First Step Privacy Policy

We believe that your privacy when using our online services is extremely important. This policy was written to give our members confidence that your personal information is secure whenever you access the Internet and your e-mail.

First Step's Privacy Commitment:

We are committed to protecting your personal privacy. We understand that for you to take full advantage of the benefits of this interactive medium, we must do everything we can to ensure that your privacy is secure.

  1. We do not read or monitor your private on-line communications.
    This includes monitoring your e-mail, chat sessions or any other interactive communications methods.
    First Step does not read or disclose private communications except to comply with valid legal process such as a search warrant, subpoena or court order, to protect the company's rights and property, or during emergencies when we believe physical safety is at risk.
  2. We do not use any information about where you personally go on the Internet, whether that be the World Wide Web, newsgroups or any other resource on the Internet.
    The web sites you visit may have their own privacy policies or no policy at all. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of web sites before providing them with any of your personal information.
  3. We do not give out your telephone number, credit card information or username(s), unless you authorize us to do so.
    When you join First Step, we ask you for your name, address, telephone number, and billing information - including the credit card or debit card used to pay for your account. Here is how we protect that information:

    First Step will not give out your telephone number or e-mail address(es).

    We will not give out your credit or debit card number or checking account information unless you authorize it, for example, during an on-line purchase.

    We have two exceptions to these policies: We will release specific information about your account only to comply with valid legal process such as a search warrant, subpoena or court order, or in special cases such as a physical threat to you or others.

    Each and every First Step employee must abide by First Step's privacy policy. Only authorized First Step employees are permitted to have access to your personal information.

    All First Step employees are required to acknowledge that they understand and will comply with this privacy policy. Employees who violate our privacy policies are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

    We will keep you informed, clearly and prominently, about what we do with your personal information, and we will advise you if we change our policy.

If you'd like to comment on or have questions about our privacy policy, or if you have a concern or policy violation you wish to report, please call us or send an e-mail to abuse@firststep.net

TIPS TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON-LINE

You can take the responsibility to protect your personal privacy on-line. Here is a checklist that will help safeguard your privacy and protect the integrity of your computer and First Step account.

  • Never give your password to anyone on-line. Never give your billing information except to facilitate a purchase.
  • Make your password at least 6 characters in length. Create a password that includes a combination of numbers and letters (such as feb99isp or fff123ggg).
  • If you have fallen for an on-line scam and given out your password, you need to change it right away. Call us as soon as possible.
  • Avoid disclosing information while on-line that could allow people to find you offline, such as your phone number or exact street address.
  • Never download files unless you know what they are and who sent them to you. Computer viruses and destructive programs that could cause your computer to divulge personal information are often transferred in cleverly disguised files.
  • When on the Web, you may want to check the sites you visit to see if they have a privacy policy. Take special care to protect your personal information and your e-mail address, since the operators of web sites are not bound by First Step's privacy policy.
  • Explain to your children that some web sites could ask them for personal information, and make very clear what information they may or may not provide, under any circumstances.