Lifeline Malawi (LM) is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information of its employees, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders. LM values the trust of those we deal with, and of the public, and recognizes that maintaining this trust requires that we be transparent and accountable in how we treat the information that the public chooses to share with us.

1. Definition of Personal Information
   1. Personal information is any information that can be used to distinguish, identify or contact a specific individual. This information may include an individual’s opinions or beliefs, as well as facts about, or related to, the individual. Information that may be collected may include names, address, city, province, postal code, telephone number, e-mail address and, in the case of giving, bank account and/or credit card numbers and expiration dates.
   2. Exceptions: Business contact information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers as published in telephone directories, are not considered personal information.
   3. Where an individual uses his or her contact information as business contact information as well, LM considers that the contact information provided is business contact information, and it not therefore subject to protection as personal information.
   
    
2. How the Information is used
   1. During the course of various projects and activities, LM may gather and use personal information. Anyone from whom the information is collected shall be assured that it will be carefully protected and that any use of or other dealing with this information is subject to consent.
   2. LM may use this information to complete a transaction and/or issue an income tax receipt for a donation. LM may also use this information to update individuals on ministry projects and activities. (i.e. newsletters, annual reports, etc.)
   3. Credit card numbers shall only be used for donations and are not retained for any other purposes.
   4. If requested, LM shall remove the individual’s names from the mailing list
   
    
3. Privacy Practices
   1. Personal information gathered by LM shall be kept in confidence. LM personnel are authorized to access personal information based only on their need to deal with the information for the reason(s) for which it was obtained. Safeguards are in place to ensure that the information is not disclosed or shared more widely than is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. LM shall take measures to ensure the integrity of this information is maintained and shall prevent its being lost of destroyed.
   2. LM shall collect, use and disclose personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in light of the circumstances.
   3. LM shall never sell, rent, lease or exchange personal information with other organizations. LM shall ensure that the identity of all who contact the organization through their website shall be kept confidential.
   
    
4. Security
   1. LM shall be committed to ensuring the security of personal information. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy and ensure the proper use of information, LM shall have established and implemented appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information that is collected.
   2. For on-line transactions, LM shall use password protocols and encryption software when collecting or transferring sensitive data such as credit card information.
   3. Credit card information is accessible only to the Director, Canadian Operations or designate, who shall be specifically trained in process such information.
   
    
5. Contact Information
   1. Individuals shall have the opportunity to remove their names from the mailing list so that they do not receive any future communications from LM.
   2. Individuals shall also have the opportunity to change their information that is in the database.
   3. For removal of or changes to information, the individual shall send an e-mail to info@lifelinemalawi.com