Viva Vogue E-Cards Privacy Policy

	Viva Vogue E-Cards Privacy Policy
	Legal

E-Card Privacy Logo Overview of the Policy
VivaVogue.com's ("VV") top priority is protecting customers' privacy and security. To this end, VV has adopted the following privacy policy to advise customers of our use of their personal information online and to inform them of their choices regarding this use. This policy details the information we gather about customers, how it might be used, under what circumstances it is disclosed to third-parties and what rights customers have in regard to updating and correcting personal information.

Policy Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to the VV.com site. It does not apply to other web sites to which we might link. Customers are advised to carefully review and read the privacy policies of any third-party sites to find out how they treat and handle personal information.

YOUR INFORMATION
Information That Is Gathered From All Visitors

Aggregate Data
VV gathers generic information in regard to customers' use of its web site, such as unique visitor counts, frequency of visits and areas on the web site visitors seem to favor. This information is extrapolated to derive statistics that are used by VV in much the same manner as a radio station might use ratings to determine how well it is doing. VV only uses this data in aggregate, which means we look at it on a collective basis, in summary form, rather than on an individual basis. The numbers help VV determine which parts of its web site perform the best so we can constantly strive to make sure the site is as appealing to visitors as possible. We may also offer statistics about how our customers use the VV web site to advertisers, sponsors, and other companies we do business with, ("Business Partners"). This is done to ensure Business Partners understand how often visitors use their areas of the site in order for them to provide you with the best experience. The figures provided do not contain personal information about any of VV's users.

Cookies
VV does use "cookies" on its web site. These are pieces of information or data that are sent to your browser from a web server and are then stored on your computer's hard drive for record-keeping purposes. VV uses cookies to make customers' visits to its web site easier. Cookies, for example, enable the VV web site to recognize visitors when they return so that they do not have to sign-in each time they visit. The cookie technology also enables VV to count the number of unique and return visitors who use the site.

Most browsers are set up to accept cookies. Users can reset their browsers to notify them when they've received a cookie or, alternatively, to refuse to accept cookies. It is important to note that customers may not be able to use certain features on the VV web site if they choose not to accept cookies, such as Create & Print, My Page, Address Book, Favorites, and eCard history. In addition, customers who choose not to accept cookies will not be able to participate in any of our sweepstakes, or contests. Cookies also help us track and target customer interests to enhance their experience on our site.

VV's Use of Third-Party Advertiser Cookies
VV does use third-party advertising companies to serve its ads on the Internet. These third-party advertising companies employ cookie and Clear Gif technology (also known as 1x1 Pixel .gifs, Web bugs) to measure and improve the effectiveness of ads. To make this happen, these companies may use anonymous information about visits to our Web site and other Web sites. This information might include: date/time of banner ad shown, the banner ad that was shown, their cookie, the IP address. This information can also be used for online preference marketing purposes. VV does not use or have access to this information.

Users that want to prevent a third-party advertiser from setting and/or reading cookies on personal computers, may either visit each ad network's web site individually and opt out or visit the web site of the National Advertising Initiative ("NAI") to opt-out of all network advertising cookies. Click here for the NAI opt-out site. This site will also provides third-party advertising companies' privacy policies.

Third-Party Use of Advertising Research Cookies Via VV
Occasionally, outside third party research companies may set cookies on personal computer browsers regarding exposure to certain ad placements. These cookies are sometimes used for research purposes if users later opt-in to take a survey. If visitors choose to take the survey, these companies may examine a personal browser to see if a one of their cookies has been set. If the company detects the cookie in a user's browser, it will gather two types of information from it: where an ad was viewed and; how many times it was seen. Internet uses who do not want to receive this type of cookie can opt-out by clicking here.

VV's Collection of IP Addresses
VV collects and analyzes traffic on its web site by keeping track of the IP addresses of its visitors. IP addresses are unique numeric identifiers that are assigned to each computer browser that accesses the Internet. An IP address, by itself, cannot identify a customer personally. However, when combined with other information provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP), an IP address can be used to identify the computer originating a message.

VV INCLUDES THE SENDER IP ADDRESS IN THE HEADER INFORMATION OF EACH ECARD NOTIFICATION E-MAIL IT SENDS OUT. IT IS AVAILABLE TO THE ECARD RECIPIENT AND ANYONE ELSE WHO IS FORWARDED THE NOTIFICATION E-MAIL. THIS LIMITS PERSONAL ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE ANONYMOUSLY USING ECARDS. ECARDS NOT INTENDED OR APPROPRIATE FOR ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS. SUCH ACTIVITY IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED BY THE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY IN OUR TERMS OF SERVICE.

When eCards Are Sent from VV
If a visitor chooses to use the VV web site to send an online eCard or any other content, VV collects users' e-mail addresses and recipients' e-mail addresses. This is necessary to send content and provide confirmation that it has been received. VV does not use recipients' e-mail addresses for any purpose other than sending eCards. VV may also use customers' e-mail addresses to contact them if they have chosen to receive communications from VV or its Partners. (See Opt-Out/Changing Status, below).

Emails we may send you
There are certain instances where VV will send an email to the user:

Newsletters - VV will send e-mails letting the user know about our new e-Card releases and new website features in the form of a newsletter.
Card Notifications – Once you’ve placed your e-Card order, VV will send an email as notification that the card has been sent and another one as notification that the card has been received by the recipient. If for some reason the card cannot be delivered, VV will send you a non-delivery notification.
Birthday Reminders – VV will send you a birthday reminder for every contact in your vivavogue.com Address Book.
Renewal reminders – As a courtesy, VV will send an email notification when your membership is about to expire, unless you have selected auto-renew. If this is the case, then VV will automatically renew your membership without notification.
Administrative and Help emails – VV will respond to any help requests by sending an email. This includes miscellaneous administrative needs such as password reminders, confirmation of payment, renewal confirmations, and such.

From time to time, VV may also send you important updates about our products and services. You can always opt not to receive non-Administrative emails by using the “My Account” page on the VV website (log onto your account first) or using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of emails. Please allow five to seven days for processing. Memberships may also be cancelled at any time.

Personalizing Your VV Experience
VV tries to personalize customers' experiences on its web site by tracking eCards and other content sent and gifts purchased to shape recommendations about the eCards, and gifts that might be of interest to them. VV also examines customer traffic patterns and web site usage to help enhance the design and layout of the site and make it easier to navigate.

Occasionally, VV may send customers surveys or solicit feedback. VV uses surveys to determine user interest in new products and premiums that may be offered. VV may also ask for feedback on eCards and other site features. VV will use the information gathered to improve its web site and provide a more meaningful experience for its users. VV may also use the information to alert customers to offers and products in which they have expressed an interest.

VV Communications
VV sends all of its customers its exclusive VV Newsletter, which alerts them to new features, content, and services, premiums available on its site. Occasionally, VV also sends invitations to enhance VV membership, offers for new products and services from VV, special "Member's Only" premiums, or special offers from affiliates and sponsors. These communications are sent to customers directly by VV. VV does not share personally identifiable information with any third parties in connection with the Newsletter.

Customers can always decline the Newsletter by un-checking the opt-out box on the "Personalize Your eCard" pages or registration pages on the VV site. Customers that receive the Newsletter and want to unsubscribe, can simply follow the "unsubscribe" links at the bottom of each edition. For other ways to unsubscribe, see Opt-Out/Changing Status, below.

Business Partner Communications
VV also offers on occasion customers the opportunity to receive money-saving offers, discounts, and promotions from its Business Partners. These communications may come from VV or directly from the Partners themselves. VV may also share with them certain demographic, geographic, preference, and other personally identifiable information VV has gathered about customers. This helps Partners in directing to customers offers that are more likely to be of interest.

Communications from Partners are conducted strictly on an opt-in basis. In order to receive offers, customers must affirmatively check the marked box on the "Personalize Your eCard" pages and registration pages on the VV site. If a customer leaves the box unchecked, her or she will not receive any offers. Customers that change their minds at a later date are free to opt-out by following the instructions outlined in Opt-Out/Changing Status, below.

VV Mandatory Communications
VV reserves the right to communicate with customers when necessary about important administrative, policy, legal, credit card, and billing matters, which will affect their use of the web site, including without limitation any alleged violations of VV's Terms of Service. These communications are mandatory.

Information Gathered By VV From Its Members
If you elect to purchase a VV Subscription, you will be required to provide VV with certain personal information, including your name, e-mail address, credit card account number, its expiration date, and billing address (this required information is subject to change from time to time). There will also be opportunities for you to provide us with additional information regarding your preferences and interests. This information, however, is not required. It is completely at your discretion to provide it.

Additional data may be collected from Members for certain services they elect to use on the VV web site. For example, VV may track the categories of eCards customers send in order to make appropriate recommendations for products or services available on the VV site or those of our Business Partners. Members may also register for reminders, which are e-mail alerts to track important dates and occasions as specified by customers. VV Membership allows customers to store eCards for future delivery, bookmark favorite eCards, and save eCards received in a virtual scrapbook. By obtaining this information, VV can provide Members with specific content and advertising in which they might be interested. None of this information is required to use the VV service or to become a Member; however, the omission of certain types of data will limit the value of membership.

Those who become Members of VV from one of our co-branded sites, may find their registration information shared with the co-branded partner. In such instances, the site will be clearly labeled with the branding information of VV's partner and links to its privacy policy will be conspicuously posted. VV may also disclose offline addresses to postal advertisers and catalogue marketers. Customers that do not wish to receive such communications, can send an e-mail to Customer Service and it will removed from the list.

VV's USES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you have provided us your consent, VV will use the information collected in five ways: To send personalized, targeted information that we think customers will find relevant, either from VV or directly from its Business Partners;

To include targeted advertising within such messages;
To send promotions and coupons based on customers' interests;
To contact the user for feedback and surveys; and
To send the user other information about and relevant to VV.

On-Site Advertising
VV may also use information about customers to target advertising while they are visiting the VV site. For example, VV may serve ads from toy companies to users searching the Kids Birthday eCard pages. VV may also use geographic or other information we have collected to make sure that the ads seen are for goods and services that are actually of interest to customers or are available in their areas. VV may use cookie files to assure that customers will not be served the same ads repeatedly.

Affiliate Information Sharing
VV reserves the right to share personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to, email, postal addresses, phone numbers and purchase histories, with its Affiliates, which include Happybox.com and Sherbertlane.com. VV may share personally identifiable information with Affiliates in order to conduct promotions, offer special premiums, and share databases and equipment. VV will not share credit card information with anyone, including Affiliates, without customers' express permission. VV reserves the right to share information with other companies that become Affiliates of VV.

Third-Party Information Sharing
VV does not generally share personal information with third parties. VV does reserve the right to share information with third party companies that may be used to offer premiums, maintain subscriptions and perform other service functions. VV does not share equipment or databases with these companies and will not share credit card information with them without customers' express permission. Additionally, any company VV uses will not share, sell, distribute or use customer information except to provide VV services.

eCard Card Information Privacy
VV treats all of its eCard products as private correspondence between the sender and the recipient. VV does not disclose the contents of any eCard other than to the intended recipient, except under the specific situations outlined in Disclosure Exceptions, below.

This policy applies to all aspects of our eCards, including customers' personalized messages, attached photos or graphics, and personalized eCards. Under normal circumstances, VV will not monitor or edit the contents of the online eCards sent by customers. Occasionally, however, VV may need to view a message in connection with the technical processing of an eCard or the maintenance of the VV network. Also, if a customer asks a customer service representative to help send an eCard or to verify that an eCard was sent, that representative will be able to access all information about the card, including the recipient's e-mail address and the message.

Disclosure Exceptions for VV Users
Notwithstanding the above policies, VV reserves the right to disclose personal information to appropriate third-parties if required to do so by law or VV believes that such action is necessary:

To comply with legal process such as a search warrant, subpoena or court order;
To protect the company's rights and property;
To investigate reports of users sending material using a false e-mail address or users sending harassing, threatening, or abusive messages;
To protect against misuse or unauthorized use of the VV web site and/or the VivaVogue.com service; or During emergencies, such as when we believe someone's physical safety is at risk.

A customer's IP address can be accessed by greetings recipients in the header of the notification e-mail. Under certain circumstances, recipients, their legal representatives, and/or law enforcement authorities may be able to combine this with information disclosed by Internet Service Providers to determine the source of a particular communication. By using this service, customers knowingly and voluntarily assume any risks associated with such disclosure.

YOUR RIGHTS FOR CONTROL OVER PERSONAL INFORMATION

Opt-Out/Changing Status

Customers can, at any time, change choices they have previously made as to the use of their personal information. Every communication VV sends will contain a clearly worded "Opt-Out" or "Unsubscribe" link allowing customers to withdraw permission for future mailings. Alternatively, customers can send a blank e-mail to service@vivavogue.com and type "unsubscribe" in the subject field. This system is automated and must be contacted from the email address you wish to have removed. Permission changes will be honored as soon as possible after receipt. Please allow five to seven days for processing. Permission changes will not affect any information which you provided to us and which we previously shared with our Business Partners.

Editing Personal Profiles
Customers who are registered members, have the ability to review and correct personally identifiable information at any time. Simply click on the "My Account" link at the top of the every page to the "My Profile" page. There, customers can change their address information, e-mail type, sign-in, and e-mail permissions. They can also revise, add, delete, or completely cancel all alerts by clicking the "Reminders" links at the top of each page.

For California Residents.
As of January 1, 2005, California Civil Code Section 1798.83 permits visitors to this Site who are residents of California to request information regarding VV's disclosure of their information to third parties for direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, please send an e-mail to VV's Customer Service Center at service@vivavoge.com.

OTHER MATTERS

Protection For Children - COPPA Compliance
VV is committed to protecting the privacy and rights of children online. VV strongly believes that all children should be able to use the Internet in a safe, productive, and efficient manner and should be afforded the highest protection available with respect to personal information. To ensure this, VV has made it part of its policy to not collect any individually identifiable information from users whom we know are under the age of 13. The VV registration process blocks the registration of users under 13 years old and will automatically delete all individually identifiable information collected from such users.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") imposes certain requirements upon web sites and online services that are directed toward children. To learn more about COPPA, click here for the Federal Trade Commission COPPA Web Site.

VV Promotions and Contests
VV sometimes sponsors contests and/or promotions on its sites or in e-mail products. Participation in such contests is strictly options. In order to enter a contest or promotion, customers may be asked to provide personally identifiable information. By entering, customers agree to all of its terms and conditions, which will be clearly outlined in the rules. Where a contest or promotion is not sponsored by VV, the identity of the sponsor will be clearly disclosed in the rules. VV is not responsible for actions or policies of third-party contest sponsors. Customers are encouraged to review the relevant privacy policy of the sponsor before entering.

Sale of Assets
Should VV and/or its units or subsidiaries are be ever sold, acquired, merged, liquidated, reorganized, or otherwise transferred, VV reserves the right to transfer its user databases together with any personally identifiable information contained therein, to a third-party acquiring VV's assets. In the event VV does so, VV will place a prominent notice of the sale on the homepage of its site, with links to information as to how you can change your privacy preferences.

VV's Data Security
When customers place orders for purchased products or access payment information, VV uses an advanced encryption technology known as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to protect the storage and transfer of personal data from unauthorized parties. While on a secure page, such as VV's registration form, a lock or key icon appears on the bottom of your web browser.

In addition to its online security efforts, VV takes steps to protect personal data offline, as well. All customer information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is restricted in VV's offices. Employees are only granted access on a need-to-know basis as it relates to customer service or billing. All VV employees are kept up-to-date on VV's security and privacy practices. Also, the servers on which VV stores personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment, behind a locked cage.

VV's main servers are operated from a dedicated Internet hosting facility with state-of-the-art physical security features. Said features include, but are not limited to, on-site smoke detection and fire suppression systems, motion sensors, and secured access. Customers with questions about security can send an email to VV's Customer Service department.

VV Privacy Policy Changes
VV reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy in response to changing business circumstances and legal developments. When VV makes changes to its Policy, customers will see the word "updated" next to the Privacy Policy link on the front page of the VV site. If there are material changes to this Policy or in how VV uses your personally identifiable information, VV will prominently post changes prior to implementing them. VV encourages customers to periodically review this Policy to be informed of how VV protects their information.

Protect Yourself
It is impossible for any privacy policy can protect customers' privacy and security under every circumstance. The Internet is constantly scanned by hackers, scammers and other undesirable elements looking for targets. A customer's best protection is nothing short of common sense in online dealings. Customers should also arm themselves with information about the limits to privacy on the Internet.

VV adamantly urges its customers to understand that e-mail is an inherently insecure form of communication. Third parties are sometimes able to illegally intercept unencrypted messages, including online eCards.

Anytime an Internet user visits a chat room or posts a message online, e-mail addresses might be accessed by advertisers looking to compile lists for unsolicited commercial e-mail. Internet users are urged to protect the disclosure of their e-mail addresses and to make sure they are only given out under safe circumstances.

Internet users should also be very weary of scams in which unknown people or entities request screen names. Login Names, passwords or credit card information. Users can protect themselves by verifying the identity of anyone who solicits this information before they give it out.

Questions about VV, site security or personal information protection should be directed to VV's Customer Service department.