Privacy Policy

Friesens Corporation Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 2024.

 

At Friesens, we take privacy seriously and have an ongoing process to protect the personal information shared with us. Personal information is defined as any factual or subjective information about an identifiable individual.

As a starting point we follow the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). But we also monitor and seek to adhere to the specific acts in each of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business.

1. Policy Principles

• We treat personal information in a manner consistent with our Privacy Policy unless we have the individual’s written consent to treat it differently
• We acknowledge the importance and principles of each Privacy Act within the jurisdictions we do business
• We assume implied consent from all individuals for whom we receive personal information from our customer or from anyone we employ
• We invest significantly in cyber security and sensitive data is actively monitored 24/7
• We will always collect personal information by fair and lawful means
• We do not store customer financial data such as credit card or banking information
• Files submitted to Friesens through our own designated upload portals are encrypted
• Any project content collected by Friesens is automatically scheduled to delete 12 months after the customers finished product is delivered.
  • The exception is when a customer contracts us to store their data long-term.
• Friesens only uses student images/data for the sole purpose of producing yearbooks.
• We limit the use of cookies on our websites (mostly to improve portal performance).
• We do not share customer data outside of Friesens without express written consent.
• Employees are trained on the requirements of this policy and those of the various Acts.

 

2. Reasons We Collect Data

• To produce the products and services we provide
• To improve the user experience on our customer portals
• To establish and maintain relationships with customers
• To administer customer agreements
• To understand customer needs
• To develop and enhance our marketing efforts
• To manage and develop Friesens business operations
• To employ, pay, and support employees
• To meet legal requirements

 

3. Specific Data We Collect

• Photos and stories to be produced in books
• Design files
• Student portraits and data (name, school, grade, and teacher)
• Contact info for teachers, yearbook students, administrators, school board representatives, parents, publishers, publisher’s staff, authors, and employees
• Personal information related to employees including banking information for payroll

 

4. Web Site

As a visitor to friesens.com, your privacy is of utmost importance to us. It is because of this that we pride ourselves in being a free content site. We do not require any information from you to access our information (unless of course you sign up for our online services). You will only receive an email from this site in the event that you have inquired about further information. If anything comes to your attention that may violate this policy, please contact us to let us know immediately. This way we can investigate the violation and correct it.

The information gathered on this site will never be sold to an outside party.

 

5. Log Files

When you visit our website we collect and use the data contained in log files. Log files include information such as your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider), the browser you used to access our site (Google Chrome, Firefox, ect.), the time you accessed our site, and the pages you viewed. Your name, age, gender, and other personally identifying information are not included in the log files.

 

6. Cookies and Web Beacons

During your visit to our site we use cookies to store information such as your personal preferences. This includes settings related to login information, and services or programs.

If you would like to disable or selectively turn off our cookies or other third-party cookies; you can do so in your browser settings. You may also be able to change your preferences in third-party internet security programs if you have one. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites containing cookies. If you require any further information please contact webmaster@friesens.com.

 

7. Customer Portals & Mobile Apps

Our Google Drive integration was created with a high standard of privacy in mind. Data related to accessing your Google Drive account is processed and stored on your local (Mac or PC) only. In the case of our ConnectMe integration, only the images you choose to transfer to our systems for use on your Yearbook design from within our online DesignIt software will be stored on Friesens systems. No other data is retained by Friesens or shared with anyone else.

Our UploadIt mobile software was created with privacy in mind. Personally identifiable information is not required to use this application and any information included in the upload process is only associated with that specific image.

 

8. Terms of Use

Although we do our best to keep up the information on this website we are NOT LIABLE for any losses or damages which may occur through your use of this site. Nor are we liable for any information or products which you obtain through it or any of our affiliated websites. As in all matters related to your well-being, we advise that you consult with your attorney or accountant before making any decision which could have an adverse impact on you.

 

9. Third Party

Any third party systems added or used by a Friesens system to handle your personal data has been reviewed by Friesens to be in compliance with Friesens Security policy.

However any links to third party websites or other social networks are not covered by Friesens policy. If you follow a link to a third-party website or engage a third-party plugin, please note that these third parties have their own privacy policies and we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies. We do not control these third-party websites, and we encourage you to read the privacy policy of every website you visit.

 

10. Security

Friesens Corporate takes security seriously.  We have ongoing initiatives to continuously improve our security posture.  Should an event occur where a cyber breach takes place, we will work with our cyber security team and adhere to legal requirements and will advise our customers via email or public notification of the event in a timely manner.

 

11. Corporate and Asset Transactions

In the event that Friesens Corporation sells all or part of our business, has a merger or acquisition, collected information will be made available to the party involved in the transactions.  Customers will be notified via email should this event take place.

 

12. Amendments

This policy may be updated at any time with the last date being reflected at the top of the page.  For users of our Yearbook division’s ConnectMe Portal, an email notification will be sent to the primary contact of each account.

 

13. Questions

If you have any concerns or questions about privacy at Friesens Corporation or wish to request a statement of currently stored data related to you, please contact the VP of Information Technology at (204) 324-6401.

 

14. Legal

This privacy statement is governed by, interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws in force in the Province of Manitoba and the federal laws of Canada (excluding any conflict of laws, rule or principle which might refer such interpretation to the laws of another jurisdiction).  This includes the selection of an arbitrator and rules of arbitration.