Privacy Notice
How Industrial Quick Search, Inc. collects, uses, discloses, and protects information across air-filters.org and affiliated IQS microsites.
Introduction
Industrial Quick Search, Inc. ("IQS," "we," "us," "our") respects privacy and takes data protection seriously. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect information when you visit or interact with our Sites, register for accounts, request content (including white papers and webinars), submit inquiries or RFQs, or otherwise use the Services.
Our Services are designed primarily for a business audience and may involve industrial directories, educational resources, supplier listings, and interactions between Users and third parties (such as advertisers, sponsors, and suppliers). Some information we process relates to business professionals and business activity and may include identifiers that are considered "personal data" or "personal information" under certain laws.
A key part of our ecosystem includes measurement and lead-intelligence capabilities. As a result, we may collect and analyze interaction data across our Sites, and we may use technical identifiers and matching methods to recognize a browser or device over time and, in some cases, to infer or identify the organization and/or business professional associated with a visit (for example, for analytics, attribution, fraud prevention, and to help our Customers understand engagement with their content). We describe these practices in more detail below.
A. Overview and Key Definitions
A1. Who We Are (Controller / Business)
For purposes of EU/UK data protection laws, IQS is the "controller" of personal data processed through the Services. For California privacy laws, IQS is generally a "business."
Company: Industrial Quick Search, Inc. Address: 1500 E Beltline Ave SE Ste 265, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-4363 Privacy Contact: sales@iqsdirectory.com
A2. Key Definitions
- "User" means any visitor to our Sites, whether registered or not.
- "Customer" means an organization that advertises with us, sponsors content, receives leads/inquiries, or otherwise engages commercially with our audience.
- "Affiliate" means an advertising, analytics, measurement, marketing, or enrichment partner that supports our operations.
- "Third-Party Content" means content provided by others (e.g., white papers, webinars, tools, or embedded media).
- "Cross-Site Data" means information derived from your interactions across IQS Directory and our microsites.
- "Persistent Identifiers" means cookie IDs, mobile ad IDs, and similar identifiers that can remain on your device over time ("sticky cookies").
- "Probabilistic Identifiers / Fingerprinting" means identifiers derived from device or browser signals to recognize a browser or device over time.
- "Identification / Matching" means processes used to infer or identify the organization, household, or business professional associated with a visit or interaction.
- "AI Use" means using information to develop, improve, test, secure, and operate automated systems, including analytics, classification, fraud prevention, and identification/matching workflows.
B. Information We Collect
B1. Information You Provide Directly
- Name, email address, phone number, and other contact details
- Company name, address, country, job function, and industry
- Account credentials (such as username and password)
- Subscription and communication preferences
- Information submitted via forms (RFQs, webinar registrations, content downloads, survey responses)
- Messages and communications you send to us
B2. Information Collected Automatically
- IP address and approximate location (city/region inferred from IP)
- Device identifiers and device information (hardware model, OS, browser type/version)
- Referrer/landing pages, pages viewed, time spent, clicks, scrolling, and navigation paths
- Search terms used on our Sites and interactions with results
- Time zone, language, and regional settings
- Cookie identifiers, persistent identifiers, and similar tracking technologies
- Technical signals that may be used to generate or recognize probabilistic identifiers
B3. Information from Third Parties
- Customers/sponsors when they provide campaign data or confirm lead outcomes
- Service providers supporting analytics, marketing measurement, security, hosting, or communications
- Enrichment/identification partners that provide business-related information associated with IP addresses or other identifiers
- Publicly available sources relevant to the business context of our directory content
C. How We Use Information
C1. Core Purposes
- Provide and operate the Services, including account access and site functionality
- Respond to requests, deliver downloads, register you for webinars, and provide support
- Facilitate communications you initiate (e.g., contacting a supplier or requesting information)
- Improve quality, relevance, and performance of our Sites and content
- Protect the Services, users, and the public (fraud prevention, abuse detection, security monitoring, troubleshooting, and compliance)
C2. Cross-Site and Microsite Interaction Data
Because our ecosystem includes IQS Directory and multiple microsites, we may collect and analyze interactions across any of our Sites to understand performance, improve user experience, measure campaigns, detect abuse, and improve relevance. This may include combining activity signals across IQS-operated domains to create aggregated insights and improve Services.
C3. Analytics, Measurement, and Advertising
- Measure traffic and engagement
- Attribute marketing campaign performance
- Limit frequency of ads (where applicable)
- Personalize on-site content and recommendations
- Evaluate supplier, listing, and content performance at an aggregated level
- Generate internal reporting and diagnostics for quality control and business operations
C4. Identification, Matching, and Lead Intelligence
Because IQS operates an industrial directory, we may use interaction data and technical identifiers to recognize browsers/devices over time and to infer or identify the organization and/or business professional associated with a visit. This may include:
- IP-based lookup and matching to infer an associated organization
- Correlation of activity with form submissions
- Use of persistent identifiers ("sticky cookies") to link sessions across time
- Use of probabilistic identifiers/fingerprinting-style techniques to recognize a browser/device across sessions and across IQS-operated Sites
- Use of enrichment providers that may supply business-related information associated with identifiers
Identification and matching may be probabilistic and may not always be accurate. These signals should be used as decision-support information rather than definitive proof of identity.
C5. AI Use (IQS Internal Use)
We may use information we collect for AI-assisted and automated processing to:
- Improve search relevance, ranking quality, and content discovery
- Detect spam, fraud, abuse, suspicious traffic patterns, and bot activity
- Improve classification, categorization, and quality assessment of industrial content
- Improve matching/identification workflows and quality controls
- Enhance reporting, analytics, and operational efficiency
- Develop and improve automated systems that support our operations
We do not intend to use personal data in a manner that produces legal or similarly significant effects through solely automated decision-making without appropriate safeguards where required by law.
C6. Legal Bases (GDPR/EEA/UK)
Where EU/UK laws apply, we rely on one or more of the following: contract necessity, legitimate interests, consent (where required), and legal obligation. Where legitimate interests apply, we consider the impact on individuals and implement safeguards such as data minimization, access controls, purpose limitation, and retention limits.
E. How We Share Information
E1. With Customers, Sponsors, and Suppliers
If you register for, download, or participate in sponsored content, or submit an inquiry intended for a supplier/Customer, we may share your submitted information with that party so they can respond to your request. Those third parties process your information under their own policies.
E2. With Service Providers
We share information with vetted vendors that help us operate the Services: hosting and content delivery providers, analytics and measurement providers, email and communications tools, security and fraud prevention providers, enrichment providers, and customer support systems. These providers are restricted to using information only to perform services for us.
E3. Within Our Corporate Group / Affiliates
We may share information among IQS-affiliated entities where necessary to operate, support, secure, or improve the Services.
E4. Legal, Safety, and Business Transfers
We may disclose information to comply with law or legal process, to enforce our Terms and protect rights and safety, and in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or transfer of assets (with appropriate safeguards).
E5. Aggregated / De-Identified Information
We may share aggregated or de-identified information (such as summary analytics reports) that does not reasonably identify an individual.
F. Data Retention and Security
We keep personal data only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Notice, including contractual needs, legitimate operational needs (security, fraud prevention, auditing, measurement), and legal obligations. Retention periods vary by data type and purpose.
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, or loss.
G. Your Rights and Choices
G1. EU/UK/EEA Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the EEA/UK, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict processing, object to processing, request data portability, and withdraw consent. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority. To exercise these rights, contact sales@iqsdirectory.com.
G2. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you may have rights to:
- Know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, and share
- Delete certain personal information (subject to exceptions)
- Correct inaccurate personal information
- Opt out of "sale" or "sharing" of personal information (as defined by California law)
- Limit the use/disclosure of "sensitive personal information" where applicable
- Not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising privacy rights
Submit requests to sales@iqsdirectory.com with the subject line "California Privacy Request."
H. Children
Our Services are intended for a mature business audience and are not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without appropriate permission. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
I. International Data Transfers
We may process and store information in the United States and other countries where we or our service providers operate. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for international transfers such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful transfer mechanisms.
J. Changes and Contact
We may update this Notice from time to time. If changes are material, we will provide notice by reasonable means. Continued use of the Services after the effective date means you accept the updated Notice.
Privacy Contact: sales@iqsdirectory.com
Mail: Industrial Quick Search, Inc., 1500 E Beltline Ave SE Ste 265, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-4363
Terms of Use
The terms that govern access to and use of air-filters.org and the wider IQS Services.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using our Sites or Services, you agree to these Terms of Use ("Terms"), which incorporate the Privacy Notice and any additional policies or guidelines posted on our Sites. If you do not agree, do not use the Services. You represent that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.
2. Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time by posting updated Terms. Changes are effective upon posting. Your continued use after changes means you accept them.
3. Description of Services, Platform Role, No Endorsement
We provide industrial directories, informational resources, and tools that may enable Users to request information, connect with suppliers, download content, or interact with Customers/sponsors. We are not the manufacturer, seller, buyer, or broker of products or services offered by third parties. You are solely responsible for evaluating and qualifying any third party you choose to interact with.
4. Accuracy, Stale Information
Information on the Sites may change over time. We do not guarantee that information on the Sites is complete, current, or error-free, and we have no duty to update third-party information.
5. Accounts, Registration, Security
If you create an account, you agree to provide accurate information and keep it updated. You are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity under your account. We may suspend or terminate accounts for any reason, including suspected misuse or violation of these Terms.
6. User Content and Submissions
You are solely responsible for content you submit and represent that you have the rights to submit it. By submitting User Content, you grant IQS a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, use, reproduce, modify, display, and distribute such content only as reasonably necessary to operate and provide the Services.
7. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use the Services for unlawful, harmful, fraudulent, or deceptive activity
- Post or transmit content that is defamatory, obscene, harassing, or infringing
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts, systems, or data
- Interfere with or disrupt the Services (including introducing malware)
- Harvest personal data about other users without authorization
- Misrepresent your identity or affiliation
8. Anti-Scraping, Data Mining, Automated Access
You may not scrape, crawl, harvest, copy, or extract content, listings, or data from our Sites using robots, spiders, scrapers, data mining tools, or other automated means without our prior written permission. You may not use the Sites to build or augment a competing database or service.
9. Intellectual Property
The Sites and Services are owned by IQS or its licensors and are protected by intellectual property laws. You receive a limited, revocable, non-transferable license to access and use the Services for your internal business purposes consistent with these Terms.
10. Third-Party Links and Content
We may link to or display third-party content. We do not control and are not responsible for third-party sites, content, products, services, or policies.
11. Dealings with Advertisers, Sponsors, Suppliers
Any correspondence, RFQ, inquiry, transaction, or business dealing with advertisers, sponsors, or suppliers is solely between you and that party. IQS is not responsible for any loss, damages, disputes, or claims arising from such interactions.
12. Termination
We may suspend or terminate access to the Services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including violations of these Terms.
13. Disclaimers
THE SERVICES AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IQS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. IQS DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, ERROR-FREE, OR THAT CONTENT IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.
14. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IQS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) THE SERVICES. IQS'S TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID IQS (IF ANY) IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless IQS and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the Services, your User Content, your violation of these Terms, or your dealings with third parties.
16. Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Binding Arbitration
Except where prohibited by law, you and IQS agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally first. If unresolved, disputes will be submitted to mediation and, if mediation does not resolve the dispute, to binding arbitration in Kent County, Michigan (you may attend electronically where available). The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding. Nothing prevents either party from seeking temporary injunctive relief in court where necessary pending arbitration.
17. Governing Law, Venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law rules. Venue for any permitted court proceedings will be in Kent County, Michigan.
18. Miscellaneous
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and IQS regarding the Services and supersede prior agreements on the same subject. If any provision is unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver.
AI Content Use Policy
How third parties, including search engines and AI systems, may use IQS content. Separate from the Privacy Notice's description of IQS's own internal AI use.
External Use of IQS Content
This section governs how third parties may use IQS content. This is separate from the Privacy Notice's "AI Use," which describes IQS internal use of interaction data and analytics.
We support responsible discovery and citation of our content by search engines and AI systems. We generally permit fair, attributed use.
