosure required by law or emergency circumstances
FDRS may release personally identifiable information to third parties in order to comply with legal requirements.
External relationships
FDRS has agreements with other organizations that offer products and services through the FDRS Website or affiliate agreements. When a user interacts with these organizations on the organizations’ websites, whether as a result of following links from the FDRS Website, within an FDRS email, or otherwise, different rules and privacy policies may apply. Because FDRS does not control the collection or use of information collected via these other organizations’ websites, FDRS is not responsible for their privacy practices, security, or content.
Opt out
FDRS hopes that the information in this Policy helps you understand how FDRS uses and protects its users’ information to provide you with better service. However, you may still choose not to receive information from FDRS. FDRS’s marketing and informational emails include a link for unsubscribing.
FDRS will process unsubscribe requests as quickly as possible; however, because some email may already be in progress, users may continue to receive emails from FDRS after making an unsubscribe request. FDRS requires up to 10 days to apply your unsubscribe request. Users may still receive emails regarding transactions (e.g., confirmation after placing an order).
For questions or concerns about this Policy, please contact privacy@fatdisorders.org
Last updated: February _21_, 2014