PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: September 1, 2023
This Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) is posted by Brightside Research (“Brightside,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and describes our privacy practices in connection with your use of https://teambrightsider.com/ or any other website or application where this Privacy Policy is posted (collectively, the “Site”).
It also describes our privacy practices in connection with your membership in any Brightside research panel (“Panel”) and/or your participation in any survey or research study administered by Brightside, whether in your capacity as a Panel member or otherwise (collectively, including the Site and the Panel, the “Services”).
By visiting the Site, joining the Panel, or otherwise participating in research, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy forms a part of and is incorporated into the Brightside Terms of Use. By using the Site or participating in the Services, you agree to the Terms of Use, including this Privacy Policy.
YOUR PRIVACY CHOICES
As used in this Privacy Policy, the term “personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular individual or household.
In connection with your communication with us, use of our Services, membership in the Panel, or other participation in research, we may collect personal information from you.
To access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information, or to request a copy of your personal information or opt out of the processing of your personal information, please contact us as provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below.
Depending on your location, you may also have the right to appeal any decision we make regarding your personal information by contacting us as provided below.
Individuals in California and Europe have certain special rights as further described in the applicable sections below.
INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Collection in Connection with Research
If you are participating in a research study we may collect certain personal information, either directly from you or from our clients or other partners who have provided it to us.
If you are a healthcare provider, this information may include your National Provider Identifier (“NPI”) and/or your Medical Education Number (“ME”).
Regardless of whether you are a healthcare provider or a patient, in connection with your membership in the Panel or otherwise in connection with your participation in research, we may also collect your real name, email address, telephone number, fax number, driver’s license number, IP address, and postal address, including ZIP code, in addition to assigning you a respondent identification number or other unique identifier.
If you are a patient, we may also collect health information, including without limitation medical history, past diagnoses, prescriptions, and health insurance information (collectively, “Health Information”), as well as demographic information, including without limitation your age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religious beliefs, parental status, marital status, education, and professional credentials (collectively “Demographic Information”).
Please bear in mind that your participation in research is voluntary. You can stop research or refuse to provide us such personal information at any time.
Any personal information you voluntarily provide to us, including without limitation the categories above and any other information freely provided (e.g., in response to an open-ended question), is subject to this Privacy Policy.
Other Information We Collect
We automatically collect certain information when you visit, use, or navigate the Services. This information may include device and usage information, such as your IP address, browser and device characteristics, operating system, language preferences, referring URLs, device name, country, location, information about how and when you use our Services, and other technical information. This information is primarily needed to maintain the security and operation of our Services, and for our internal analytics and reporting purposes.
Like many businesses, we also collect information through cookies and similar technologies. The information we collect includes:
Log and Usage Data. Log and usage data is service-related, diagnostic, usage, and performance information our servers automatically collect when you access or use our Services and which we record in log files. Depending on how you interact with us, this log data may include your IP address, device information, browser type, and settings and information about your activity in the Services (such as the date/time stamps associated with your usage, pages and files viewed, searches, and other actions you take such as which features you use), device event information (such as system activity, error reports, and hardware settings).
Device Data. We collect device data such as information about your computer, phone, tablet, or other device you use to access the Services. Depending on the device used, this device data may include information such as your IP address (or proxy server), device and application identification numbers, location, browser type, hardware model, Internet service provider and/or mobile carrier, operating system, and system configuration information.
Location Data. We collect location data such as information about your device’s location, which can be either precise or imprecise. How much information we collect depends on the type and settings of the device you use to access the Services. For example, we may use GPS and other technologies to collect geolocation data that tells us your current location (based on your IP address). You can opt out of allowing us to collect this information either by refusing access to the information or by disabling your Location setting on your device. However, if you choose to opt out, you may not be able to use certain aspects of the Services.
Device Data. We collect device data such as information about your computer, phone, tablet, or other device you use to access the Services. Depending on the device used, this device data may include information such as your IP address (or proxy server), device and application identification numbers, location, browser type, hardware model, Internet service provider and/or mobile carrier, operating system, and system configuration information.
Location Data. We collect location data such as information about your device’s location, which can be either precise or imprecise. How much information we collect depends on the type and settings of the device you use to access the Services. For example, we may use GPS and other technologies to collect geolocation data that tells us your current location (based on your IP address). You can opt out of allowing us to collect this information either by refusing access to the information or by disabling your Location setting on your device. However, if you choose to opt out, you may not be able to use certain aspects of the Services.
Information Collected from Other Sources
We may collect limited data from public databases, marketing partners, social media platforms, and other outside sources.
In order to enhance our ability to provide relevant marketing, offers, and services to you and update our records, we may obtain information about you from other sources, such as public databases, joint marketing partners, affiliate programs, data providers, social media platforms, and from other third parties. This information includes mailing addresses, job titles, email addresses, phone numbers, intent data (or user behavior data), Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, social media profiles, social media URLs, and custom profiles, for purposes of targeted advertising and event promotion. If you interact with us on a social media platform using your social media account (e.g. , Facebook or Twitter), we receive personal information about you such as your name, email address, and gender. Any personal information that we collect from your social media account depends on your social media account’s privacy settings
We may also collect personal information such as your name and email address in order to administer a business relationship with you.
Please bear in mind that any other personal information you provide to us outside the context of research, in connection with an inquiry about our Services, for example, or in other communications with us, is subject to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Sensitive Personal Information
Please note that some of the personal information described above may constitute sensitive personal information under applicable laws.
We will never use your sensitive personal information except for research purposes, or otherwise to verify your identity or prevent fraud.
For more information on how to opt out of the processing of your sensitive personal information, please click here.
Social Media Information
We may also collect certain personal information from you when you engage with us via social media. In those instances, we will know whatever personal information you have made available on your social media profile.
Please be advised we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such third-party social media platforms, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
We may also collect personal information from you for tax reporting purposes. For example, if you are a U.S. resident, and you earn at least six hundred dollars ($600) in incentive payments in any calendar year, we may collect additional personal information from you as required by IRS Form W-9.
INFORMATION SHARING AND USAGE
Sharing and Usage in Connection with Research
We may share your name, email address, telephone number, fax number, driver’s license number, respondent identifier, or other unique identifier with our partners and third-party service providers for the purpose of targeting surveys, target list matching, fraud detection, and appending third-party data.
We may share more limited information with our clients in connection with delivery of research results. If you’re a healthcare provider that limited information may include your NPI and/or ME number.
If you’re a patient that limited information may include Health Information and Demographic Information, as defined above.
We use and share this information for the purpose of survey targeting, and in order to provide quality insights to our clients in connection with our delivery of research results.
Other Sharing and Usage
We may otherwise use your personal information for any purpose that is not inconsistent with this Privacy Policy.
Such purposes may include, without limitation, (1) to facilitate, manage, personalize, and improve your online experience and our Services; (2) to provide Services or information you request, respond to your comments, questions and requests, and otherwise communicate with you; (3) to improve the Site and for any other internal business purposes; (4) to tailor our content, advertisements, and offers; and (5) to prevent and address fraud, breach of policies or terms, and protect ourselves or other third parties from any threats or harm.
Please be advised that Brightside may share your personal information with its business partners, agents, vendors, consultants, and/or service providers in connection with their work on Brightside’s behalf, .
We also reserve the right to share your personal information (1) with third parties to investigate and help prevent fraud or other unlawful or damaging activity; (2) with legal, governmental, or judicial authorities as required; (3) when we believe in good faith disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety or the safety of others; and (4) with third parties in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of Brightside’s assets or ownership interests.
COOKIES
Brightside may use “cookies” to collect information about your visit to the Site and to manage information concerning your preferences.
A “cookie” is a unique identifier that we transfer to your device to enable our systems to recognize you and your device, so that we can provide you with features that enhance your user experience.
Tools available as part of most commercial browsers allow you to block new cookies from your device, instruct you on how to have the browser notify you when you receive a new cookie and, in some instances, delete existing cookies.
In connection with your use of the Site, Brightside uses the following types of cookies: [TBD]
DO NOT TRACK
Your browser settings may allow you to automatically transmit a “do not track” signal to online services you visit. Note, however, Brightside currently does not alter Brightside’s practices when Brightside receives a “Do Not Track” signal from a visitor’s browser.
OPT OUT
You can terminate your Panel membership at any time by contacting us as provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below.
You are entitled to opt out from receiving communications from us at any time. You may do so by responding to the opt out option which is included with each communication we send.
SECURITY
We use reasonable security measures in an effort to prevent loss, misuse, and alteration of information under our control.
However, we cannot guarantee the security of information on or transmitted via the Internet, and we have no control over the security of other sites you might visit, interact with, or do business with.
If we learn of a security breach, we may attempt to notify you electronically so that you can take appropriate protective steps, by posting a notice on the Site, and/or by sending an email to you at the email address you have previously provided to us.
CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACY
The Site and the Services are not intended for use by children under the age of 18.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from such children without consent of a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 18 should not use the Site, participate in research, or otherwise send any personal information to us without such consent.
If we become aware that we have unknowingly collected personal information from a child under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or guardian, we will make all reasonable efforts to delete such information from our database.
If you become aware that we have unknowingly collected personal information from a child under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or guardian, please contact us as provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below.
INFORMATION RETENTION
We make efforts to ensure that personal information we receive, process, or maintain is accurate, complete, and reliable.
In general, we keep personal information only as long as we need it to provide you the services you requested. For example, we keep personal information related to your profile for as long as you remain a member of the Panel.
However, we reserve the right to retain personal information for any period required by law or to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.
THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES
There may be hyperlinks on the Site to other websites or locations that are operated and controlled by third parties. We make no representations regarding the privacy or business practices of such third-party websites and encourage you to familiarize yourself with their privacy policies before providing them with your personal information.
INFORMATION FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
If you are a California resident, you have certain special rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), in addition to your other rights outlined in this Privacy Policy.
Your Right to “Know”, to Request Deletion, and to Correct
You have the right to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you. You have the right to know the categories of sources from which the personal information has been collected, the business or commercial purpose for collecting, selling, or sharing personal information, and the categories of third parties with whom we share personal information.
You also have the right to request deletion of personal information we’ve collected or maintain, subject to certain exceptions. Please note, however, that our deletion of your personal information may negatively affect our ability to provide you with services.
You also have the right to correct any inaccurate personal information that we maintain about you.
To exercise these rights please contact us as provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below.
We may ask you to provide additional information, such as your name, email address, or other basic personal information about you that we already have on file, in order to verify who is making the request. Please note that any requested disclosures may only apply to the 12-month period preceding the request, depending on how difficult it is for us to retrieve the necessary information, and you are entitled to request disclosure regarding your personal information twice in any 12-month period.
Your Right to Opt Out of “Sale”
We will never disclose personal information such as your name or address to third parties in exchange for monetary consideration without your consent.
However, under CCPA’s broad definition, “personal information” may also include, in addition to names, addresses, and the like) unique identifiers, IP addresses, biometric information, internet or other network, geolocation data, audio/visual data, and even inferences which may be drawn from any of the above.
CCPA also defines the term “sell” broadly. Its meaning includes “renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, [and] transferring…for monetary or other valuable consideration.”
Under these broad definitions, certain information we provide to our clients as part of research study results may arguably be deemed a “sale” of “personal information” under CCPA. You have the right to opt out of this “sale.” For more information on how to opt out, please click here.
Please note that we will not “share” your personal information for purposes of cross-context behavioral advertising, as that term is defined under CCPA.
Personal Information “Sold” or Disclosed
You also have the right to know what categories of personal information we’ve “sold” or disclosed for a business purpose, and the third parties to whom that information was “sold” or disclosed.
In the last 12 months we’ve “sold” the following categories of information to our clients in connection with our delivery of research results: respondent identifiers and other unique identifiers; NPI and/or ME number; and Health Information and Demographic Information (as defined above).
In the last 12 months we’ve disclosed the following categories of personal information to the following parties for the following purposes: (1) IP address and other Usage Information with Google Analytics and other Service Providers who help us operate and analyze traffic on our Site; (2) usage information with Amazon Web Services to help us operate our Site; and (3) the categories of information described in the preceding paragraph with our service providers to help us administer surveys, deliver research results, and otherwise operate our business.
Your Right to Non-Discrimination
You have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for the exercise of the privacy rights conferred by the CCPA, including but not limited to by denying you services, charging different prices or rates, or providing you with a different level or quality of services.
Your Right to Use an Authorized Agent
You have the right to designate an authorized agent to make a request under the CCPA on your behalf. To designate an authorized agent, please contact us as provided in the “How to Contact Us” section below. In order to verify you have authorized an agent we will require a signed, written authorization from you.
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
Brightside reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy by publishing new terms on our Site at any time. Your continued use of our Site after such changes means you accept the Privacy Policy as revised.
We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed about how we collect and process your personal information.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Your privacy is very important to us. Should you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or to exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:
Get In Touch
Contact Brightside Research Solutions today and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.