Privacy Policy

1. Context & Governance

Gene Worldwide Inc. is an independent creative and brand agency headquartered in Toronto, Canada, operating across North America and global markets. This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected through our website, digital properties, diagnostic assessments, client inquiries, and business-to-business communications.

By accessing our website or submitting information to us, you acknowledge and consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with these practices, please discontinue use of the website.

2. Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information directly from you, automatically through your device, and occasionally from third-party professional sources:

• Direct Submissions: When you complete an inquiry form, request a Brand Dominance Diagnostic sprint, subscribe to our perspectives, or email our team, we collect your full name, business email address, organization/company name, job title, area of interest, and any project brief details you share.
• Automated Device & Browsing Data: When you navigate our website, our servers and integrated tools automatically log your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, operating system, device characteristics, referral URLs, pages viewed, time spent on pages, and navigation pathways.
• Professional & Commercial Contacts: In the context of business-to-business agency engagements, we may collect professional contact details from public business registries, LinkedIn, or enterprise directory services to initiate commercial discussions.

3. Purpose of Processing & How We Use Information

We process personal data strictly for legitimate business, commercial, and operational purposes:

• Responding to Inquiries: Reviewing client proposals, answering RFP briefs, and scheduling executive leadership briefings.
• Diagnostic & Advisory Sprints: Conducting 5P Brand Dominance category benchmarks and delivering custom executive scorecards.
• Thought Leadership & Communications: Sending executive POVs, newsletters, and agency announcements (with clear opt-out mechanisms provided in every email).
• Platform Analytics & Experience: Monitoring site traffic, page load velocity, responsive performance, and user engagement via Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Tag Manager.
• Legal, Regulatory & Security Compliance: Protecting against malicious activity, verifying identity, enforcing our contractual agreements, and fulfilling statutory record-keeping duties.

4. Disclosure & Information Sharing

Gene Worldwide does not rent, sell, or monetize personal information. We disclose personal data only under rigorous safeguards in the following circumstances:

• Trusted Service Providers & Subprocessors: We work with verified infrastructure partners who assist in operating our website, CRM, and communications systems (including HubSpot for CMS/CRM hosting, Google for enterprise analytics, and secure cloud storage providers). All subprocessors are bound by data processing agreements ensuring confidentiality and strict data security.
• Corporate Restructuring: In the event of a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganization, or sale of assets, personal data held by Gene Worldwide may be transferred to the successor entity subject to this privacy policy.
• Statutory & Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by court order, subpoena, government regulation, or to defend the legal rights, property, and safety of Gene Worldwide, our clients, or the public.

5. Global Privacy Rights & Regional Compliance

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have statutory rights regarding your personal information:

• Canada (PIPEDA): You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, request corrections to inaccurate records, and withdraw consent for marketing uses.
• European Economic Area & UK (GDPR / UK-GDPR): You have the right of access, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), restriction of processing, data portability, and the right to object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
• California & US States (CCPA/CPRA): California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, request correction of inaccurate data, and opt out of any sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising. Gene does not sell personal information or retain sensitive personal data beyond necessary agency functions.

To exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Office at privacy@geneworldwide.com. We will verify your identity and respond in accordance with statutory deadlines.

6. Data Security & Retention

We implement technical, physical, and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. All data transmissions between your browser and our website are encrypted using industry-standard Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.3 / SSL).

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was gathered, satisfy contractual agency obligations, and comply with legal, tax, and regulatory retention requirements.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses first-party and third-party cookies, tags, and tracking scripts to facilitate navigation, ensure security, and compile aggregate analytics. For comprehensive information about each category of cookie and to customize your choices, please visit our dedicated Cookie Policy & Settings or click Cookie Settings at any time.

8. Third-Party Websites & Embeds

Our website may include links to third-party websites, social platforms, or embedded media players (such as Vimeo or YouTube). Gene Worldwide does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy notices of any external site you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and healthcare marketing services are directed solely at enterprise professionals and individuals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal data from individuals under 16 years of age.

10. Modifications to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our operational practices, new service capabilities, or regulatory updates. Any modifications will be posted to this page with an updated Effective Date. Continued use of the website following the posting of revisions constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.