As a leader in the information industry, D&B developed data
protection practices more than 20 years ago. The fundamental
principles of those data protection practices still apply to our
traditional information products and services.
Data Protection Practices for the Internet
Driven by requests from customers, D&B delivers products and
services through the Internet faster and more efficiently than
ever before. Many of the measurable benefits derived from D&B
products and services are a result of the ability to freely move
information. Dun & Bradstreet recognizes that the free flow of
information must be balanced against an individual's privacy
interests. The company also believes the adoption of balanced data
protection practices for the Internet makes good business sense.
Therefore, D&B subscribes to the practices described below.
D&B Data Collection Practices Browsing a Web Site
Generally, a visitor to a D&B Web site does not have to reveal
any individually identifiable information such as name, address or
telephone number. On most sites, D&B does not require that a
visitor provide individually identifiable information nor do we
collect any through the use of technology. Some nonindividually
identifiable information is collected by Web site servers such
as what browser is being used (e.g., Netscape) or the domain name
from which a visitor entered the site (e.g., www.your company.com
or www.your university.edu).
Use of Internet Technology
There is technology available today, such as "cookies"
or "JavaScript", that can be used to provide a Web site
visitor with a more customized interaction with the site.
Currently, D&B is analyzing if the benefits which can be
delivered by these technologies will outweigh any potential data
protection concerns. To better serve our customers, D&B may
implement the use of these or other advanced Internet
technologies.
D&B Data Collection and User Choice Options
Ordering Products or Services & Customer Registrations
Some pages within D&B sites require provision of individually
identifiable information to order a product or to register with
D&B. When this information is requested, you will know because
you will be asked to complete a form and return it to us. The data
requested may include your name, mailing and e-mail addresses,
telephone and fax numbers.
D&B collects this individually identifiable information to
complete business transactions, deliver products and services,
administer individual accounts, provide customer support and meet
government regulatory requirements such as sales tax collection.
D&B does not store the information on its Web servers nor does
the company sell or otherwise share the information externally.
D&B does, however, from time to time compile online
transaction and registration information for internal analyses
such as researching and identifying market segments and needs.
When users register for D&B Internet Access as worldwide
credit card customers, they can choose whether to receive updates
about D&B's products and services.
In some instances, D&B also collects credit card
information for billing purposes. Generally D&B uses security
techniques, including encryption and secure servers, to protect
against unauthorized access to transmitted information used for
billing purposes. D&B does not store, use or share credit card
information for any other purpose.
D&B D-U-N-SŪ Number Registration
D&B provides businesses the opportunity to apply for a D&B
D-U-N-SŪ Number online. The information submitted to
obtain the D&B D-U-N-S Number becomes a part of the D&B
database, which is the core of all of the company's high quality
business information products and services. Being listed in the
D&B database offers benefits to businesses including
identification and recognition in the marketplace. Information in
the database is licensed to third parties who offer businesses
useful products and services. Companies included in the D&B
database may opt to be excluded from lists licensed for marketing
purposes.
Confidentiality and Security Safeguards
D&B takes technical, contractual, administrative and physical
steps to protect against unauthorized access to and disclosure of
individually identifiable information. If, during their
employment, D&B associates acquire confidential or proprietary
information belonging to D&B or its customers, such
information will be handled in confidence and may not be disclosed
to unauthorized third parties. D&B associates are also
responsible for the internal security of such information. On some
D&B sites, technology is used to further secure the
information.
Updates to D&B's Data Protection Practices for the
Internet
The practices outlined above represent current (as of March 1998)
data protection practices. To keep up with the rapidly evolving
Internet environment, D&B will from time to time review and
revise these practices and communicate any updates.
Dun & Bradstreet (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (Incorporated in
Victoria) ACN 006399677