Last updated: October 2, 2024
The purpose of this Policy is to protect the rights and privacy of living individuals and to ensure that personal data is not processed by Watson PI Services INC. without the person’s knowledge or consent unless otherwise exempt. This document sets out the Data Protection Policy for Watson PI Services INC. (Data Protection Officer and Director: David Watson) and should be read in conjunction with the Watson PI Services INC. Privacy Notice.
Watson PI Services INC. complies with the requirements of the prevailing data protection legislation with regard to the collection, storage, processing, and disclosure of personal information and is committed to upholding the core data protection principles. We are committed to protecting the rights and privacy of individuals (including staff, clients, subjects of investigations, and others) in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation.
Data Collection, Processing, and Purpose
Watson PI Services INC. processes certain personal information about its staff, clients, contractors, and other individuals involved for administrative purposes (e.g., employee payroll) and to comply with legal obligations. During our core business activities, Watson PI Services INC. may be required to process personal data, including personal data of individuals who are identified in client instructions or during investigations.
We will only process personal data in the following circumstances:
- With the explicit consent of the data subject.
- When it is necessary to protect legitimate interests, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights of the data subject.
- In cases where processing is exempt or in compliance with national security, public security, or the enforcement of civil law claims.
Legitimate Interests for Processing Personal Data
It is the policy of Watson PI Services INC. to accept instructions involving personal data processing only under at least one of the following conditions:
- National Security
- Public Security
- Enforcement of Civil Law Claims
- Prevention, Investigation, or Prosecution of Criminal Offenses
- Matters of Public Interest, including taxation and public health objectives.
Data Minimization and Accuracy
In compliance with data protection laws, the information processed must be:
- Collected and used fairly.
- Accurate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary.
- Stored safely and securely with protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing.
- Retained for no longer than is necessary and used solely for the purpose intended.
Staff Responsibilities
The policy applies to all data subjects. In the event of a breach of this Privacy Policy or data protection legislation by a member of staff, Watson PI Services INC. will address it under its employment disciplinary procedures or, for third parties, as a breach of contract. All staff and affiliates must ensure that personal data supplied or handled by Watson PI Services INC. is accurate and up to date. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all staff and affiliates.
Data Subject Rights
Data subjects have the following rights regarding their personal data:
- Right, to access the personal information held by Watson PI Services INC..
- Right to prevent processing that may cause damage or distress.
- Right to prevent processing for direct marketing purposes.
- Right to rectify, block, erase, or destroy inaccurate data.
- Right to request an assessment of data processing by a relevant data protection authority.
- The right to withdraw consent at any time is provided by written notice.
Data Security and Storage
Personal data must be kept secure and accessible only to those who need to use it. Some precautions include:
- Storing data in lockable rooms, locked filing cabinets, or on password-protected devices.
- Ensuring that PC screens and terminals are not visible to unauthorized personnel.
- Deleting or securely disposing of personal data when no longer needed, using shredding for paper records or data wiping for electronic storage.
Data Transfer
Personal data must not be transferred to another jurisdiction unless that jurisdiction complies with or is compatible with applicable data protection regulations.
Data Breach and Monitoring
Any personal data breach or unauthorized access must be reported to the Data Protection Officer immediately. Watson PI Services INC. employs monitoring and surveillance techniques, such as CCTV, for the purpose of personal security and to protect the premises. Any data collected from such monitoring will be handled securely and confidentially and only accessed by authorized personnel.
Consent for Processing
Watson PI Services INC. will only process personal data if the data subject has provided explicit consent or if there is a legitimate basis for processing. Consent must be actively communicated, such as by signing a consent form, and can be withdrawn at any time.
Data Retention
Watson PI Services INC. retains personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated. Personal data will not be kept longer than necessary and will be securely disposed of when no longer required.
Contact Information
For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights as a data subject, please contact the Data Protection Officer:
David Watson
Data Protection Officer
Watson PI Services INC.
123 Main Street, Austin, Texas, USA
Phone: 512-801-9754
Email: privacy@watsonpiservices.com