For each visitor to the Web site, VGS’s servers automatically collect information about which pages are visited and the domain name of visitors. This information is used for internal review, to tailor information to individual visitors and for Web site traffic audits. We also provide this information (as well as information from third-party market researchers) about our users on an aggregated, anonymous basis to our advertisers.
VGS may place a “cookie” on the browser of your computer. The cookie itself does not contain any personally identifying information. A cookie may be used to tell when your computer has contacted the Web site. VGS may use the information for editorial purposes and for other purposes such as delivery of features and advertisements, so VGS can customize delivery of information to you without compromising privacy. For example, cookies may be used to ensure that you will not see the same banner advertisement too often in a single session.
VGS may, in the course of providing services through its Web site, ask you to disclose voluntarily certain information about yourself. This could include information that identifies you or your household. Any information in VGS’s possession solely as a result of your use of the Web site and that is associated with you or your household is considered “Personal Information.” It consists of both information supplied by you (e.g. name, address, telephone number and e-mail address) and information collected about how you use the Web site (e.g. the fact that you have bought merchandise through the Web site). “Personal Information” does not include statistical data about large numbers of users, none of whom are identifiable, nor does it include information that you have posted for public view on the Web site or otherwise publicly disclosed.
Like many other sites, the Web site may utilize an electronic file called a web beacon to count users who have visited a page or recognize users by accessing certain cookies. The Web site and/or the web sites of advertisers and merchants with which we have a relationship may use web beacons (a) for auditing purposes and to collect information from the web sites of certain advertisers or merchants; and (b) to report anonymous individual and/or aggregate information about our users from such advertisers or merchants. Aggregate information may include demographic and usage information. No personally identifiable information about you is shared with such advertisers or merchants. You may choose to opt-out by contacting us in accordance with the information set forth at the bottom of this privacy policy.
VGS uses Personal Information only for purposes necessary to provide the Web site and other products and services to you. These purposes are:
- to process requests or orders placed with advertisers or merchants;
- to perform such normal business operations as billing, collecting and accounting;
- to provide membership services to members;
- to personalize and publicize the Web site based on your interests, including making you aware of features, advertisements and commercial items; and
- to investigate complaints and to protect the Web site and VGS, its readers and employees as provided by law or in case of emergency, as determined by legal counsel for VGS.
Except as necessary to process your requests or orders placed with advertisers or merchants featured on the Web site, or to provide contact information to nonprofit genealogical groups for their conference publicity or similar purposes, VGS does not rent, sell, barter or give away any lists containing Personal Information for use by any outside company. VGS also respects the privacy of data on your personal computer and does not access, read, upload or store data contained in or derived from your private files without your authorization.
Links
The Web site contains links to other sites. VGS is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such web sites, including any sites that may indicate a special relationship or partnership with VGS (such as co-branded pages or “powered by” or “in cooperation with” relationships). VGS does not disclose personally identifiable information or unique identifiers to those responsible for the linked sites. The linked sites, however, may collect personal information from you that is not subject to VGS’s control. To ensure protection of your privacy, always review the privacy policy of the sites you may visit by linking from the Web site.
Opt Out Procedures
You may opt out of receiving future mailings or other information from VGS. If the mailing does not have an e-mail cancellation form, send us an e-mail detailing the type of information that you no longer desire to receive.
Children’s Privacy
The following additional terms, conditions and notices apply to use of the Web site by children under the age of 13 years whenever VGS becomes aware that a user is in that age range:
- Users under 13 years of age may not submit or post information on the Web site without the consent of the user’s parent or legal guardian. Prior to collecting any personal information about a child under 13, VGS makes reasonable efforts to obtain consent from the child’s parent after informing the parent about the types of information VGS will collect, how it will be used, and under what circumstances it will be disclosed.
- Although VGS will apply these children’s terms and conditions whenever it becomes aware that a user who submits Personal Information is less than 13 years old, no method is foolproof. VGS strongly encourages parents and guardians to supervise their children’s online activities and consider using parental control tools available from online services and software manufacturers to help provide a child-friendly online environment. These tools also can prevent children from disclosing online their name, address, and other personal information without parental permission.
- “Personal information” collected from children may include any of the information defined above as “Personal Information” with respect to general users of the Web site and may be used by VGS for the same purposes. Except as necessary to process a child’s requests or orders placed with advertisers or merchants featured on the Web site, or to provide contact information to nonprofit genealogical groups for their conference publicity or similar purposes, VGS does not rent, sell, barter or give away any lists containing a child’s Personal Information for use by any outside company.
- If a child enters a game, contest or other activity sponsored by VGS on the Web site, the child may be required by VGS to provide the minimum Personal Information reasonably necessary for the child to participate in such activity.
- A child’s parent or legal guardian may request VGS to provide a description of the Personal Information that VGS has collected from the child, as well as instruct VGS to cease further use, maintenance and collection of Personal Information from the child.
- If a child voluntarily discloses his or her name, e-mail address or other personally- identifying information on chat areas, bulletin boards or other forums or public posting areas, such disclosures may result in unsolicited messages from other parties.
General
These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement and understanding between you and VGS with respect to use of the Web site, superseding all prior or contemporaneous communications and/or proposals. VGS reserves the right to make changes to these Terms and Conditions immediately by posting the changed Terms and Conditions in this location. By continuing to use the Web site, you are agreeing to all changes made by VGS. A printed version of these Terms and Conditions shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to use of the Web site to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.
The Web site is controlled and operated by VGS from its principal office in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States of America. VGS makes no representation that materials on the Web site are appropriate or available for use in other locations. Those who choose to access the Web site from other locations do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. The Web site is not intended to subject VGS to the laws or jurisdiction of any state, country or territory other than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, the practices of the Web site, or your dealings with VGS, you may contact us at:
VGS
Attn: President PO Box 626
Orange, VA 22960 email: admin@vgs.org