Privacy Policy | Society of Communications Technology Consultants International

Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, Inc.

447 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Ste 612 New York, New York 10013 Phone: 347-937-9070 | 800-782-7670 Website: https://www.sctcconsultants.org/

Effective Date: October 07, 2025

Introduction

The Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, Inc. (SCTC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent communications technology consultants through professional growth, networking, and collaboration opportunities, is committed to protecting the privacy of our members and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how SCTC collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards personal information in connection with our website and our services.

As a non-profit, we do not engage in any commercial data practices, such as selling or reselling personal information. Our practices are guided by ethical standards and applicable laws, including those relevant to non-profit organizations in the United States, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) where applicable, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for members in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland.

By using our website or participating in our programs, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or provide us with personal information.

Information We Collect

SCTC collects minimal personal information, and only when necessary for participation in our organization. We do not use tracking tools such as Google Analytics or any other analytics services to collect information from general website visitors. No personal data is automatically gathered from browsing our site.

The only personal information we collect is from our members, specifically:

Consultant Members: Information required for membership, such as name, contact details (email, phone, address), professional credentials, and payment information for dues (if applicable).
Vendor Advisory Council (VAC) Members: Similar information required for participation in the VAC program, including company affiliation, contact details, and details necessary for collaboration and educational activities.
Survey Responses: When members voluntarily participate in surveys (e.g., feedback on events, professional insights, or program evaluations), we may collect responses that include personal opinions, preferences, or additional contact details if provided. Survey participation is optional and responses are anonymized where possible.

This information is provided voluntarily during the membership application, registration process, or survey submission and is used solely to facilitate your participation in SCTC activities, such as events, webinars, conferences, networking opportunities, and improving our services through member feedback.

We do not collect sensitive personal information (e.g., health data, financial account numbers beyond basic payment processing) unless explicitly required for a specific program and with your consent.

How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect from members solely for the following purposes:

To process and manage membership applications and renewals.
To communicate about SCTC events, conferences, webinars, and opportunities (e.g., newsletters, invitations).
To facilitate networking and collaboration among members.
To maintain accurate member directories for internal use.
To fulfill legal obligations, such as tax reporting for non-profit status.
To send surveys for gathering member feedback and insights to enhance our programs and services.
To send SMS (text messages) for time-sensitive communications, such as event reminders, survey invitations, or urgent updates, using the phone numbers provided during membership registration. SMS communications are limited and members can opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to any SMS or contacting us directly.

We do not use your information for marketing, advertising, or any unsolicited communications beyond SCTC-related matters. Members can opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting us.

For members in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, our processing of personal data is based on the following lawful bases under the GDPR:

Contract: To fulfill membership obligations and provide services.
Legitimate Interests: For internal administrative purposes, networking, event communications, surveys, and SMS notifications, where these interests are not overridden by your rights.
Consent: For SMS communications where required by law, which can be withdrawn at any time.

Sharing and Disclosure of Information

SCTC does not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose personal information to third parties for their own commercial purposes. We may share information only in limited circumstances:

With service providers who assist us in operating our organization (e.g., email service providers for newsletters, payment processors for dues, survey platforms for anonymous feedback collection, or SMS providers for secure message delivery), under strict confidentiality agreements.
With other members for legitimate networking purposes, such as sharing contact details in a members-only directory (with your consent).
As required by law, such as in response to a subpoena or regulatory request.

All shared information is limited to what is necessary, and we require recipients to protect it in accordance with this policy. Survey responses are aggregated and anonymized before any internal analysis or sharing to prevent identification.

For international data transfers (e.g., to the US from the EEA/UK/Switzerland), we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions where applicable, to ensure your data remains protected.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. This includes secure storage, access controls, and encryption where appropriate (e.g., for SMS transmission). However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain member information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law (e.g., for financial records). Survey responses are retained for a limited period (typically 1-2 years) for analysis and improvement purposes, after which they are anonymized or deleted. Upon termination of membership or at your request, we will securely delete or anonymize your information, except where retention is legally mandated.

Your Rights and Choices

As a member, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request a copy of the information we hold about you.
Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion: Request removal of your information (subject to legal retention requirements).
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from emails, SMS (by replying "STOP" or contacting us), surveys, or limit sharing in directories.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically 30 days.

Additional Rights for California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

As a non-profit organization, SCTC is generally exempt from the CCPA and CPRA. However, we voluntarily provide California residents with similar rights to promote transparency and trust:

Right to Know: Request details about the categories of personal information we have collected, disclosed, or sold (note: we do not sell personal information).
Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to exceptions.
Right to Opt-Out of Sale or Sharing: Although we do not sell or share personal information for monetary or other valuable consideration, you may submit an opt-out request at any time.
Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: We do not collect or use sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary for membership.

California residents may also designate an authorized agent to exercise these rights on their behalf. We do not discriminate against users who exercise their rights. For requests, contact us as described below, and include verification of your identity and residency.

Additional Rights for Residents of the EEA, UK, and Switzerland (GDPR)

For members located in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, we comply with the GDPR. In addition to the rights listed above, you have:

Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request deletion of your data under certain conditions.
Right to Restriction of Processing: Limit how we process your data in specific circumstances.
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests, including profiling (we do not engage in automated decision-making).
Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw it at any time (this does not affect prior processing), such as for SMS or surveys.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority if you believe we have infringed data protection laws. A list of EU data protection authorities is available at https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en.

We conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments where required and appoint a representative in the EU if necessary, though as a small non-profit, our processing is limited.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age (or 16 in some jurisdictions under GDPR). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages. If we become aware of such collection, we will promptly delete it.

Cookies and Website Technologies

Our website does not use cookies, web beacons, or similar tracking technologies for data collection. Your visit is anonymous unless you choose to provide information through a membership form or survey.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify members via email and post the updated version on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, including exercising your rights under CCPA, GDPR, or other laws, please contact:

Society of Communications Technology Consultants International, Inc. Attn: Privacy Officer 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Ste 612 New York, New York 10013 Email: sctchq@sctcconsultants.org Phone: 347-937-9070 | 800-782-7670

For GDPR-related inquiries from EEA/UK/Swiss residents, you may also contact us at sctchq@sctcconsultants.org.

Thank you for trusting SCTC with your information. We value your privacy and are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.