D&B - An Industry Leader in Data Protection Practices

For more than 160 years, D&B has collected information on businesses to create products and services that assist its customers in critical buying and selling decisions.

D&B is one of the world's leading providers of business-to-business credit, marketing and purchasing services. As a leader in the information industry, D&B developed data protection practices more than 20 years ago.

The fundamental principles of those data protection practices still apply to our information products and services.

Data protection practices for the Internet

D&B delivers products and services through the Internet faster and more efficiently than ever before. D&B recognizes that the free flow of information must be balanced against an individual's privacy interests. The company also believes the adoption of balanced data protection practices for the Internet makes good business sense. Therefore, D&B subscribes to the practices described below.

D&B data collection practices browsing a web site

Generally, a visitor to a D&B Web site does not have to reveal any individually identifiable information such as name, address or telephone number. Some non-individually identifiable information is collected by Web site servers such as what browser is being used or the domain name from which a visitor entered the site (e.g., www.your company.com).

Use of Internet technology

We sometimes use an Internet device called a cookie to store login or other information on your computer. A cookie is a small amount of information that a web site transfers to your computer's hard drive. Many web sites use cookies to make your life as a web user easier and more engaging. We use cookies to simplify your access or to tailor our services to your needs and interests. Some pages within D&B sites require provision of individually identifiable information to order a product or to register with D&B. When this information is requested, you will know because you will be asked to complete a form and return it to us. The data requested may include your name, mailing and e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers.

D&B collects this individually identifiable information to complete business transactions, deliver products and services, administer individual accounts, provide customer support and meet government regulatory requirements. D&B does not store the information on its Web servers nor does the company sell or otherwise share the information externally. D&B does, however, from time to time compile online transaction and registration information for internal analyses such as researching and identifying market segments and needs.

Data protection practices

Many of the measurable benefits derived from D&B products and services are a result of the ability to freely move information. Recognising that the free flow of the information must be balanced against an individual's privacy interests, D&B developed data protection practices more than 20 years ago. The fundamental principles of those data protection practices still apply to our traditional information products and services. The company also believes that employing balanced data protection practices makes good business sense. Therefore, D&B subscribes to the practices described below.

The data D&B collects

D&B’s global database contains more than 180 million business records from 220 countries. D&B collects this information for purposes such as: giving trading partners a sense of who is responsible for the decisions that drive the business; providing the business qualifications of the business managers; and serving as a resource to assess the likelihood of a business' success. Such business uses represent non-personal interests, pertaining to a business enterprise for business-to-business commerce decisions, not the individual personally.

Sources of D&B's information

The collection of accurate information is our main focus. Our primary sources of information are the owners or principals of businesses and public records such as business registries, courts and bankruptcy filings.

Data quality

Data quality is at the heart and soul of any successful information company. Working to ensure that data are up-to-date and accurate benefits the data subject and D&B. To help ensure quality data, D&B employs extensive measures, including direct contacts with businesses and quality review at both the point of collection and at the end of the data collection process.

Access and correction process

When a business owner or principal contacts D&B about a potential error, we act promptly to correct errors or misleading information whenever we learn of it.

Data security

D&B takes technical, contractual and administrative steps to control data in order to protect against unauthorized access to and disclosure of it. For example, D&B will not provide data to third parties without a contractual relationship. Our strict contractual processes stipulate valid / authorized uses of D&B data and bind our customers to relevant country laws.

D&B have policies and documented procedures associated with data collection, accuracy, quality, updating, notification, disclosure, privacy concerns and more. Employees are required not to discuss our information with non-business associates. The secrecy and professional conduct of the employees is of great importance to D&B, its customers and the data subjects.

Accountability

D&B is subjected to local Data Protection legislation and authority regulations in the countries where we operate. In every D&B country or market there is at least one Data Protection Officer appointed.

Operationally, each issue above is covered by a senior manager and team, with audit tools to ensure full compliance with the practices. In addition, within our United States’ General Counsel's office is a designated lawyer with global responsibility for the company's data protection policies.

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