Introduction

Career Colleges Ontario (CCO) is committed to protecting the privacy of our website users, event registrants, subscribers, and all individuals who interact with our services. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect, how we use and protect that information, and your rights regarding your personal data.

Information We Collect and How We Use It

CCO collects information to enhance our services, improve user experiences, and fulfill our mission of advocating for career colleges and their students.

Information We Do Not Collect

• Users can browse our website without providing personal information.
• We do not track users’ browsing activity outside of our website.
• We do not collect personal data from children under 13, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Information We Collect

1. Voluntary Information

When users engage with certain services, they may choose to provide personal details such as:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address

This information is collected through:

• Event registrations
• Subscriptions to email newsletters
• Participation in surveys or contests
• Signing up for member services

Users have the option to opt-out of email notifications or marketing communications at any time.

2. Surveys, Contests, and Lead Forms

From time to time, we may invite users to participate in surveys or contests. Participation is voluntary, and collected information is used for:

• Notifying winners and awarding prizes
• Improving our website and services
• Sharing with contest sponsors (only with user consent)

Users may opt out of receiving promotional communications at any time.

3. Interactive Features

CCO may provide community features such as discussion boards, webinars, and chatrooms. Any personal information disclosed in these areas becomes public information, and users should exercise caution when sharing personal details.

4. Email Communications

Users who subscribe to our newsletters provide contact information, which we use to:

• Send updates on CCO activities, career college news, and events
• Improve the relevance of our content based on user preferences

Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time via the link provided in our emails.

5. Referral Services ("Tell a Friend")

If users refer a friend to CCO’s services, we may collect the friend’s name, job title, and email address to send an invitation. The recipient can opt out of further communications.

6. Communications with CCO

Users who contact us via feedback forms, emails, or other channels may have their correspondence stored for administrative and customer service purposes.

Cookies and Automatic Data Collection

Cookies are small data files stored on a user's device to enhance their browsing experience. CCO does not use cookies to store passwords or personal information. However, we collect non-personal data such as:

• Date and time of visits
• Browser type and version
• Navigation history within our website
• IP address

This data helps us improve security, analyze trends, and enhance website functionality.

How We Use Aggregate Data

We may combine demographic information provided by users with site usage data to generate insights about user preferences. This data is shared only in aggregate, non-personally identifiable form with advertisers or business affiliates.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

CCO does not sell or rent personal information. However, we may share data in the following circumstances:

1. With Trusted Partners & Service Providers

   • When collaborating with co-branded sponsors or third-party partners to provide specific services.
   • When using third-party service providers for event registration, email distribution, or website analytics. These partners must maintain confidentiality and security of the data.

2. For Legal or Compliance Purposes

   • If required by law (e.g., in response to a subpoena, court order, or law enforcement request).
   • To protect CCO’s legal rights or enforce our policies.

3. In Business Transactions

   • In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, personal information may be transferred as part of the transaction, with proper notice to users.

Security of Your Information

CCO employs reasonable security measures to protect user data, including:

• Encryption of sensitive information (such as payment data) during transmission.
• Restricted access to personal data, limited to authorized personnel.
• Secure servers to prevent unauthorized access.

Despite these efforts, no online system can guarantee 100% security, so users should take precautions when sharing information online.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. CCO is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage users to read the privacy policies of linked websites before providing personal information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

CCO reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page, and users should review the policy periodically to stay informed.

If significant changes affect how we use personal information, we will notify users through email or a website announcement.