PhysGen Privacy Policy

Summary
Thank you for visiting PhysGen site. The Bioinformatics Research Center (BRC) of the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) maintains this web site. This policy statement is to be considered valid and in practice unless otherwise stated. PhysGen does not publish, disclose, sell, or transfer any personally identifiable information to outside sources unless mandated by subpoena through Federal or State legislation.

Information Collected
Visiting PhysGen site
Our web server automatically collect and store certain information about each visitor who uses this web site, regardless of intent, duration or usage of the published information. This information contains no personally identifiable information about the user. We collect and store the following information about visitors:

• The users computer's IP (Internet Protocol) address;
• The domain from which they access the Internet;
• The Internet address of the web site that directed them to our site;
• The date, time and duration of time they spent visiting the site;
• The name and version of their computer's operating system and browser; and,
• The web pages they visited at our site.

PhysGen program strives to provide the most comprehensive and qualitative resources to our community. We collect user information to assist us in better meeting the needs of our users. For instance, we estimate the total number of users visiting our site from specific Internet domains. This assists us in evaluating if a majority of our users are associated with one or several types biomedical research facilities. We also attempt to learn more about the types of technologies our visitors use, to ensure the web site is works efficiently with those technologies. Unless otherwise stated, no additional information is collected from our visitors.

Corresponding with us via email
When we receive email requests or statements from our users we collect and store all of the information provided. Information may include but not be limited to the users e-mail address the content of the message, and any personal information they chose to include. We primarily use this information to respond to requests quickly and accurately. However we may also use it for internal purposes. It is important to remind users that email is not secure against interception. If users communication contains sensitive information, we suggest sending it via the US Postal Service.

Using online forms
Certain web pages like the "Order" and “Registry" include forms where users actively enter personal information. We use this personal information for shipping, contacting the user, or to provide users with the latest information relevant to their needs. Specifically:

• When you order, we need to know your name, email address, and mailing address. This allows us to process and fill your order and to notify you of your order status.
• When you sign up for services like "Registry", we need your name, your agreement with submission fee, and an email address used to send requested information.

We may also use the information we collect to notify users about important events. Like new services, and special offers we think the user may benefit from. We do not share or sell our user contact information.

Sending personal information to PhysGen
We will collect no personally identifiable information about users when they visit our web site unless they choose to provide that information. In the visitor survey, if users choose the option to provide contact information, this and any subsequent information provided would be used solely for the web site modification conducted by PhysGen. However, data summaries without personal identifiers might be shared with our collaborators to improve the delivery of information. PhysGen will protect information provided by users by email or online form. PhysGen does not publish, disclose, sell, or transfer any personally identifiable information to outside sources unless mandated by subpoena through Federal or State legislation.

Links to Other Sites
Our web sites provide links to related websites. Once users follow a link to any other site, users are subject to that site's privacy policy.

User Consent and Changes to the Privacy Policy
By using our web sites, users automatically consent to the collection and use of this information by PhysGen as described in this document. If we change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that users are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it. Upon modification, the revised policy will apply to all data collected thereafter.

Security and Intrusion Detection
PhysGen is committed to protecting user privacy. To ensure site security and to ensure that this valuable service remains available to our users, we employ software programs to monitor traffic and to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. In the event of an unauthorized access, PhysGen will prosecute intruders to the fullest extent of the law.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Melinda Dwinell:

E-mail: mrdwinel@mcw.edu.
Telephone: (414) 456-4531.
US Postal address:
     Melinda Dwinell, PGA Program Coordinator
     Human & Molecular Genetics Center
     Medical College of Wisconsin
     8701 W. Watertown Plank Road
     Milwaukee, WI 53226.

Revision data: 11/25/2002.

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