PRIVACY POLICY
1. Introduction
At Text Margate (accessible at https://textmargate.com), we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and personal data of our users in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you interact with our website, services, or communications. We believe in transparency and accountability in all data processing activities, and we prioritize the confidentiality and security of your personal data.
2. Scope of Policy and Data Controller Role
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our website and services. For purposes of data protection laws, Text Margate functions as the Data Controller of the personal data you provide to us. This means we determine the purposes and means by which your personal data is processed. If you have any questions about our data practices, you may contact us at [email protected].
3. Categories of Data Processed
We collect and process the following categories of personal data, depending on your interaction with our services:
a. Usage Data
Information automatically collected when you visit or interact with textmargate.com, including your browser type, language preferences, IP address, referring URLs, session durations, pages visited, and time spent on the site.
b. Account Data
When you create an account or register with us, we may collect your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number.
c. Profile Data
Information you provide or generate during the use of our services, such as language preferences, saved searches, purchase history, responses to surveys, and behavioral trends.
d. Communication Data
Records of your correspondence with us, including emails, customer service interactions, and submitted forms on textmargate.com.
e. Technical Data
Device-specific data including device type, operating system, browser configuration, screen resolution, time zone settings, and other system diagnostics.
f. Transaction Data
Details relating to purchases or financial transactions including billing address, shipping address, payment method, transaction ID, and order details.
g. Preference Data
Your preferences in receiving marketing from us, your product interests identified through interactions on the website, and your consent choices related to communications.
4. Legal Bases for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
– Performance of a contract: For fulfilling our obligations to you under our terms of service or other agreements (e.g., processing your transactions or delivering services).
– Consent: When you opt in for direct marketing communications or provide specific agreement for other optional features.
– Legal obligation: To comply with applicable legislation such as tax and regulatory obligations.
– Legitimate interests: Where it is reasonably necessary to achieve our legitimate business objectives (e.g., fraud prevention, enhancing user experience), and such interests do not override your rights and freedoms.
5. Your Rights
Under the GDPR and CCPA (as applicable), you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
– Right of Access: Receive confirmation of whether we process your personal data and gain access to such data.
– Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
– Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data where it is no longer necessary for processing.
– Right to Restriction: Request a limit on how we use your data under certain conditions.
– Right to Portability: Obtain a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
– Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
– Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke your consent at any time where processing is based on your consent.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected].
6. Security Measures
We employ stringent technical and organizational measures to secure your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. This includes:
– SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
– Role-based access controls and system authentication
– Regular data backups and integrity checks
– Security training and awareness protocols for staff
– Routine vulnerability assessments and monitoring
7. International Transfers
If your data is transferred outside of your country and especially outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure it is protected by appropriate safeguards, including:
– Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
– Transfers to countries deemed adequate by relevant authorities
– Binding corporate rules where applicable
We take steps to ensure your privacy rights are maintained regardless of location.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting obligations. The general retention periods are as follows:
– Usage and Technical Data: Up to 12 months
– Account and Profile Data: Retained as long as your account is active and for 6 years after closure
– Communication Data: Up to 5 years for support and compliance purposes
– Transaction Data: 7 years in accordance with tax and financial regulations
– Preference Data: Until you update your preferences or withdraw consent
9. Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies on textmargate.com to enhance functionality, analyze usage, and personalize content. Our categories of cookies include:
– Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality and secure access
– Functional Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
– Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics)
– Performance Cookies: Measure performance and improve responsiveness
10. Cookie Management & Compliance
When you visit textmargate.com, we provide a cookie consent mechanism allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You may also manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. We comply with GDPR requirements for prior consent and CCPA opt-out mechanisms related to data sharing and cookie usage. Users can disable tracking cookies without affecting core functionality of the site.
11. Children’s Privacy
Text Margate does not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that such data has been collected without verified parental consent, we will take steps to delete the information promptly. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal data, please contact us at [email protected].
12. Policy Updates & Notifications
We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our data practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other operational needs. Any material updates will be communicated via prominent notice on textmargate.com or directly to your registered contact details, where applicable. We encourage you to review the policy from time to time to stay informed.
13. Contact
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please reach out to us at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://textmargate.com
We are committed to full compliance with both GDPR and CCPA requirements. Please contact us with any privacy-related concerns, and we will respond promptly and in good faith.