PRIVACY POLICY
Last Updated: 11/10/24
By accessing Hilltower.com or forwarding domain addresses Hilltowerpersonnel.com and Hilltower.net (the 'Website'), you agree that this Privacy Policy applies to you and your data. You are responsible for reading this Privacy Policy and the Website Standards of the Website.
Data Collection
When visitors access our website, we collect certain data, including the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string. Additionally, when visitors contact us through the website, we collect the information provided in the "Contact Us" form, such as name, phone number, and email address. An anonymized string created from the email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to check if it is being used. The Gravatar service's privacy policy can be found at: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of a comment, the visitor's profile picture is visible to the public in the context of that comment.
Cookies
When you leave a comment on our site, you have the option to save your name, email, and website in cookies, which will remain for one year. If you visit our login page, a temporary cookie will be set to check if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie doesn’t store personal data and is deleted when you close your browser. Upon logging in, cookies are used to save your login details and display preferences. Login cookies last for two days, while screen display cookies remain active for a year. If you choose the "Remember Me" option, your login will be saved for two weeks. Logging out removes the login cookies.
Embedded Content from Other Websites
Our website may include embedded content, such as videos, images, or articles, from other sites. This content behaves as if the visitor has directly visited the third-party website. These external sites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with the embedded content, especially if you have an account and are logged in to that site. Additionally, these third-party sites may not adjust their tracking in response to your browser's Do Not Track (DNT) settings, and we do not require them to comply with those settings.
Data Retention
When a user leaves a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This allows the system to recognize and automatically approve any follow-up comments instead of holding them in a moderation queue. For registered users, the personal information provided in their user profile is stored securely. Users have the ability to view, edit, or delete their personal information at any time, with the exception of changing their username. Website administrators also have access to this information and can view or edit it when necessary.
Your Rights
If you hold an account or have left comments on this website, you have the right to request an exported file containing all personal data we possess about you. You also have the right to request that we expunge any personal data we possess about you, with certain exceptions for administrative, legal, or security purposes. To make such requests, please contact us through the email address provided at the end of this Privacy Policy.
Security Measures
We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal data when you enter, submit, or access your personal information. These measures include encryption, firewalls, and secure server environments.
Third-Party Services
We may use third-party services for various purposes, including analytics, marketing, and payment processing. These third parties may have access to your data as necessary to perform their functions, but they are not allowed to use it for other purposes. Some of the third-party services we use include Google Analytics and Mailchimp.
Children’s Privacy
Our Website is not directed towards children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personal data from a child under 13, we will delete such information from our records.
Data Breach Procedures
In the event of a data breach, we will promptly notify affected users and take necessary steps to protect their information. This includes assessing the breach, containing the breach, and mitigating any harm that may result.
User Consent
By using our Website, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. When you provide us with your personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information as described in this Privacy Policy.
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have specific rights regarding their personal information. You have the right to know what categories of personal information we collect, where we obtain it from, how we use it, and with whom we share it. Additionally, you can request the deletion of your personal information, although some exceptions may apply. We do not sell your personal information to third parties, and you have the right to opt out of any future sale of your personal data. Furthermore, we will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights; however, certain services or features may become unavailable if you choose to do so. To exercise your CCPA rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy.
DPDPA (Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act)
We are committed to complying with the upcoming Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA). Once enacted, this law will provide Delaware residents with enhanced rights regarding their personal data, including the rights to access, correct, delete, and obtain a copy of their data. We are proactively updating our data practices to ensure compliance with the DPDPA's requirements and to safeguard your personal information.
FDBR (Florida Digital Bill of Rights)
At Hilltower Personnel, we are committed to upholding the rights granted to Florida residents under the Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBR). This legislation empowers you with several important rights concerning your personal data. As a Florida resident, you have the right to request access to the personal information we collect about you, allowing you to understand what data we hold. You can also request corrections to any inaccuracies in your information to ensure it is up-to-date. Additionally, you have the right to request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal exceptions. We provide the option for you to obtain a copy of your personal data in a portable and easily accessible format, facilitating your right to data portability. You may opt-out of the sharing or sale of your personal information to third parties.Hilltower will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your rights under the FDBR.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
If you are located in the European Union (EU), we process your personal data in compliance with the GDPR. Our legal basis for processing personal data includes contract performance, legitimate interests, and consent. By providing us with your personal data, you consent to its transfer and processing in the United States. Under the GDPR, you have rights such as the right to access, rectify, restrict, and delete your personal information. You also have the right to object to the processing of your personal data and the right to data portability. To exercise your GDPR rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy. Hilltower acts as the data controller for the personal data collected through this website.
MODPA (Maryland Online Data Privacy Act)
Hilltower is committed to ensuring the privacy of Maryland residents in accordance with the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA), effective October 1, 2025. This act enhances consumer rights related to personal data and mandates clear practices for its handling. Under MODPA, you have the right to access and understand what personal data we collect about you. You may request corrections to any inaccuracies in your data to maintain its accuracy. Furthermore, you have the right to request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions. We are required to limit the collection of personal data to what is necessary for providing our services and to maintain reasonable security practices to protect this data from unauthorized access. We will also provide you with a clear privacy notice detailing the types of personal data we process, how we use it, and any third parties with whom we share it. Importantly, we respect your choice to opt-out of the sale or sharing of your personal information. Hilltower will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights under MODPA.
Data Sent
Visitor comments may be checked through an automated third-party spam detection service. We may share your data with governmental agencies in response to an investigation or subpoena and may share your data in response to a subpoena from third parties that we believe to be validly issued.
Updates to Privacy Policy/Effective Date
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time, and the updated Privacy Policy will be posted to our Website. By continuing to access the Website, you agree to be bound to the Privacy Policy as updated and agree that it is your responsibility to regularly review the Privacy Policy for updates. This Privacy Policy and updates to this Privacy Policy are effective as of the date posted to the Website.
Website Standards/Arbitration
This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and subject to Hilltower's Website Standards, including but not limited to the Website Standards Arbitration Provision.
Waiver of Jury
You acknowledge that this Privacy Policy is subject to the Waiver of Jury Provision contained in the Website Standards, whereby you irrevocably, knowingly, and voluntarily waive all rights to trial by jury in any claim, dispute, or cause of action (whether in law or equity and whether based on contract, tort, or otherwise) arising out of or relating to the Website Standards (including but not limited to the Privacy Policy), this Website, the content, the services provided by Hilltower, and/or otherwise involving you and Hilltower. You further waive the right to any claim, dispute, or cause of action in which a right to jury trial has been waived with any other claim, dispute, or cause of action in which a right to jury trial has not been waived.
For any inquiries or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:
Contact: privacy[at]hilltower[dot]com