Application Researchers, LLC has developed policies and procedures dedicated to maintaining the privacy of personal information, while also providing its clients with the necessary information for making informed decisions involving pre-employment background screenings. In most cases, our clients represent current and/or potential applicants who have provided consent to have their personal information released and used for background screening purposes. Individuals can also use Application Researchers, LLC to access their background information by submitting personal information directly. Application Researchers, LLC does not differentiate between company clients and individual clients, and this privacy policy applies to any client who provides personal information to Application Researchers, LLC for this purpose. This policy incorporates the practices of Application Researchers, LLC as they pertain to data submitted by clients via the Zip24AR® website, and to other information secured from third parties and other sources in connection with delivering background screening information or results to our clients. All data is collected, stored, and delivered in compliance with applicable laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the European Union Data Protection Directive and other local, state, and federal laws. Personal information about an applicant will only be released to the entity or entities to whom the applicant has consented to receive such information. This information will not be released to any other individual and will not be used for any other purpose by Application Researchers, LLC.

Application Researchers, LLC Is Safe Harbor Compliant

Application Researchers, LLC is aware of and recognizes the role it must take in securing and maintaining the privacy of personal data received, stored, and delivered to our clients. We recognize that we have obligations as an investigative consumer reporting agency under the Department of Commerce’s Safe Harbor provisions. Our compliance policies and procedures with regard to domestic Federal and State regulations are within the guidelines of compliance in the international market, including the European Union Data Protection Directive.

Non-Personal Information

Application Researchers, LLC sometimes collects and stores non-personal data submitted by individuals that are neither clients nor applicants of clients who are inquiring about services provided by Application Researchers, LLC (e.g. contact inquiry section). This data is collected for market analysis purposes.

Personal Information

Data submitted to or retrieved from the Zip24AR® website is subject to the following policies, procedures, and principles:

Security

Application Researchers, LLC data is transferred utilizing secure socket layer (SSL) technology and is User ID and Password protected. Our servers reside in a secure environment protected from unauthorized access, natural disaster, fire or other compromising conditions.

Use of Information

Application Researchers, LLC clients provide personal information regarding their applicants via the Zip24AR® website when placing an order for background screening services. Information provided may include, but is not limited to, residential history; personal history including name, date of birth, Social Security Number, Motor Vehicle Operator’s License Number, Professional License information, employment history, education; and other credentials. Application Researchers, LLC will use information provided by the client and by the applicant, along with any other information provided by third-parties, only for the execution of producing a background screening report for the client placing the order, and for no other purpose. While executing orders for our clients, Application Researchers, LLC may transfer personal information between our website, our client, and our client’s applicant(s). Application Researchers, LLC will not process personal information in a way that is incompatible with the purposes for which it has been collected or subsequently authorized by the client or applicant. We reserve the right to employ other organizations or individuals as our subcontractors, to perform functions on behalf of Application Researchers, LLC. These organizations and individuals will not share information with any third party, other than Application Researchers, LLC subcontractors or clients.

Confidentiality

Application Researchers, LLC will maintain the confidentiality of all personal information and will under no circumstances sell or distribute personal information to a third party, except as provided in this Privacy Policy or when required to do so by law. This Privacy Policy will survive the transfer of ownership of Application Researchers, LLC, should such an event occur.

Retention

Pursuant to the FCRA, we must maintain any reports which we generate for a minimum period of seven years. Reports generated using data collected in or originating from a European Union Member State shall not be kept longer than necessary for the purpose of meeting our obligations to our client and the law.

Application Researchers, LLC maintains written or electronic copies of information received in conjunction with services rendered for a period of seven years. Digital information is subsequently archived to secure servers under the housing and control of Application Researchers, LLC. Physical information is destroyed mechanically and onsite.

Choice

Applicants of our clients will be advised by their employer or prospective employer that a background check will be conducted. U.S. residents that do not want personal data made available to us should not submit the information in question to Application Researchers, LLC via our client, using physical forms or an online system. Consent forms either from Application Researchers, LLC or an applicant’s employer indicate the applicant agrees to provide personally-identifying information and consent to Application Researchers, LLC’s use of that information in accordance with this privacy policy.

Access

As the subject of a consumer report, an applicant has the right to any reports Application Researchers, LLC produces and maintains on him or her once every twelve months for United States residents. Applicants may contact Application Researchers, LLC via the contact information below to obtain a report including this information, if such a report has been created. In accordance with this policy and our efforts to maintain the privacy of personal data, Application Researchers, LLC requires proof of an applicant’s identity prior to delivering any personal information. Information will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service within 7 days of an applicant’s request, in the same format in which it was delivered to the client who requested the backgrounding service. There will be no expense to an applicant for this information. Requests should be mailed to Application Researchers, LLC, Post Office Box 11, Chattanooga, TN 37401 and include a Notary Public’s certifying statement, signature and seal. If an applicant believes any information in Application Researchers, LLC’s possession is incorrect, he or she should contact Application Researchers, LLC directly to discuss this with a company representative.

Changes

If it is determined in the future that information will be used in a new and material way, Application Researchers, LLC will notify all active clients via email 30 days in advance of any changes. Additionally, a notice will be posted on the Welcome screen on the Zip24AR® website, advising all users of the pending change.

Our Commitment To Children’s Privacy

Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 13; and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 13.

Enforcement

Application Researchers, LLC verifies that this policy is Safe Harbor compliant by using a self-assessment approach. Application Researchers, LLC hereby states that this policy is accurate, comprehensive, prominently displayed, completely implemented, accessible and conforms to the Safe Harbor Principles. Application Researchers, LLC has procedures in place for training its employees in its implementation of the Safe Harbor policy and taking corrective action if it is not followed, as well as internal procedures for periodically conducting objective reviews of compliance with the above.

Accuracy

Application Researchers, LLC will make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of information delivered. Application Researchers, LLC relies on other entities, including but not limited to courts, educational institutions, individuals and other sources for its information, and, therefore, cannot guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information reported. This Privacy Policy may be modified or amended at any time without prior notice. Please review this Privacy Policy prior to contacting Application Researchers, LLC with requests or questions.