Privacy Policy of EQC Advisory Limited
Last Updated: 19 January, 2025
Welcome to EQC Compliance Advisory (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a trade name of EQC Advisory Limited. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and ensuring compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) (“PDPO”) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This Privacy Policy explains how we handle any data entered through our program Audit Program 4.0 (“the Program”) by users, which are CPA Practice Units registered in Hong Kong under the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).
By installing, accessing, or using the Program, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. Please read this carefully. If you do not agree, do not install or use the Program.
- Data Handling Policy
1.1 No Data Retention
We, EQC Advisory Limited, do not collect, store, or retain any data entered into the Program by its users. The data typically consists of information or data belonging to the audit clients of the users (CPA Practice Units). Such data is processed exclusively within the Program on your local systems and is not transmitted to, accessed by, or retained on EQC’s servers or any third-party servers.
1.2 Local Processing of Data
The Program is designed to operate entirely on your local device or network. All data entered into the Program remains under your direct control and is not accessible to EQC Advisory Limited.
1.3 No Data Sharing or Disclosure
Since we do not collect or retain any data, we do not share, sell, or disclose your data to any third party, except as required by law or under the express instruction of the user.
- Compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance
2.1 Data Protection Principles (DPPs)
Although we do not collect personal data, we are committed to complying with the Data Protection Principles (DPPs) outlined in the PDPO. Specifically:
– DPP1 – Purpose and Manner of Collection: We do not collect or retain any personal or sensitive information through the Program.
– DPP2 – Accuracy and Retention: As no data is collected or stored, there is no requirement for retention management.
– DPP3 – Use of Data: Data entered into the Program is managed entirely by the user and is not used by EQC Advisory Limited.
– DPP4 – Data Security: The Program is designed to meet industry standards for software security to ensure data processed locally remains secure.
– DPP5 – Transparency: This Privacy Policy provides clear information about our data handling practices.
2.2 User Responsibility
Users of the Program are responsible for ensuring that their use of the Program complies with the PDPO and any other applicable data protection laws relevant to their jurisdiction or client base.
- User Consent
3.1 Explicit Consent
By installing and using the Program, you expressly confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy. During the installation process, you will be required to check a box indicating your acceptance of this Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions.
- Security and Program Design
4.1 Data Security
The Program is designed with robust security measures to protect data processed within your local environment. However, as the user, you are responsible for implementing appropriate security measures for your systems, including network security, user access management, and data backups.
4.2 No Internet Transmission
The Program does not transmit any data to external servers, including EQC Advisory Limited’s servers. All operations are performed locally on your device or designated network.
- Display of Privacy Policy
5.1 Accessibility
This Privacy Policy will be:
– Displayed prominently on our official website.
– Made available as part of the installation process for the Program.
– Accessible within the Program’s settings menu or help section.
5.2 Updates to the Policy
We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time, and we will notify users of any material changes by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy. Continued use of the Program after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
- Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices, please contact us at:
EQC Advisory Limited
20/F., Silver Fortune, 1 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Email: global@eqcadvisory.com
Phone: +852 9543-3218
- Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
- Acknowledgment
By installing or using Audit Program 4.0, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.
Upon installation of Audit Program 4.0, the CPA Practice Unit has read, understood, and agreed to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of EQC Advisory Limited.
This Privacy Policy ensures compliance with the PDPO in Hong Kong while addressing the specific nature of your product and its usage by CPA Practice Units. It also ensures that your data handling practices are transparent and enforceable under HKSAR laws.