7618 17th Ave 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11214

(800) 647-7999
(718) 234-0005

EU-US - Privacy Shield

Privacy Policy

EU-US Privacy Shield - Privacy Policy 2021

DDS is a consumer reporting agency governed by the U.S. Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), among other applicable laws, As such, DDS maintains both internal and external procedures to help ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal information that we obtain as a result of conducting background verification services for our clients. DDS complies with the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework as set forth by the US Department of Commerce regarding the collection, use, and retention of personal information from European Union member countries. DDS has certified that it adheres to the Privacy Shield Principles of Notice, Choice, and Accountability for Onward Transfer, Security, Data Integrity and Purpose Limitation, Access, and Recourse, Enforcement and Liability. If there is any conflict between the policies in this privacy policy and the Privacy Shield Principles, the Privacy Shield Principles shall govern. To learn more about the Privacy Shield program, and to view our certification page, please visit https://www.privacyshield.gov/

1. Notice 
DDS receives personal information about consumers from its clients. DDS’s clients certify to DDS that (a) they have obtained the consumer’s consent to share this information with DDS for purposes of conducting background verifications on the consumer for employment or other permissible purposes under the FCRA and or other applicable law; (b) they will use the results of DDS’s background verification information for those permissible purposes only. This can include hiring, promotion, and discharge decisions, as well as inclusion into certain health care programs. DDS prepares reports for its clients that are in compliance with FCRA or other applicable law and correspond with the consumer’s authorization. The report information can include, but is not limited to Criminal Convictions, Consumer Credit Report, Employment / Education History, Driving Record and Residence History. DDS provides their contact information in accordance with FCRA or other applicable laws to the consumer who may have inquiries, concerns or complaints with the information provided to the client. DDS may also be required to disclose an individual’s personal information in response to a lawful request by public authorities, including to meet National Security or Law Enforcement requirements.

2. Choice 
In accordance with the EU-US Privacy Shield Policy Principles, DDS will not use the consumer information for any other purpose than stated, without first giving the consumer an opportunity to “opt out” from such use. If the information is “sensitive” information as defined in the EU-US Privacy Shield (i.e., personal information specifying medical or health conditions, racial or ethnic origin, political opinions or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership or information concerning the sex life of the individual), DDS will use the information for an incompatible purpose only if the consumer affirmatively authorized “opt in” for that use. 

3. Accountability for Onward Transfer (Transfers to Third Parties)
DDS will only disclose consumer information to the DDS client who is authorized to receive that information based on an executed Service Agreement between DDS and the client specifying that (a) the client comply with FCRA and other applicable privacy laws and (b) there is a written authorization from and by the consumer allowing both DDS and DDS’s client to have access to their information. In cases of Onward Transfer to third parties of data of EU individuals received pursuant to the EU-US Privacy Shield, DDS is potentially liable.

4. Access 
DDS allows the consumer to access and receive a copy of the information provided by DDS to the client in accordance with FCRA or other applicable law. Consumers may also request that DDS correct, amend or delete information that the consumer feels is inaccurate by contacting DDS directly at (800) 647-7999, or (718) 234-0005. The consumer can also email DDS at service@employeescreening.com with their concerns. In either case, DDS will require proof of the consumer’s identity prior to taking any further action. If DDS determines that there is a legitimate discrepancy in any reported information, DDS will (at its own expense) re-verify any information in question. If the information is amended due to a discrepancy, DDS will make that information available to the client. 

5. Security 
DDS takes all reasonable precautions to protect the personal information received about consumers. While DDS cannot guarantee the security of that information, we utilize a combination of online and offline security technologies, procedures and organizational measures to help safeguard consumer information against loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration and destruction. DDS utilizes Secure Socket Layer (SSL) data encryption when data is transmitted over the Internet to our web site. There are layered firewalls and other security technologies to help prevent unauthorized access to our system. Strong password protection protocols are used on our computers, and employees are kept up-to-date on our security and privacy policies. The servers used to store consumer information are maintained off site and in a secure environment with appropriate security measures.

6.Data Integrity and Purpose Limitations
DDS is committed to take the proper legal steps in accordance with applicable law to ensure that the information we provide to clients and consumers is accurate, complete, current, and reliable for its intended use. DDS cannot be responsible for errors that exist within public court records or within records of other consumer reporting agencies, such as the national credit bureaus, and therefore cannot act as a guarantor of the information. As stated in section 4, DDS is available to any consumer who believes that the information provided is not accurate. As stated in section 1, DDS limits information gathering and reporting to the specific client based on specific requests that are relevant to the hiring process. 

7. Enforcement 
In compliance with the EU-US Privacy Shield Principles, DDS commits to resolve complaints about your privacy and our collection or use of your personal information. European Union individuals with inquiries or complaints regarding this privacy policy should first contact DDS at (800)647-7999, or info@employeescreening.com. Please ask for, or attention correspondence to EU-US Privacy Shield Compliance Officer. 

In compliance with the EU-US Privacy Shield Principles, DDS commits to resolve complaints about your privacy and our collection or use of your personal information. Swiss citizens with inquiries or complaints regarding this privacy policy should first contact DDS at (800)647-7999, or info@employeescreening.com. Please ask for, or attention correspondence to EU-US Privacy Shield Compliance Officer. 

DDS has further committed to refer unresolved privacy complaints under the Privacy Shield Principles to an independent dispute resolution mechanism, the BBB EU PRIVACY SHIELD. If you do not receive timely acknowledgment of your complaint, or if your complaint is not satisfactorily addressed, please visit https://bbbprograms.org/privacy-shield-complaints/ for more information and to file a complaint. This service is provided free of charge to you.

If your Privacy Shield compliant cannot be resolved through the above channels, under certain conditions, you may invoke binding arbitration for some residual claims not resolved by other redress mechanisms. See Privacy Shield Annex 1 at https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=ANNEX-I-introduction

DDS is also subject to the investigatory and enforcement powers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Please note that if your complaint is not resolved through these channels, under limited circumstances, a binding arbitration option may be available before a Privacy Shield Panel.

8. Changes to this Privacy Policy 
DDS may revise this policy as new products and services are added. If we decide to change the content of this Privacy Policy, we will post the revised policy in its place at this location. If we revise this Privacy Policy, we will not use or share your information in a way that is inconsistent with the policy that was in effect when your information was collected without first giving consumers the opportunity to opt out from such use or disclosure. Contact Information

Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at: 
DDS – Employee Screening Services
7618 17th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Attn: Compliance Officer