Tucows Inc. Privacy Policy

Introduction

Tucows Inc. ("OpenSRS")¹ is dedicated to maintaining both a high standard of privacy and a high standard of data protection in all of its activities. The company must however balance its respect for the privacy interests of its customers-both its resellers and its end-users, employees and customers with its public responsibilities as a service provider. This is particularly true with respect to Tucows' obligations as an accredited registrar where the company is required to publicly present registrant contact information in the applicable WHOIS directory.

Scope

Tucows' privacy policy applies to personal information about identifiable Tucows customers that is collected, used or disclosed by Tucows. It also applies to the management of personal information in any form whether oral, electronic or written. The policy does not include a person or company's name, title, business address, telephone number or any other information that is required by a registry to be publicly available in a "WHOIS" directory.

General Application

The policy will apply to and protect all personal information collected used or disclosed by Tucows, except information that is aggregated in such a manner that it cannot be connected to a person and/or information which is publicly listed in "Whois" directory.

Personal information which may fall under the policy may include but is not limited to:

• User names and passwords;
• Technical support records;
• Credit history/performance information
• How much is spent on Tucows' services and that of its competitors;
• Industry or business, number of employees;
• Credit card information, language preferences;
• Internet protocol address and time stamps;
• Payment and banking information;
• Special needs

Personal information may be collected when:

1. A person makes any inquiries by telephone, signs a contract, registers a domain name or provides any information by email or through the Internet, inquires about his/her services, receives technical support, registers online, makes additional orders for services or when he/she makes a complaint; and/or
2. A person visits a Tucows owned, hosted and/or controlled website including but not limited to: Tucows.com, Tucowsinc.com resellers.tucows.com or domaindirect.com (the "Websites").

However, the policy does not impose any limits on the collection, use or disclosure of the following information:

1. a person's name, address, telephone number and electronic address, when listed in a directory;
2. an employee's name, title, business address (including email address) and phone and fax numbers; or
3. information that is publicly available and is specified by law or regulation.

Guidelines for Internet/Website Users

There are additional guidelines that apply to persons who use our Websites and portals. In addition to the principles outlined above, Tucows may permit third parties to offer users with subscription and/or registration-based services through the Websites. In such circumstances, Tucows cannot be responsible for the content of any third party offerings or any actions or policies of such third parties.

Tucows also reminds users that voluntarily disclosed information online in discussion areas or other public areas of our Websites can be collected and used by third parties and may result in unsolicited messages from third parties. Unfortunately, such activities are beyond the control of Tucows.

In some cases, users' non-personal information and data may be automatically collected through the standard operation of Tucows' internet servers or through the use of "cookies". "Cookies" are small text files that are used by websites to: (a) recognize repeat users; (b) track usage behavior; and (c) compile aggregate data that will permit content improvements and targeted advertising. Tucows cannot control or prevent the use of cookies or any information obtained through such cookies by advertisers or third parties. If you do not want information collected through the use of cookies, most browsers permit you to disable the cookie feature. However, cookies may be required for the use of certain features on our Websites.

Any submissions made to discussion areas or other public areas on our Websites are done so with a user's understanding that they are accessible to third parties. If comments are not intended for third parties, you are advised not to make any submissions.

In any event, users can request Tucows to cease from sending advertising from Tucows or its authorized agents at any time by simply contacting us below.

Tucows' policy generally and in connection with Internet use is subject to the requirements or provisions of any applicable legislation, regulations or agreements, or order of any court, or other lawful authority. Your use of our Websites is also subject to these requirements as well as Tucows' Acceptable Use Policy.

THE PRIVACY PRINCIPLES TUCOWS FOLLOWS

There are ten principles, which form the basis of Tucows' policy. These principles are interrelated and Tucows shall adhere to them as a whole. Each principle must be read in conjunction with the accompanying commentary. The commentary in Tucows' policy may be tailored to reflect personal information issues specific to Tucows.

DEFINITIONS

To better understand our policy, Tucows has set out some basic definitions to use when reading and interpreting the principles below:

Principle 1 - Accountability

Tucows is responsible for personal information under its control. In response, it has designated its General Counsel as accountable for the company's compliance with the following principles.

Principle 2 - Identifying Purposes for Collection of Personal Information

Tucows shall identify the purposes for which personal information is collected at or before the time the information is collected.

1. Tucows collects personal information only for the following purposes:
   1. To establish and maintain responsible commercial relations with customers and to provide ongoing services and offers;
   2. To understand customer needs;
   3. To develop, enhance, market or provide products and services;
   4. To manage and develop Tucows' business and operations, including personnel and employment matters; and
   5. To meet legal and regulatory requirements.

   Further references to "identified purposes" mean the purposes identified in this Principle 2 - A.

2. Unless the purpose is implied from the nature of the service provided, Tucows shall specify orally, electronically or in writing the identified purposes to the customer or employee at or before the time personal information is collected. Upon request, persons collecting personal information shall explain these identified purposes or refer the individual to a designated person within Tucows who shall explain the purposes.
3. Unless required by law, Tucows shall not use or disclose for any new purpose, personal information that has been collected without first identifying and documenting the new purpose and obtaining the consent of the customer.

Principle 3 - Obtaining Consent for Collection, Use or Disclosure of Personal Information

The knowledge and consent of a customer is required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate.

NOTE: In certain circumstances personal information can be collected, used, or disclosed without the knowledge and consent of the individual. For example, legal or security reasons may make it impossible or impractical to seek consent.

When information is being collected for the detection and prevention of fraud or for law enforcement, seeking the consent of the individual might defeat the purpose of collecting the information. Seeking consent may be impossible or inappropriate when the individual is a minor, seriously ill, or mentally incapacitated. In addition, if we do not have a direct relationship with a customer, we may not always be able to seek consent.

1. In obtaining consent, Tucows shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that a customer is advised of the identified purposes for which personal information collected will be used or disclosed. Purposes shall be stated in a manner that can be reasonably understood by the customer or employee. (See Principle 2-A)
2. Generally, Tucows shall seek consent to use and disclose personal information at the same time it collects the information. However, Tucows may seek consent to use and disclose personal information after it has been collected but before it is used or disclosed for a new purpose.
3. Tucows will only require customers to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information as a condition to the supply of a product or service if such collection, use or disclosure is required to fulfill the identified purposes.
4. In determining the appropriate form of consent, Tucows shall take into account the sensitivity of the personal information and the reasonable expectations of its customers.
5. In general, the use of products and services by a customer constitutes implied consent for Tucows to collect, use and disclose personal information for all identified purposes. For sensitive information, Tucows will obtain express consent at or before the time of collection.
6. A customer may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal, regulatory or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. (See Principle 3-C). Customers may contact Tucows at the address below for more information regarding the implications of doing so.

Principle 4 - Limiting Collection of Personal Information

Tucows shall limit the collection of personal information to that which is necessary for the identified purposes. Tucows shall collect personal information by fair and lawful means.

1. Tucows collects personal information primarily from its customers.
2. Tucows may also collect personal information from other sources including but not limited to credit bureaus or other third parties who represent that they have the right to disclose the information.

Principle 5 - Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention of Personal Information

Tucows shall not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by a registry or by law. Tucows shall retain personal information only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes or as required by law.

1. Tucows may disclose a customer's personal information to:
   1. A registrant or end-user's reseller;
   2. A third party service provider for the efficient and cost-effective provision of services;
   3. Another person or corporation as part of conducting business together or pursuant to the sale of all or substantially all of Tucows' assets related to one or more specific lines of business;
   4. A company involved in supplying communications or communications directory related services;
   5. A company or individual employed by Tucows to perform functions on its behalf;
   6. Another company or person for the development, enhancement, marketing or provision of any of Tucows' products or services;
   7. An agent or third party retained by Tucows in connection with Tucows' administration or the provision of Tucows' products or services;
   8. An agent used by Tucows to evaluate the customer's creditworthiness or to collect the customer's account;
   9. Credit grantors and reporting agencies;
   10. A public authority or agent of a public authority, if in the reasonable judgment of Tucows, it appears that there is imminent danger to life or property which could be avoided or minimized by disclosure of this information;
   11. A person who, in the reasonable judgment of Tucows, is seeking the information as an agent of the customer; and
   12. A third party or parties, where the customer consents to such disclosure or disclosure is required by law or emergency. Tucows reserves the right to contact persons at any time regarding account status, changes to services and other matters relevant to underlying services and/or personal information. Except as permitted in this Principle, Tucows does not provide or sell its customer lists to any outside company for use in marketing or solicitation.
2. Only Tucows' employees with a business need to know, or whose duties reasonably so require, are granted access to personal information that is not publicly available about customers.
3. Tucows shall keep personal information only as long as it remains necessary or relevant for the identified purposes or as required by law. Depending on the circumstances, where personal information has been used to make a decision about a customer, Tucows shall retain, for a period of time that is reasonably sufficient to allow for access by the customer, either the actual information or the rationale for making the decision.
4. Personal information that is no longer necessary or relevant for the identified purposes or required to be retained by law shall be destroyed, erased or made anonymous. In any event, Tucows shall maintain reasonable and systematic controls, schedules and practices for such information, its retention and destruction.

Principle 6 - Accuracy of Personal Information

Personal information shall be as accurate, complete and up-to-date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is to be used.

1. Personal information used by Tucows shall be sufficiently accurate, complete, and up-to-date to minimize the possibility that inappropriate information may be used to make a decision about a customer.
2. Tucows shall update personal information about customers as and when necessary to fulfill the identified purposes or upon notification by the individual.

Principle 7 - Security Safeguards

Tucows shall protect personal information by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.

1. Tucows shall protect personal information against such risks as loss or theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, modification or destruction, through appropriate security measures. Tucows shall protect the information regardless of the format in which it is held.
2. Tucows shall protect personal information it discloses to third parties by contractual agreements stipulating the confidentiality of the information and the purposes for which it is to be used.
3. All of Tucows' employees with access to personal information shall be required as a condition of employment to contractually respect the confidentiality of personal information.

Principle 8 - Openness Concerning Policies and Practices

Tucows shall make readily available to customers and employees specific information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.

1. Tucows shall make information about its policies and practices easy to understand, including:
   1. The title and address of the person or persons accountable for Tucows' compliance with the policy and to whom inquiries or complaints can be forwarded;
   2. The means of gaining access to personal information held by Tucows; and
   3. A description of the type of personal information held by Tucows, including a general account of its use.

Principle 9 - Customer Access to Personal Information

Tucows shall inform a customer of the existence, use, and disclosure of his or her personal information upon request and shall give the individual access to that information. A customer shall be able to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it amended as appropriate.

NOTE: In certain situations, Tucows may not be able to provide access to all of the personal information it holds about a customer. Exceptions may include information that is prohibitively costly to provide, information that contains references to other individuals, information that cannot be disclosed for legal, security or commercial proprietary reasons or information that is subject to solicitor-client or litigation privilege. Tucows shall provide the reasons for denying access upon request.

1. Upon request, Tucows shall afford customers a reasonable opportunity to review the personal information in the individual's file. Personal information shall be provided in understandable form within a reasonable time and at a minimal or no cost to the individual.
2. Upon request, Tucows shall provide an account of the use and disclosure of personal information and, where reasonable, legal and possible, shall state the source of the information. In providing an account of disclosure, Tucows shall provide a list of organizations to which it may have disclosed personal information about the individual when it is not possible to provide an actual list.
3. In order to safeguard personal information, a customer may be required to provide sufficient identification information to permit Tucows to account for the existence, use and disclosure of personal information and to authorize access to the individual's file. Any such information shall be used only for this purpose.
4. Tucows shall promptly correct or complete any personal information found to be inaccurate or incomplete. Any unresolved differences as to accuracy or completeness shall be noted in the individual's file. Where appropriate, Tucows shall transmit to third parties having access to the personal information in question any amended information or the existence of any unresolved differences.
5. Customers can obtain information or seek access to their individual files by contacting a designated representative at Tucows' business offices as described below.

Principle 10 - Challenging Compliance

A customer shall be able to address a challenge concerning compliance with the above principles to the designated person or persons accountable for Tucows' compliance with the policy.

1. Tucows shall maintain procedures for addressing and responding to all inquiries or complaints from its customers about Tucows' handling of personal information.
2. Tucows shall inform its customers about the existence of these procedures as well as the availability of complaint procedures.
3. The person or persons accountable for compliance with Tucows' policy may seek external advice where appropriate before providing a final response to individual complaints.
4. Tucows shall investigate all complaints concerning compliance with the policy. If a complaint is found to be justified, Tucows shall take appropriate measures to resolve the complaint including, if necessary, amending its policies and procedures.

For more information:

Please contact us through any of our Websites or directly through our Privacy Office as follows by:

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone: North America: 1-800-371-6992
International: 1-800-371-69922

Mail: Tucows Inc.
96 Mowat Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M6K 3M1 Canada
Attention: Office of the General Counsel

¹References to Tucows refer to Tucows Inc., its and its affiliated companies, as they may exist from time to time.

Tucows Privacy Policy
February 13, 2006
v.1.0