PRIVACY STATEMENT

Effective date of this Privacy Statement: February 2024.


We collect your information when you use BLUE STAR services to find our products and services, contact us for information or help, and visit our facilities. This Privacy Statement explains what personal data we collect, why we use it, who we share it with, and how we protect it, along describing with the tools you can use to manage your privacy. We periodically revise this Statement to reflect new and evolving laws that govern privacy. This Privacy Statement is not a contract and does not create any legal rights or obligations.
 

Who We Are: Blue Star is responsible for collection, use, retention, and protection of personal data. Contact details can be found in the section How to Contact Us below.
 

Our Services: When we use the term 'Services', we are referring to our Internet websites, mobile applications, and other services that link to this Privacy Statement and that we offer and manage on our own behalf.

 

This Privacy Statement does not apply to information about our employees, contractors, agents, or job applicants.
 

OUR COLLECTION AND USE OF PERSONAL DATA

 

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT WHEN YOU USE THE SERVICES
 

We ask you to provide personal information when using the Services, as described below. We collect and use some information listed below because we are either legally required to do so or because we need it to provide the Services to you. In such cases, if you do not provide the information that we ask for, we may not be able to provide you with the Services.
 

(a) CUSTOMER SERVICE


When you use our online services to schedule a service call or delivery, make a consumer service inquiry, schedule a discussion, input your information in a chat, ask questions in an online forum, or email us, we collect directly from you identifiers (name) and contact information (telephone number and email address). We also collect directly from you any product/purchase information (types of you own, model and/or serial number of your product, date of purchase, date of installation), sensitive payment information (credit card information and name on credit card), and service information (nature of your issue or question, your products service history) that you choose to provide. During service calls we collect directly from your products diagnostic data to help us trouble-shoot issues requiring service. We use this information to respond to your request for product service, address your questions and comments, register your products, ship or deliver products, issue invoices, process returns, and provide you service and safety bulletins. We also use this information to evaluate and improve our business (including developing new products and services and analysing our existing products and services). We will share this information with our third-party customer service partners so that they can assist us responding to you, to administer service requests, and to execute service calls. Where we provide service on behalf of a third party, we share the information with the third party to obtain reimbursement for our services. If you make a service request, we share your identifiers, contact information, product/purchase information with a third-party provider so that they can market and sell you extended service contracts for your BLUE STAR products.  

 

(b) PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
 

When you choose to participate in our online promotional activities (discounts, rebates, contests, and other similar promotions) we collect directly from you identifiers (full name) and contact information (address, phone number, email address). We use this information to administer the promotional activity that you are participating in. If necessary for the promotional activity, we also collect your product/purchase information (model and/or serial number of your product, date of purchase, and date of installation). We use this information to confirm that you qualify to take part in a specific promotional activity (e.g., when a promotional activity is available only for users of certain products or services or residents of certain states). If we have a sponsor for a specific promotion or if we utilise a third party to administer the promotion or to deliver the prize, we share your personal information with them. Some of these activities have additional rules containing information about how we use and disclose your personal information. These additional rules will be specified at the time of collection.
 

(c) SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
 

If you interact with us through social networking websites, such as Facebook or Twitter, we access such personal information as permitted in accordance with your social media platform privacy settings. We use this information to personalise your online experience, provide exclusive content, and send you marketing communications that we feel may be of interest to you based on your marketing preferences on those social networking websites. We share this information with service providers that assist with the activities described above.

 

(d) LOCATION INFORMATION
 

We collect your location information (zip code) when you search for products on our webpages or apps. This information permits us to determine whether a particular product is available for delivery in your Geographic area. BLUE STAR does not store or use this information other than to make this determination and do not share it with third parties.
 

(e) TEXT/SMS
 

We collect your mobile phone number when you opt in to receive text or SMS messages from us. We do not share with third parties the phone numbers collected for text/SMS purposes.

 

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT AUTOMATICALLY
 

In addition to the personal data you provide directly to us, we also collect information from you automatically via cookies and similar trackers as you use our websites and apps. Specifically, we automatically collect commercial information, Internet and network information, and device data, including those described below. 

 

Information about how you access our services. We collect information such as the website from which you came and the website to which you are going when you leave our websites, how frequently you access the Services, when click the links contained in emails, whether you access the Services from multiple devices and other actions you take on the services. 

 

Usage information. We collect information about your visits to and interaction with our Services, such as the page you visit, how you move around the different sections, how frequently you access them, how much time you spend on each page, what you click on while using our Services, and referring website addresses. We collect this information to understand how you use our websites so that we can make them more intuitive and to conduct targeted advertising. 

 

Device information. We collect information about the device that you use to access our Services, such as your browser type, browser language, hardware type/model/manufacturer, Internet service provider, operating system, date and time stamp, a unique ID that allows us to identify your browser, and your preferences. We use that information for analytical purposes, to prevent fraudulent use of the Services, to enable our Services to function properly, to provide enhanced functionality, and to diagnose server and software errors, as well as, in cases of abuse, to track and mitigate the abuse. 

 

Location information. We collect General information about your Geographic location (such as country, state, latitude and longitude) for analytical purposes, to prevent fraudulent use of the Services, to enable our Services to function properly, and, in cases of abuse, to track and mitigate the abuse. Cookies, and other tracking. We use various tools to collect data when you visit our sites and apps, including cookies, and other similar technologies. 

 

Cookies are bits of electronic data that can be transferred to your computer or other device to identify your browser. When you use our Services, we use cookies and other tools to gather information about how you view and use our services and content, and to connect your activity with other data we store about you. The use of cookies helps us serve you better by understanding what you’re interested in, tracking trends, measuring the effectiveness of ads, saving your preferences, and storing information you may want to retrieve, such as your Wishlist.

 

3. OFFLINE COLLECTION
 

  • Customer service. When you use the phone or a paper form to schedule a service call or make a consumer service inquiry, we collect directly from you identifiers (name) and contact information (telephone number and email address). We also collect directly from you any product/purchase information (types of you own, model and/or serial number of your product, date of purchase, date of installation), and service information (nature of your issue or question, your products service history) that you choose to provide.

    During in-person interactions, we collect identifiers, contact information, product/purchase information, visual information (photos of ), and service information. We also collect directly from your products diagnostic data to help us trouble-shoot issues requiring service. We use the above information to respond to your requests for product service, address your questions and comments, perform repairs, register your products, ship or deliver products, issue invoices, process returns, and provide you service and safety bulletins. We also use this information to evaluate and improve our business (including developing new products and services and analysing our existing products and services). We will share this information with our third-party customer service partners so that they can assist us in responding to you, administering service requests, and executing service calls. Where we provide service on behalf of a third party, we share the information with the third party to obtain reimbursement for our services. If you make a service request, we share your identifiers, contact information, product/purchase information with a third-party provider so that they can market and sell you extended service contracts for your BLUE STAR products. You may at any time use this form to opt out of the sale of your data on a going-forward basis.
     
  • When you participate in our promotional activities using phone or paper form. We collect your identifiers (full name) and contact information (address, phone number, email address). We use this information to administer the promotional activity that you are participating in. If necessary for the promotional activity, we also collect your product/purchase information (model and/or serial number of your product, date of purchase, and date of installation). We use this information to confirm that you qualify to take part in a specific promotional activity (e.g., when a promotional activity is available only for users of certain products or services or residents of certain states). If we have a sponsor for a specific promotion or if we utilise a third party to administer the promotion or to deliver the prize, we share your personal information with them. Some of these activities have additional rules containing information about how we use and disclose your personal information. These additional rules will be specified at the time of collection.
     
  • Interact with us through our distribution networks (including dealers and their related entities). When you purchase Monogram through one of our dealers and you are entitled to a rebate on that purchase, we indirectly collect your taxpayer identification number or social security number to facilitate rebate process. When we perform delivery or repair services on behalf of our dealers, we indirectly collect your identifiers, contact information, and product/purchase information. We use this information to perform these services and share it only as required to obtain reimbursement for performing the services.
     
  • Interact with us at an event. In this case, we will collect directly from you such personal information as you choose to provide to us. For example, if you want to receive additional information on one of our products or services via email, we will collect your name and email address so that we can send you the requested information. We also indirectly obtain your personal data from event facilitators if you have consented to such sharing. We use this information to contact you if you have consented to such contact.
     
  • Visit our facilities. If you visit one of our offices, production facilities, or other secure-access facilities, we collect directly from you personal data, which includes:
    • Identifiers and Contact Information: including full name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number.
    • Professional Information: including job title, job function, company name, professional background, and nature of the relationship with us.
    • Visit Information: Including the purpose of the visit and any restrictions or preferences while on premise (such as dietary restrictions).
    • Security Information: Including sensitive information, such as a copy of a government ID (such as a driver’s licence) and a record of the visitor’s access to our office or event, any use by the visitor of our computer systems, and images or video recordings of the visitor and the visitor’s property while on premises (where permitted by law).

    • We share this information with law enforcement officials and emergency services providers for security, fraud, and safety purposes.

       

  • Publicly available information. We access publicly available information regarding change of residential address. We use this information to improve the accuracy of your contact information. We do not share this information with third parties except service providers.
     

4. BLUE STAR USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
 

In addition to the specific uses disclosed above, we may use the personal information collected about you on an as-needed basis for the following purposes:

  • To conduct investigations and comply with and enforce applicable legal requirements and our Services' terms of use.
  • To ensure the safety of BLUE STAR network services, information resources and employees.
  • Using identifiers and product/purchase information, we infer new information from data we collect to generate information about your likely preferences or other characteristics (“inferences”). We do not use sensitive identifiers to make inferences about you.
  • Using identifiers, product/purchase information, and service information, we conduct research and analytics designed to understand our customers and improve and grow our business, products, services, and customer experience.
  • Using identifiers, contact information, product/purchase information, and service information, we communicate with you to provide technical or administrative support.
  • To prevent, investigate, and defend against fraud or unlawful or criminal activity, access to, or use of personal data and our data systems.
     

5. GENERAL INFORMATION SHARING
 

In addition to the specific information sharing outlined above, we disclose personal information for the following business purposes:
 

Business Representatives. We collect professional personal data about representatives of third-party businesses, including representatives of our customers, suppliers, and business partners, in connection with the operation of our business, which may include:

1. Identifiers and Contact Information: Including full name, email address, mailing address, and telephone number.

2. Professional Information: Including job title, job function, company name and characteristics, professional background, and nature of the relationship with us.

3. Inquiry Information: Including the contents of emails, texts, and other communications and, where permitted by law, recordings of calls with us.

Feedback Information, including information provided in response to surveys we may conduct with customers or business partners, or unsolicited feedback received regarding our services and business.
 

  • To prevent harm or for law enforcement purposes. We will disclose personal information to respond to a subpoena or similar request from law enforcement, a court, or a government agency (including in response to public authorities to meet national security or law enforcement requirements). We will also disclose personal information based on our good faith belief that such action is necessary to (a) comply with a legal obligation, (b) protect or defend our rights, interests or property or that of third parties, (c) prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the services, (d) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of our users or the public, or (e) protect against legal liability.
     
  • As a result of a change in our corporate structure. In the event that we enter into, or intend to enter into, a transaction that alters the structure of our business, such as a reorganisation, merger, acquisition, sale, joint venture, assignment, consolidation, transfer, change of control, or other disposition of all or any part of our business, assets, or stock, we would disclose personal information collected about you to third parties, including the buyer or target (and their agents and advisors) for the purpose of facilitating and completing the transaction. We will disclose personal information with third parties if we undergo bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. Any successor to or acquirer of BLUE STAR will continue to have the right to use your personal data and other information in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Statement
     
  • With your consent. We may ask for your permission to disclose your personal information for a specific purpose not already identified in this Privacy Statement. We will ask for your consent before disclosing your personal data for such purpose.
     

6. CHOICES ABOUT YOUR DATA
 

We provide a variety of ways for you to control the personal data about you we hold, including choices about how we use that information. In jurisdictions, these controls and choices are rights under applicable law.
 

  • Location and device permissions: You can control location tracking by adjusting your location services options on the “Settings” page on your device. We may continue to approximate your location based on your IP address when you access the services through a computer or device. If you would like to update your device content access permissions, you can do so in the “Settings” of your device.
     
  • Global Privacy Control. Some browsers and browser extensions support the Global Privacy Control (“GPC”) that can send a signal to the websites you visit indicating your choice to opt out from certain types of data processing, including data sales. When we receive such a signal from you, we will respect your choices indicated by a GPC setting as required by applicable law.
     
  • Do Not Track. Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (“DNT”) setting that can send a signal to the websites you visit indicating that you do not wish to be tracked. Unlike the GPC described above, there is not a common understanding of how to interpret the DNT signal. Consequently, our websites do not respond to browser DNT signals. You can instead use the range of other tools to control data collection and use, including the cookie and advertising controls described above.

    We do our best to comply promptly with your requests. You may continue to receive marketing communications for a short period after the date you submit your request. Your opt out won’t prohibit us from sending you important service-related communications, such as account verification, transactional communications, changes/updates to features of the Services, and technical and safety notices.
     

7. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
 

The Services are not directed to or intended for use by minors, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from persons under the age of 16. If you are a parent or guardian and you believe we have collected information from your child in a manner not permitted by law, contact us as described below. If we learn that any personal data has been provided by a child under the age of 16, we will delete the information to the extent that we are able.
 

8. HOW WE PROTECT PERSONAL DATA
 

We maintain administrative, technical, organisational, and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorised disclosure, use, alteration, or destruction of your personal data. We employ operations controls such as patching, fixing, and updating software, penetration testing, and logging and monitoring of systems activity. We actively inventory our IT assets, deploy network security measures, and maintain business continuity and secure software development processes. As appropriate, we use technology including encryption, back-ups, access management, security event logging, anti-virus software, and multi-factor authentication. We cannot, however, guarantee the absolute security of your data. We recommend that you use complex and unique passwords for your BLUE STAR and for third-party accounts linked to them. Do not share your passwords with anyone.
 

If you have reason to believe that your interaction with us is no longer secure, immediately notify us as described in the How to Contact Us section below.
 

9. HOW LONG WE RETAIN PERSONAL DATA
 

We strive to retain your personal data only for as long as is needed or permitted, based on the purpose for which it was collected. If necessary, however, we may retain your personal data for longer periods of time, until set retention periods and deadlines expire (for instance where we are required to do so in accordance with legal, tax and/or accounting requirements set by a legislature, regulator, or other government authority), or for regulatory or safety purposes
 

To determine the appropriate duration of the retention of personal data, we consider the amount, nature and sensitivity of the personal data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorised use or disclosure of personal data and if we can attain our objectives by other means, as well as our legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, and other applicable obligations.
 

Accordingly, we retain personal data for as long as you use our Services and for the purposes explained in this Privacy Statement, including maintaining a user account, to permit us to comply with regulatory requirements, to perform contracts, to complete transactions, to perform services, to communicate with you about safety issues, and for uses to which you consent. When you discontinue the use of our Services, we will retain your personal data for as long as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, to resolve disputes and defend claims, as well as for any additional purpose based on the choices you have made (such as to receive marketing communications), the length of your relationship with us, your product purchases, and your service history. This means we may retain your personal data even after you close your account with us.

Rather than delete your data, we might de-identify it by removing identifying details.
 

10. COMPLAINTS

You may be able to submit a complaint about our privacy practices to a government authority with jurisdiction to receive such complaints.
 

11. UPDATES TO OUR PRIVACY STATEMENT
 

We will update this Privacy Statement from time to time. If we make significant or material change in the way we collect, use, or share your personal data, we will post a special note on our websites and apps. We will obtain your consent as required by law. When we make changes to this Privacy Statement, we will update the Statement's effective date. All changes are effective from the date of publication unless otherwise provided in the notification.
 

12. HOW TO CONTACT US


If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement, you can contact us here.