At HotSpotDS, we appreciate that our clients' and prospective clients' private information is important. The following explains our privacy policy and our approach to the collection and use of information from and about you and/or your company.
Like most corporate websites, and nearly all advertising agencies, we collect information about clients and prospective clients for one principal reason: it helps us to better serve you. Such information keeps us focused and nimble, better able to respond quickly to trends and changes in the marketplace – and that, of course, helps all of our clients. It helps us improve your experience on our websites and assures that we can communicate with you about your account; it better equips us to develop services that cater to your particular needs; it helps us provide you with the most targeted advertising programs, and the most accurate research about the efficacy of these programs. It's also the best way of ensuring that you get to take advantage of new services, product offerings, and promotions quickly. If you have any questions or concerns about our use of Personal Information, please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail at: privacy@HotSpotDS.com.
HotSpotDS gathers two types of information about our website's users: Personal Information that users provide through optional, voluntary submissions, such as email and online registration forms to HotSpotDS, and non-Personal Information that we collect automatically to observe site trends and gain a better understanding of our users' experiences.
Personal Information means any information that may be used to identify an individual, including, but not limited to, your name, home address, telephone number, e-mail address, and credit card information such as the credit card number, card verification value, and the billing address. The types and amount of Personal Information collected for these activities will vary depending on the activity. Other information we gather includes aggregated tracking information derived mainly by tallying page views throughout our sites. This non-Personal Information also covers things like click-throughs, IP addresses, and usage data, and it may at times be combined with your Personal Information. All of this allows us to better tailor our content to our users' individual needs.
HotSpotDS only collects Personal Information that we consider necessary for providing you with the world class service you expect as a HotSpotDS client. In general, you can check out various pages on our websites without telling us who you are or revealing any identifying Personal Information. If you'd like to view the entire site or sign up for any of our services, we may require differing degrees of Personal Information about you, your company and its goals, credit, billing, financial information, and various other types of information. This Personal Information is critical to us in developing services that help you achieve your business objectives, and we may use it to communicate with you about your account or our services.
If you communicate with us through e-mail, regular mail, or the phone, or choose to leave feedback on any of our websites, we may also save that information and use it to improve our customer support and client services, to troubleshoot other problems or resolve disputes, or for other business purposes. If you are referred to us from another company or website, we may receive certain additional information about you from that entity. In addition, we may use your Personal Information to send you special offers or information from our trusted business partners. You may choose to not receive these offers by opting out when you first receive such an offer.
Non-Personal Information Collection and Use
Like most websites, though, we automatically receive and record certain information through the use of various technologies like "cookies," "web beacons," and "pixel tags." We use this information to observe trends and site traffic, administer our sites and improve their usability, and to gain a better understanding of your interests. This information may include, by way of example, the URL from which you just came, the URL to which you next go, your computer browser information, operating system, IP address, and other information about how you use our site.
We may share Personal Information with our subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or other trusted businesses or persons for the purpose of processing Personal Information on our behalf, or performing other business services for us. We ask that all of our service providers use at least the same degree of care in protecting Personal Information as we do, and we provide them with information only to the extent necessary to assist us.
We may aggregate Personal Information, and disclose such information to third parties for a variety of reasons, including for advertising, marketing and promotional purposes. However, if we do this, we will not disclose information in a manner that directly identifies you.
We will not share Personal Information collected on this web site with third parties for their direct marketing purposes without your consent. In addition, HotSpotDS does not otherwise share Personal Information about site users with third parties unless doing so is appropriate to carry out a user's request or it reasonably believes that doing so is legally required or is in HotSpotDS's interest to protect its property or other legal rights or the rights or property of others, or necessary for national security, other law enforcement, issues of public importance or safety, or to enforce our Terms and Conditions or other policies.
If HotSpotDS should ever file for bankruptcy or have its assets sold to or merge with another entity, information HotSpotDS receives from you from this site is a HotSpotDS asset and may be transferred.
HotSpotDS uses reasonable procedural and technical safeguards to protect your Personal Information against loss, theft or misuse, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or destruction. No data transmissions over the Internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. Consequently, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your transmission, we make reasonable efforts to ensure security on our systems. We use secure server software (SSL) and firewalls to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, please note that this is not a guarantee that such information may not be accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed by breach of such firewalls and secure server software.
If HotSpotDS learns of a security systems breach we may attempt to notify you electronically so that you can take appropriate protective steps. By using this web site or providing personal information to us you agree that we can communicate with you electronically regarding security, privacy and administrative issues relating to your use of this site. HotSpotDS may post a notice on our web site if a security breach occurs. If this happens, you will need a web browser enabling you to view the HotSpotDS.com web site. HotSpotDS may also send an email to you at the email address you have provided to us in these circumstances. Depending on where you live, you may have a legal right to receive notice of a security breach in writing. To receive free written notice of a security breach (or to withdraw your consent from receiving electronic notice) you should notify us at privacy@HotSpotDS.com.
Our site is hosted in the United States. If you are visiting from the European Union or other regions with laws governing data collection and use that may differ from U.S. law, please note that you are transferring your personal data to the United States which does not have the same data protection laws as the EU and by providing your personal data you consent to:
Users have access to their Personal Information and may update their information on the website.
We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy. When we do, we will also revise the "effective date" date on the Privacy Policy. For changes to this Privacy Policy that may be materially less restrictive on our use or disclosure of personal information you have provided to us, we will attempt to obtain your consent before implementing the change. We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed about how we are protecting the Personal Information we collect. Your continued use of this web site constitutes your agreement to this Privacy Policy and any updates.
Consistent with the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), we will never knowingly request personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13 without requiring parental consent. Any person who provides their personal information to HotSpotDS through this web site represents that they are 13 years of age or older.
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please e-mail us at: privacy@HotSpotDS.com, or mail to:
Attention: Privacy Officer/Operations
PO Box 12345667
RTP, NC 27527
Effective Date: January 1, 2008
HotSpotDS advertisements meet the highest standards. In particular, HotSpotDS advertisements adhere to federal, state and local laws and regulations, Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission rules and guidelines, television network standards and practices, and other applicable guidelines for advertising on cable and broadcast television, or the applicable advertising medium.
HotSpotDS creates advertising that is truthful, substantiated, not misleading and in good public taste. To that end, these Advertising Policies and Guidelines are designed to help educate advertisers as to rules and norms for customizing and running advertisements through HotSpotDS.
These Advertising Policies and Guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive. Television networks, for example, may impose additional network-specific requirements. Advertisers are responsible for adhering to all laws, rules and guidelines, and HotSpotDS always reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement or require the elimination or revision of any advertiser content. You are always fully responsible for, and HotSpotDS shall have no liability in connection with, any advertising content that you provide or any advertisement (including any Pre-produced Ad) that you run.
If you have any questions about these Advertising Policies and Guidelines, you may contact us at: adguidelines@HotSpotDS.com. For questions about compliance with advertising-related rules and regulations, you should consult legal counsel.
Advertising may not, directly or by implication, be vulgar, obscene, profane, pornographic or contain nudity. Nor may advertising be threatening, abusive, harassing or hateful (racially, ethnically or otherwise) or otherwise objectionable in light of community norms and standards.
Advertisements for hard liquor or distilled spirits (including mixed products that contain hard liquor) are not allowed. Advertisers may promote beer and wine, subject to federal, state and local laws, Federal Communications Commission, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines. Among other things:
Advertisements using or depicting the American Flag should treat the flag in a dignified and appropriate manner.
Advertisements must disclose if distribution or availability of products or services is limited. For example, if your products or services are not yet available or not available in the majority of the advertising market where your ads will be run, your ad must make this limitation clear.
Advertisements directed to children must comply with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Children's Advertising of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau. A copy of Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Children's Advertising may be found at http://www.caru.org/guidelines/index.asp.
Advertising claims must be substantiated (prior to running the advertisements) with valid and reliable research or support. Claim substantiation must comply with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the FTC Policy Statement Regarding Advertising Substantiation that may be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/ad3subst.htm.
Advertisements comparing products or services may not distort or exaggerate differences or otherwise create a false, deceptive or misleading impression. Comparative advertisements must comply with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the FTC Statement of Policy of Comparative Advertising that may be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/policystmt/ad-compare.htm.
Absent special circumstances and approval from HotSpotDS, HotSpotDS does not accept advertisements for contests and sweepstakes.
Advertisements for condoms or contraceptive methods and devices are subject to prior review by HotSpotDS and must comply with all federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines.
HotSpotDS generally follows broadcaster policies, which often do not allow for the running of advertisements on controversial topics. Political advertisements are often outside the prohibition against controversial issues advertising. Any political advertisements must comply with all federal, state and local laws, Federal Election Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines.
Advertisements that incorporate Advertiser Content which includes demonstrations, dramatizations, re-enactments, simulations, tests, experiments or other technical, mechanical, electronic or chemical exhibitions, must comply with all federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines. For example, you must accurately depict the product or service involved, and you must disclose when actors are used in a re-enactment to portray actual persons.
Advertisements related to dietary supplements must comply with federal, state and local laws, Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (see http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/dshea.html) and the FTC Statement on Dietary Supplements (see http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/dietsupp.htm).
Advertisements containing endorsements or testimonials must represent the honest opinions and experience of the endorser, and may not contain claims that could not be substantiated if made by the advertiser. All endorsements and testimonials must comply with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the FTC Statement on Endorsements and Testimonials that may be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/endorse.htm.
Advertising for banks, funds, stocks, bonds, commodities, insurance, real estate, and other investments must disclose all material restrictions, risk factors and qualifications and must comply with federal, state and local laws, Securities and Exchange Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including, for instance, regulations promulgated by applicable professional or trade groups.
HotSpotDS does not accept advertising for firearms and/or ammunition.
Advertisements may not overstate or exaggerate the nutritional value of foods. Health claims, including claims of food being "nutritious" or "healthy" must be substantiated and in the context of a total diet. All food advertisements must comply with federal, state and local laws, Food and Drug Administration, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines, including the provisions of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, details of which can be found at http://www.fda.gov/ora/inspect_ref/igs/nleatxt.html.
Advertisers may be required to provide specific information (e.g., material terms) when using the terms "guarantee," "warranty" or similar words that signify a promise or guarantee. When making such guarantees, advertisers should generally disclose whether an advertised warranty is "full" or "limited", its duration, and any major limitations of the warranty. Advertisers should also provide information on where full details of the warranty are available.
All guarantees and warranties must comply with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines.
See "Firearms and Ammunition."
Advertisements related to health and medical products and services (including drugs) must comply with federal, state and local laws, Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission, television broadcast and other applicable guidelines. The FDA and broadcasters have strict guidelines, which include, among other things.
For Prescription Drugs:
For Nonprescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medical Devices:
Statements From The Medical Profession:
Generally speaking, health-related professionals may not appear in commercials for a health care product or service, other than promoting their own service.
All mail order, telephone, Internet and direct response advertising must comply with federal, state and local laws,Federal Trade Commission,television broadcast and other applicable guidelines,including the FTC Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule that may be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/mailrule.htm. For example
Advertisers should only use the term "new" for a period of six months from the time a product or service is introduced.
Advertising may not, directly or by implication, be vulgar, obscene, profane, pornographic or contain nudity. Also see "Abusiveness/Vulgarity."
Absent special circumstances and approval from HotSpotDS, HotSpotDS does not accept advertisements promoting the use of "900" numbers (or other telephone exchanges such as "540") for pay-per-call services.
See "Abusiveness/Vulgarity."
Advertisements for personal products (such as feminine hygiene products, home pregnancy tests, home HIV tests, adult diapers, STD medications) must follow television network and station guidelines.
Advertisers must ensure that the value of any premium is no less than stated and that any premiums offers are not unsafe or detrimental to the consumer. Among other things, the Advertiser must:
HotSpotDS prohibits advertisements that, among other things:
Advertisers must assure compliance with normal safety precautions (for instance, not show passengers in a motor vehicle drinking and driving, or not wearing seatbelts).
As a general matter, in recognition of broadcasters’ policies, HotSpotDS does not accept advertisements that solicit funds except in certain situations, for certain types of political campaigns, charities, non-profits, NGO’s, or other similar organizations and only when in compliance with any and all applicable rules and regulations governing advertising in those contexts.
When superimposed copy is used, it must be displayed clearly and conspicuously.
HotSpotDS does not accept advertising for cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, tobacco paraphernalia and smokeless tobacco.
Because standards and practices are continually evolving and vary from medium to medium and from region to region, remember that it is always your sole responsibility to ensure that your advertisement conforms with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. These guidelines are for your information only and set forth general standards. They are by no means exhaustive and are subject to revision without notice by HotSpotDS in its sole discretion. Of course, HotSpotDS, in accordance with the HotSpotDS Terms and Conditions, has the right to reject or require revisions to Advertiser Content for any reason whatsoever, whether or not set forth expressly in these guidelines or the HotSpotDS Terms and Conditions. HotSpotDS shall not be responsible or liable for any ads’ (including any Pre-produced Ads’) compliance with federal, state and local laws, Federal Trade Commission and other governmental agency, television broadcast and other applicable rules, regulations and guidelines. Airing of your ad in no way constitutes HotSpotDS’s approval of your ad, your Advertiser Content, or your use of the ad.
We take the responsibility of protecting your privacy rights seriously. Read our Privacy Policy for details.