Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
At Bertlitz Publishing, we value your trust and privacy. We are firmly committed to safeguarding the personal data of our website users, customers, and visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data when you interact with our website (bertlitzpublishing.com), in full compliance with applicable privacy laws including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Your privacy is important to us. We do not sell your personal information, and we handle all information with transparency, accountability, and a privacy-first approach.
2. Scope of This Policy and Data Controller Role
This Privacy Policy applies to all personal data collected through our online platforms, primarily bertlitzpublishing.com, as well as through customer support and marketing communications.
For purposes of applicable data protection laws, Bertlitz Publishing is the “data controller” of your personal data. This means we determine the purposes and means of processing your information.
3. Categories of Data We Collect and Process
We may collect, use, store, and transfer different categories of personal data, which include but are not limited to:
A. Usage Data
– Browser type and version
– IP address
– Geographic location
– Referral source and session details
– Website usage patterns and interactions
– Date and time of visit
B. Account Data
– Full name
– Billing and/or shipping address
– Email address
– Telephone number
– Login details and account preferences
C. Profile Data
– Purchase history
– Browsing behavior on bertlitzpublishing.com
– Preferences and feedback
– Reading habits or product engagement
D. Communication Data
– Emails and messages exchanged with our support team
– Customer service inquiries
– Contact form submissions and records of interactions
E. Technical Data
– Device model and manufacturer
– Operating system details
– Browser plug-ins
– Mobile device identifiers
– System time zone and language settings
F. Transaction Data
– Payment information (limited to non-financial data for processing)
– Order confirmations and invoices
– Shipping status
– Refunds and returns
G. Preference Data
– Subscription preferences
– Marketing and promotional consent records
– Reading or product interest categories
4. Legal Bases for Processing
We process your personal data according to the following legal bases as defined under GDPR and CCPA:
– Consent: Where you have provided clear, informed consent (e.g., subscribing to newsletters).
– Contract: Where data processing is necessary to fulfill a contract (e.g., purchases made via bertlitzpublishing.com).
– Legal Obligation: Where we are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
– Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as customer service improvement, fraud prevention, analytics, or website personalization, where such interests are not overridden by your fundamental rights and freedoms.
5. Your Rights Under Applicable Laws
As a data subject, you have the right to:
– Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
– Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
– Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention exceptions.
– Restriction: Request limitation of processing where you contest its accuracy or purpose.
– Portability: Receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format for transmission to another data controller.
– Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interest or direct marketing purposes (under GDPR).
– Opt-Out: California residents may opt out of the sale of personal information and have the right to non-discrimination for exercising their rights.
To exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected].
6. Security Measures
We take the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data seriously. Key protective measures include:
– SSL encryption on all data transmissions to and from bertlitzpublishing.com
– Role-based access control and authentication mechanisms
– Regular secure backups and monitoring
– Staff training on privacy and security protocols
– Data minimization and secure deletion practices
Despite our commitment, no method of transmission over the internet can be guaranteed 100% secure. We encourage users to take individual steps to safeguard their data.
7. International Transfers
We may transfer your data to servers or third-party service providers located outside your country of residence, including to jurisdictions that may not have equivalent data protection laws. In such cases:
– For EU and UK residents, we utilize Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission and other lawful safeguards compliant with GDPR.
– For California residents, we adhere to CCPA obligations concerning cross-border transfers to ensure adequate protection.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Data types are retained as follows unless legal obligations dictate longer:
– Account and Profile Data: Retained until account closure plus 6 years.
– Transaction Data: Retained for 7 years for financial and audit purposes.
– Communication and Support Data: Retained for 5 years post-resolution.
– Marketing Data: Retained until opt-out or withdrawal of consent.
– Technical and Usage Data: Anonymized where possible and retained for 3 years for analysis.
Once data is no longer necessary, we securely delete or anonymize it.
9. Cookie Policy
To enhance your experience, bertlitzpublishing.com uses cookies and similar technologies to collect data automatically from your device.
Types of cookies used:
– Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality. These cannot be disabled.
– Functional Cookies: Enable personalization, such as language choices and remembered preferences.
– Analytics Cookies: Help measure traffic and understand visitor behavior to improve the site.
– Performance Cookies: Optimize website speed and load times under different conditions.
10. Cookie Management and Compliance
We ensure full compliance with GDPR cookie transparency and consent requirements:
– Upon visiting our website, you will receive a cookie banner allowing you to accept or reject non-essential cookies.
– You may modify your preferences at any time through our Cookie Settings manager accessible via the website footer.
– California residents have additional rights to opt out of cookie-based personal information sharing by enabled mechanisms.
Browser settings can also be used to control cookie storage, but some functionalities of bertlitzpublishing.com may be limited as a result.
11. Children’s Privacy
Bertlitz Publishing does not knowingly collect or process data from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that a user under 13 has submitted personal data without verifiable parental consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete such data promptly.
Parents or guardians who believe their child may have provided information can contact us at [email protected] to request immediate removal.
12. Policy Updates and Notifications
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legal, technical, or business developments. Material changes will be highlighted on bertlitzpublishing.com and, where appropriate, communicated via email or site notifications.
We encourage users to periodically review this policy to stay informed of our privacy practices.
13. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, to exercise your legal rights, or to raise a concern, you may contact us directly:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://bertlitzpublishing.com
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Bertlitz Publishing is committed to full compliance with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR and CCPA. Your privacy matters, and we are here to assist you with any concerns or questions related to the use of your personal data.