vPeer Privacy Policy

Last Updated:  March 30, 2021

Click here for VPEER TERMS OF USE

vPeer.Com, and its services, products, websites and webpages under the domain name vPeer.com (the “Site”), desktop and mobile applications (each, an “App”), blogs and social media, and all other online-based offerings (hereafter all the foregoing collectively referred to as our “Services”) are owned and operated by vPeer, LLC (“vPeer”, “our”, “us”, “we”), an Illinois limited liability company with its principal place of business in Chicago, Illinois. The term “you” or “your” where appropriate, refers to individual users of the Services (each, a “User”) and/or visitors of the Sites and Apps (each, a “Visitor”).

We are delighted you are visiting our Site and thank you for your interest in our Services. Data protection and data security are very important to us with regard to the use of our Services. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to inform you about the personal data we collect during your visit to our Site or App and use of our Services and how we use your data.

We kindly ask you to routinely read this Privacy Policy as changes to legislation or our internal corporate processes can necessitate an adaptation of its content. You can call up, save, and print out this Privacy Policy at any time by clicking the “Privacy Policy” link on our Site. We may also attempt to notify you of updates to this Privacy Policy by providing notice through our Services. Please contact vPeer directly with any questions or concerns.

VPEER MAY CHANGE, MODIFY, AMEND, SUSPEND, TERMINATE, OR REPLACE THIS PRIVACY POLICY FROM TIME TO TIME AND WITHIN ITS SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION. IN THE EVENT VPEER CHANGES, MODIFIES, AMENDS, OR REPLACES THIS PRIVACY POLICY, THE EFFECTIVE DATE, LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY, WILL CHANGE. YOUR CONTINUED USE OF THE SERVICES AFTER A CHANGE IN THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY CONSTITUTES YOUR MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT TO THE CHANGE, MODIFICATION, AMENDMENT, OR REPLACEMENT CONTAINED WITHIN.

Introduction

vPeer is an online marketplace that connects Users with other users acting as mentors (“Mentors”). vPeer uses information collected to provide you with the services you request. We may use information collected to provide you with additional information about our Services, partners, affiliates, promotions, and events. vPeer may use information collected to improve its Site, Apps, and Services. vPeer does not share, sell, rent, or trade personally identifiable information with third-parties for their promotional purposes. vPeer may share information collected with other companies that work on vPeer’s behalf. All personal and financial information collected by us will be deleted within 90 days of termination of our relationship with you. vPeer will delete all of your information in the event of bankruptcy. In the event of a merger or acquisition, all personal and financial information collected by us will be subject to deletion or continued retention at your discretion. You may update or change your registration information by contacting us at info@vPeer.com.

Definitions

  • “General Data Protection Regulation” (“GDPR”) means the European Union (“EU”) law on data protection and privacy applicable to individuals within the EU.
  • “User Data” means any Personal Data that is processed on behalf of Users as a Data Processor in the course of providing Services.
  • “Data Controller” refers to an entity that determines the purposes and means of processing Personal Data.
  • “Data Processor” refers to an entity that process Personal Data on behalf of a Data Controller.
  • “Personal Data” means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person. Examples of Personal Data include, but are not limited to, first and last name, date of birth, email address, gender, occupation, or other demographic information.
  • “Privacy Shield” means the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework self-certification program operated by the U.S. Department of Commerce and approved by the European Commission pursuant to Decision C(2016)4176 of July 2016 and by the Swiss Federal Council on January 11, 2017 respectively. 
  • “EEA” means, for the purposes of this Privacy Policy, the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

EU Data Controller and Data Processor for This Privacy Policy

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, vPeer shall be considered a Data Controller and a Data Processor of User Data.

Types of Personal Data We Collect

vPeer may collect the following Personal Data from Users:

  • First name;
  • Last name;
  • Email address;
  • Mailing address;
  • Phone number;
  • Birthdate;
  • Gender;
  • Countries of citizenship;
  • Your geolocation;
  • Your IP address;
  • Your browser and search engine information;
  • Your device information;
  • Your visitor history;
  • Your usage of the Services, including, without limitation, any links or items clicked or pages viewed and statistics;
  • Information stored in cookies, pixel tags, or web beacons; 
  • Analytical data from Google Analytics and/or Google AdSense;
  • Any other additional analytic data that you voluntarily submit to the Site or Apps; and
  • Any other information that you upload or submit to the Site or Apps directly or indirectly. 

In addition, vPeer collects the following Personal Data from all Visitors:

  • Your geolocation;
  • Your IP address;
  • Your browser and search engine information;
  • Your device information;
  • Your visitor history;
  • Your usage of the Site or Apps, including, without limitation, any links or items clicked or pages viewed and statistics;
  • Information stored in cookies, pixel tags, or web beacons; 
  • Analytical data from Google Analytics and/or Google AdSense; and
  • Any other additional analytic data that you voluntarily submit to the Site or Apps.

vPeer may collect this Personal Data from you through various channels, including, but not limited to, through your voluntary submission of information to the Site, Apps, or Services, through requests initiated by you through the Site or Apps, through the collection and analysis of information concerning your computer and browsing activities, through the use of cookies, web beacons, pixel tags, Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and through other sources permitted by law. 

Cookies & Similar Technologies

The Site utilize Cookies. Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store data that can be recalled by a web server in the domain that placed the Cookie. We use Cookies and similar technologies to enable our systems to recognize your browser and to provide certain features. We also use “web beacons” to help deliver Cookies and gather usage and performance data. The Services may also include Cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies from third-party service providers.

You have a variety of tools available to control the data collected by Cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. For example, you can use controls in your internet browser to limit how the websites you visit are able to use Cookies and to withdraw your consent by clearing or blocking Cookies. You can also stop vPeer from placing Cookies on your device by contacting info@vPeer.com to opt-out, or you may opt-out using the Cookie notification opt-out on your initial visit to the Site. 

The table below sets out how we use different categories of cookies and similar technologies, as well as information on your options for managing the settings for the data collection by these technologies:

 

Type of Cookie

Description

Managing Settings

Required Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

Required—or strictly necessary—cookies enable you to navigate the Site and use its features, such as to login. 

Because required cookies are essential to operate the Site there is no option to opt out of these cookies.

Functional Cookies (Non-Strictly Necessary)

Functional—or non-strictly necessary cookies—allow us to remember information you have entered or choices you make (i.e. your login information), and provide enhanced, more personal features. 

We use Google Analytics to help us analyze how our Site is used, including the number of visitors, where the Site’s visitors have come from, and the pages they visit. This information is used by us to improve our Site.

To manage the use of functional cookies on the Site, please consult your individual browser settings for cookies. Note that opting out may impact the functionality you receive when using our Site.

To opt of our data collection by Google Analytics, you can download and install a browser add on here. 

Targeting or Advertising Cookies (Non-Strictly Necessary)

We use Google Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics to log when users view specific pages or take specific actions on or getting to the Site. Google Analytics specifically allows us to provide targeted advertising in the future.

We may also use Google AdWords as a tool to acquire relevant new clients who are looking for our service and Google AdSense to show our clients other relevant advertising that may assist them while they are using our Site. 

To opt of this type of targeted advertising through Google Analytics, you can download and install a browser add on here. 

 

How vPeer Uses Your Personal Data

We use your Personal Data to provide you with the Services, process any requests made by you, communicate with you, identify and fix problems with the Services, and update you regarding changes to the Services and the vPeer and third-party services offered through the Services. 

By using the Services, you further authorize the following specific uses of your Personal Data:

  • Enable your use of the Services and other associated services;
  • Improve algorithms;
  • Measure service usage;
  • Develop new features;
  • Contact and communicate with you, whether through email, telephone, text message, and/or messages within the Site or Apps; 
  • Customize and/or tailor the Services and your user experience, which may include targeted selection and display of third-party advertisements within the Site or Apps;
  • Aggregate certain information that does not include your personal information and disclose it for analysis, demographic profiling and/or targeted advertising;
  • Advertise products and services of vPeer;
  • Transmit and process your information and actions while using the Services;
  • Provide statistical information, and include you in the same, where applicable;
  • Provide you with technical service and support, including updates;
  • Provide you with information concerning vPeer’s benefits or services;
  • Store, archive, retrieve, and make copies of your user generated content;
  • Understand your needs and requests;
  • Communicate promotions or other offers;
  • Process payments;
  • Prevent and detect illegal activities or violations of your Terms of Use;
  • Combine your personal and personally identifiable information with information from other vPeer applications and/or services; and
  • Facilitate your use of the Website and upgrades/replacements to the Website.

Lawful Basis for Processing Your Personal Data

The lawful basis for us processing your Personal Data for the uses described above will typically be because you have provided your consent. Consent is necessary for our contractual relationship. The processing of your Personal Data is required for us to comply with legal obligations and/or is in our legitimate interest.

Sharing of Your Personal Data

vPeer will only share your Personal Data with third-parties in the following circumstances:

  • Where vPeer has obtained your consent;
  • Where sharing or disclosure of your Personal Data is necessary to provide you with the Services and/or associated services (we may share your personal or personally identifiable information with trusted third-parties who assist us in operating the Site or Apps, or assist in providing the Services or associated services, and conducting our business);
  • Where sharing or disclosure of your Personal Data is necessary to share personal or personally identifiable information with vPeer’s parents, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, licensees, affiliates, or business partners;
  • Where vPeer has been purchased by a third-party;
  • Where sharing or disclosure of your Personal Data is necessary to respond to requests by government authorities;
  • Where your Personal Data is demanded by a court order or subpoena;
  • Where sharing or disclosure of your Personal Data is needed to protect the employees, independent contractors, officers, directors, members, users, or owners/shareholders of vPeer;
  • Where sharing or disclosure of your Personal Data is needed to help prevent against fraud or the violation of any applicable law, statute, regulation, ordinance, or treaty; and 
  • Where vPeer is otherwise legally obligated to share your personal or personally identifiable information.

 

No Liability for Third-Party Services and Third-Party Links

The third-party service providers affiliated with vPeer have their own independent privacy policies governing the use of this information and we encourage you to read those privacy policies carefully. You understand that even if vPeer deletes your Personal Data that it may still be available in a third-party service provider’s database. vPeer has no responsibility or liability for the activities of the third-party service providers used by vPeer to provide you with the services associated with the Services. 

vPeer may outsource or subcontract some of our technical support, tracking and reporting functions, database management functions, and other services to third-parties. We may share information from or about you with them so that they can perform their services as long as they comply with this Privacy Policy and the GDPR. You understand and agree that vPeer will not be held responsible for any third-party communications sent by entities that vPeer does not own or control. You are encouraged to review any third-party privacy policies before utilizing any such third-party service.

vPeer may include or offer third-party products or services on the Website and provide third-party links to the same. These third-party websites have separate and independent privacy policies. vPeer has no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of such third-parties or their websites. We encourage you to read carefully the privacy policies of all such third-party websites. We seek to protect the integrity of the Website and therefore welcome any feedback about any such third-party websites.

Personal Data Transfer and Storage

Your Personal Data is stored and processed on computers and servers in the United States. Through your use of the Site, Apps, or Services, you consent to the processing and storage of your Personal Data and personally identifiable information. You understand that your Personal Data may be transferred to—and maintained on—computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction. If you are located outside the United States and choose to provide Personal Data to us, please note that we transfer your Personal Data to the United States and process it here, and that we may store portions of your Personal Data in the United States. 

To the extent that we process any data protected by any law under this Privacy Policy that originates from the EEA, in a country that has not been designated by the European Commission or Swiss Federal Data Protection Authority (as applicable) as providing an adequate level of protection for Personal Data, the parties acknowledge that vPeer shall be deemed to provide adequate protection (within the meaning of applicable law) for any such data. vPeer agrees to protect such Personal Data to the best of its capabilities. If vPeer is unable to comply with this requirement, vPeer shall inform the user of said Personal Data.

We are subject to the investigative and enforcement powers of the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Transport, and any other U.S. statutory body. Any complaints by users within the EU or EEA may address their complaints free of charge under binding arbitration in Chicago, IL administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The AAA’s rules shall apply to any binding arbitration of this Privacy Policy, and you agree to a panel of three (3) arbitrators. 

Users understand and agree that vPeer may continue to store some of your information after you cease use of the service or disable your account. We retain your Personal Data for as long as necessary to provide users with our services or for other important purposes such as complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements. 

Personal Data Security

vPeer uses standard technology to store and help prevent against the unauthorized disclosure of your Personal Data. Though we undertake commercially reasonable efforts to protect your information, no website, software, or online service is completely safe. Accordingly, you provide all such information at your own risk.

In order to protect your Personal Data, vPeer uses specific security measures, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, which encrypts information your input at 128-bit strength. This is denoted in most web browsers by a small padlock appearing on the bottom bar of the window and the address of the window changing from http:// to https://, indicating a secure connection.

How to Stop vPeer from Collecting Your Personal Data

You can stop vPeer from collecting your Personal Data by contacting vPeer at Info@vPeer.com and requesting that vPeer stop collecting your Personal Data. Additionally, you can adjust your web browser settings to limit or turn off Cookies or other tracking techniques, or you can cease use of the Site, Apps, or Services. You may contact vPeer with any requests regarding your Personal Data. vPeer also honors Do Not Track requests and signals. 

EU Users’ Rights Under the GDPR

The GDPR provides Users located in the EU under its protection certain rights with respect to their Personal Data collected by us on the Site or Apps. Accordingly, vPeer recognizes and will comply with the GDPR and those rights, except as limited by applicable law. The rights under the GDPR include:

  • Right of Access: This includes the right to obtain from us your Personal Data and whether it is being processed, along with the purposes of the processing; categories of Personal Data concerned; recipients to whom your Personal Data has been disclosed; the period for which your Personal Data is being stored; and the right to lodge a complaint. 
  • Right of Rectification: This includes the right to correct inaccurate Personal Data collected and/or stored by us.
  • Right of Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): This includes the right to have your Personal Data deleted. However, if applicable law requires us to comply with your request to delete information, fulfilment of your request may prevent you from using our services and may result in closing your account.
  • Right to Restriction of Processing: This includes the right to request restriction of how and why your Personal Data is used or processed by us.
  • Right to Data Portability: This includes the right to receive your Personal Data in a structure, readable format and the right to have your Personal Data transferred.
  • Right to Object: This includes the right to object to us processing your Personal Data for reasons such as direct marketing purposes and for scientific or historical research or statistical purposes.
  • Right to not be Subject to Automated Decision-Making: This includes the right to not be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, that could have a legal, or similarly significant, effect on you from being made solely based on automated processes.

Purchase or Sale of the Site, Apps, or Other Assets

vPeer may purchase other businesses or sell components of its business, including, but not limited to, the Site, Apps, or other portions of our Services. In the event vPeer purchases another business or sells any component of its business, your Personal Data will continue to be used in a manner that is consistent with the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Your Obligations

When using the Services, you are obligated to inform vPeer of any changes to your Personal Data, and protect the security of your username, password, and other Personal Data.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Policy

The Site, Apps, and Services are not intended for or directed to Users under the age of 13 and vPeer does not knowingly or intentionally collect Personal Data from children under the age of 13. Further, we hereby advise all Visitors of the Site or Apps who are under the age of 13 not to disclose or provide any personally identifiable information. Where appropriate, vPeer takes reasonable measures to determine that Users are adults of legal age and to inform minors not to submit such information to the Site or Apps or in response to advertisements. If you are concerned that Personal Data may have been inadvertently provided to or collected by vPeer, please contact us immediately so appropriate steps may be taken to remove such information from vPeer’s database.

Contact and Notices

All questions and concerns regarding this Privacy Policy may be submitted to vPeer at:

vPeer, LLC

Attention: Privacy Advocate

info@vPeer.com