Privacy Policy

This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally identifiable information’ (PII) is being used online. PII, as used in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.

What personal information do we collect from the people that visit our blog, website or app?

When ordering or registering on our site, as appropriate, you may be asked to enter your name, email address, mailing address, phone number or other details to help you with your experience.

When do we collect information?

We collect information from you when you register on our site, subscribe to a newsletter, fill out a form or enter information on our site.

How do we use your information?

We may use the information we collect from you when you register, make a purchase, sign up for our newsletter, respond to a survey or marketing communication, surf the website, or use certain other site features in the following ways:

• To send periodic emails regarding your order or other products and services.

How do we protect visitor information?

Our website is scanned on a regular basis for security holes and known vulnerabilities in order to make your visit to our site as safe as possible.

We use regular Malware Scanning.

Your personal information is contained behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential. In addition, all sensitive/credit information you supply is encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.

We implement a variety of security measures when a user enters, submits, or accesses their information to maintain the safety of your personal information.

All transactions are processed through a gateway provider and are not stored or processed on our servers.

Do we use ‘cookies’?

Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer’s hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site’s or service provider’s systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. They are used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services. We also use cookies to help us compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future.

We use cookies to:

• Compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interactions in order to offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may also use trusted third-party services that track this information on our behalf.

You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser (like Internet Explorer) settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.

If you disable cookies off, some features will be disabled It won’t affect the users experience that make your site experience more efficient and some of our services will not function properly.

However, you can still place orders.

Third Party Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information unless we provide you with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others’ rights, property, or safety.

However, personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

Third party links

Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.

Google

Google’s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google’s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en

We use Google Ads Advertising on our website.

Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

We use  Facebook Advertising on our website.

Facebook, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Facebook’s use of cookies enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to our site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the these cookies by visiting the Facebook privacy policy.

We have implemented the following:

• Remarketing with Google Ads
• Google Display Network Impression Reporting
• Demographics and Interests Reporting
• Facebook advertising and retargeting

We along with third-party vendors, such as Google use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) and third-party cookies together to compile data regarding user interactions with ad impressions, and other ad service functions as they relate to our website.

Opting out:

Users can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out by visiting the Network Advertising initiative opt out page or permanently using the Google Analytics Opt Out Browser add on.

California Online Privacy Protection Act

CalOPPA is the first state law in the nation to require commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. The law’s reach stretches well beyond California to require a person or company in the United States (and conceivably the world) that operates websites collecting personally identifiable information from California consumers to post a conspicuous privacy policy on its website stating exactly the information being collected and those individuals with whom it is being shared, and to comply with this policy. – See more at: http://consumercal.org/california-online-privacy-protection-act-caloppa/#sthash.0FdRbT51.dpuf

According to CalOPPA we agree to the following:

Users can visit our site anonymously

Once this privacy policy is created, we will add a link to it on our home page, or as a minimum on the first significant page after entering our website.

Our Privacy Policy link includes the word ‘Privacy’, and can be easily be found on the page specified above.

Users will be notified of any privacy policy changes:

• On our Privacy Policy Page

Users are able to change their personal information:

• By emailing us
• By chatting with us or sending us a ticket

How does our site handle do not track signals?

We honor do not track signals and do not track, plant cookies, or use advertising when a Do Not Track (DNT) browser mechanism is in place.

Does our site allow third party behavioral tracking?

It’s also important to note that we allow third party behavioral tracking

COPPA (Children Online Privacy Protection Act)

When it comes to the collection of personal information from children under 13, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) puts parents in control. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the COPPA Rule, which spells out what operators of websites and online services must do to protect children’s privacy and safety online.

We do not specifically market to children under 13.

Fair Information Practices

The Fair Information Practices Principles form the backbone of privacy law in the United States and the concepts they include have played a significant role in the development of data protection laws around the globe. Understanding the Fair Information Practice Principles and how they should be implemented is critical to comply with the various privacy laws that protect personal information.

In order to be in line with Fair Information Practices we will take the following responsive action, should a data breach occur:

We will notify the users via email

• Within 1 business day

We also agree to the individual redress principle, which requires that individuals have a right to pursue legally enforceable rights against data collectors and processors who fail to adhere to the law. This principle requires not only that individuals have enforceable rights against data users, but also that individuals have recourse to courts or a government agency to investigate and/or prosecute non-compliance by data processors.

CAN SPAM Act

The CAN-SPAM Act is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have emails stopped from being sent to them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.

We collect your email address in order to:

• Send information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions.

To be in accordance with CANSPAM we agree to the following:

• NOT use false, or misleading subjects or email addresses
• Identify the message as an advertisement in some reasonable way
• Include the physical address of our business or site headquarters
• Monitor third party email marketing services for compliance, if one is used.
• Honor opt-out/unsubscribe requests quickly
• Allow users to unsubscribe by using the link at the bottom of each email

If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you can email us at

• Follow the instructions at the bottom of each email.

and we will promptly remove you from ALL correspondence.

About This Policy

Applause Technology, Inc. (“Applause”, “we”, and/or “us”) values your privacy. This privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”, the “Policy”) applies to all the products and services offered by Applause (including on our website “Website” and mobile application (“App”) (collectively, the “Services”)) to individuals or entities that use our Services (“you”). This Policy explains what information Applause collects about you and why, what we do with that information, and how we share it. By using our Services, you agree to the collection, use, disclosure, and procedures this Privacy Policy describes. Beyond the Privacy Policy, your use of our Services is also subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, your choice is not to use our Services. By using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of the Services after we make changes is deemed to be acceptance of those changes. If you do not provide your information when requested, you may not be able to use our Services if that information is necessary to provide you with our Services or if we are legally required to collect it.

Please contact us immediately at support@applausehq.com if you have reason to believe that your account credentials have been compromised or that your information has been accessed without your permission.

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II. Information We Collect

We collect information about you from different sources and in various ways when you use our services, including information you provide directly, information collected automatically, information from third-party data sources, and data we infer or generate from other data.

The types of personal information we may obtain about you include:

• Applause Account: email address and account login credentials.
• Contact Information: email address and telephone number.
• Identity Verification: full name, postal address, telephone number, social security number, date of birth, telephone number, email address, government issued identification, and any other information necessary to verify your identity such as a utility document.
• Fraud Prevention: information provided by identity verification and fraud prevention platforms.
• Financial Information: including Applause account transaction history and information about your linked non-Applause accounts such as account numbers.
• Marketing: information provided by marketers and other websites on which Applause advertises.
• Voice Recordings: transcripts of conversations between you and us.
• Employment Information: occupation, information about your employer, employee email address and date of termination.
• Biometrics: identity verification features that may be available by us or through third parties, such as your facial image.
• Geolocation data: information about your physical location that you provide or that we extrapolate from electronic cues, such as your IP address.
• Other: other information you choose to provide us about yourself during interactions with you about the Services including those with Applause support, questionnaires, surveys, chatbot interactions, social media pages or other channels.

Information Collected by Automated Means

When you visit our Website, we may collect certain information automatically through technologies such as cookies, web beacons, web server logs and similar tools. The information may include your device IP address, unique device identifier, device type, web browser characteristics, device characteristics, operating system, language preferences, referring URLs, clickstream data, dates and times of website visits, links clicked, pages that led or referred you to our Website.

When you use our App, we may similarly collect information via automated means, such as through device logs, server logs and other technologies. The may include the device type used, the mobile operating system, device identifiers and similar unique identifiers, device settings and configurations, IP addresses, battery and signal strength, usage statistics, referring emails and web addresses, dates and times of usage, actions taken on the App, and other information regarding use of the App. In addition, we may collect your device’s geolocation information, and your device’s operating platform may notify you when precise location data is being accessed.

These automated technologies help us collect information about your device, browsing behavior and usage patterns across our Services. We use this information to: (1) remember your preferences and saved information to improve your experience; (2) understand how you interact with our Services, including our forms, tools or content; (3) tailor the Services to better match your preferences; (4) measure the usability and effectiveness of our Services and communications; and (5) maintain, improve, and ensure the proper functioning of our products and services.

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​III. How We Use the Information We Obtain

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We use the personal information we collect for purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as otherwise disclosed to you. These purposes include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide the Services;
• Process and fulfill transactions;
• Establish and manage your Applause account;
• Personalize your experience on our Services;
• Facilitate tips, bonuses, or other direct deposits to your Applause account;
• Facilitate transfers between Linked Accounts and Applause accounts;
• Verify your identity;
• Respond to inquiries, provide member support and resolve disputes;
• Determine your eligibility for, and administer your participation in, certain features of the Services, including, but not limited to, surveys, contests, promotions and rewards;
• Facilitate and manage referrals from business partners and third-parties;
• Identify recipients and facilitate transfers for bonus sharing;
• Advertise and market our products and services;
• Provide member support and quality assurance, and conduct customer service training;
• Collect fees and other amounts owed in connection with your Applause account;
• Operate, evaluate and improve our business (including researching and developing new products and services; enhancing, improving, debugging and analyzing our products and services; managing our communications; establishing and managing our business relationships; and performing accounting, auditing and other internal functions);
• Analyze your use of the Services via third-party web analytics services to collect and process certain analytics data. These services may also collect information about your use of other websites, apps, and online resources.
• Maintain and enhance the safety and security of our products and services and prevent misuse;
• Protect against, identify and prevent fraud and other criminal activity, claims and other liabilities;
• Exercise our rights and remedies and defend against legal claims; and
• Comply with and enforce applicable legal requirements, relevant industry standards and Applause policies.

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IV. Information We Share

We may share the information we collect about you with our Bank Partners, as well as with vendors and service providers we engage to perform services on our behalf. These may include, for example, payment processors, risk detection and mitigation tools, and modeling and analytics tools.

We also may disclose personal information in the following circumstances: (1) when required by law or legal process (such as a court order or subpoena); (2) in response to requests from government agencies, such as law enforcement authorities; (3) to establish, exercise or defend our legal rights; (4) when we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to prevent physical or other harm or financial loss; (5) in connection with an investigation of suspected or actual illegal activity; or (6) with your consent.

Additionally, we reserve the right to transfer any personal information we maintain about you in the event we sell or transfer of all or a portion of our business or assets This includes, but is not limited to, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, reorganizations, divestitures, dissolutions or liquidations.

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V. Your Rights and Choices

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You have choices regarding the personal information we collect from you. You may review, correct, or update your personal information in the Applause app or by emailing us at support@applausehq.com. We have created mechanisms to provide you with the following control over your information:

• Marketing Communications. You can unsubscribe from our promotional emails via the link provided in the emails or by sending us an email stating your request to support@applausehq.com. You can unsubscribe from our other promotional communications by replying “STOP”. Even if you out-out of receiving promotional messages from us, you will continue to receive administrative messages from us regarding your Applause Account.
• Location Information. You can prevent your device from sharing precise location information at any time through your device’s operating system settings.
• Tracking Technologies and Advertising. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. To learn how you can manage your Flash cookie settings, visit the Flash player settings page on Adobe's website. If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of our Services may then be inaccessible or not function properly.

Residents of certain states may have additional rights regarding your personal information.

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VI. How We Protect Personal Information

We maintain administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect the personal information you provide from accidental, unlawful or unauthorized access, destruction, loss, alteration, disclosure or use. To help us protect your personal data, we encourage a strong, unique password and to avoid sharing your password or reusing it across multiple sites or accounts.

We retain your personal information for as long as we provide services to you. After our services end — including if you close your Applause account — we may continue to retain certain personal information as necessary to comply with legal, tax, accounting, or financial reporting obligations. Any data we retain is managed in accordance with applicable laws, including relevant limitation periods and records retention requirements.

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VII. Children’s Privacy

You must be 18 or older to open an account with us. In connection with the Services, we do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we learn we have collected or received personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete that information. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under 13, please contact us at support@applausehq.com.

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VIII. Updates to Our Privacy Policy

It is our policy to post any changes we make to our privacy policy on this page. If we make material changes to how we treat our users' personal information, we will notify you by email to the primary email address specified in your account. The date the privacy policy was last revised is identified at the top of the page. You are responsible for ensuring we have an up-to-date active and deliverable email address for you, and for periodically visiting and reviewing our Terms of Service and this privacy policy to check for any changes.

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IX. How to Contact Us

You can update your preferences, ask us to remove your information from our mailing lists, submit a request or ask us questions about this Privacy Policy by calling us at (385) 432-6610 or emailing us at support@applausehq.com.