RUTH AISLING PRIVACY POLICY

We are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and manage your personal data when you interact with us through our website, services, or other channels. This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. What personal information do we collect?

We collect personal information when you:

• Download free digital products or resources from our website.
• Register to be notified about new group trips or updates.
• Book group trips through our online platform.
• Purchase digital products from our online shop.
• Contact us with an inquiry or feedback.
• Subscribe to our mailing list or other communications.

The personal information we collect may include:

• Personal Details: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, passport-issuing country, and postal address.
• Transaction Information: Payment details, booking history, and purchase details (processed securely by third-party providers).
• Preferences: Dietary requirements, special requests, interests, and feedback related to our services.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device type, and information about how you interact with our website.

We may also collect information from third-party sources, such as:

• Payment platforms that process your transactions.
• Email service providers managing our mailing lists.
• Social media platforms or other public channels where you interact with us.

2. How do we use your personal information?

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To process and fulfill your bookings, purchases, or other transactions.
• To provide access to purchased digital products or resources.
• To communicate with you about your bookings, purchases, or customer support requests.
• To send newsletters, updates, and promotional offers you have opted into.
• To personalise your experience and improve our website, products, and services.
• To comply with legal obligations, such as financial record-keeping or fraud prevention.
• To conduct research and analysis for improving our offerings.

3. How do we share your personal information?

We may share your personal information with the following:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party platforms used for payment processing, trip bookings, email communication, and website functionality. These include:
  • WeTravel: For taking and processing group trip bookings. Please note that WeTravel has its own Privacy Policy, which you can review on their website.
  • MailerLite: For managing our mailing lists and sending newsletters or updates. Please note that MailerLite has its own Privacy Policy, which you can review on their website.
  • Other trusted platforms necessary to provide our services. These providers are carefully selected and comply with UK GDPR or equivalent data protection laws.
• Social Media Platforms: When you interact with us through these platforms, your data is subject to their privacy policies.
• Insurance Providers: To comply with legal requirements, we may share your personal information with our insurance company in connection with group trips or other relevant matters.
• Legal and Regulatory Bodies: When required by law or necessary to protect our legal rights, we may share information with authorities or legal representatives.

International Data Transfers

If your personal data is transferred to countries outside the UK or EEA, we ensure it is protected by using appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK Government or other legal mechanisms. These measures ensure your data is handled securely and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

4. How do we protect your personal information?

We implement robust security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encrypting sensitive information during transmission and storage.
• Using secure third-party platforms with advanced security protocols for payment processing and data storage.
• Limiting access to personal data to authorised personnel only.
• Conducting regular reviews and updates of our security practices.

While we take these measures seriously, no system is completely secure. If you suspect a data breach, please contact us immediately at info@ruthaisling.com.

5. How long do we keep your personal information?

We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected or as required by law. For example:

• Financial transaction records: Retained for six years to comply with legal obligations.
• Marketing preferences: Retained until you withdraw your consent.
• User inquiries: Retained for up to one year after resolution of your query.

When your data is no longer needed, we securely delete it.

6. Non-UK Users

If you are based outside the UK, please note that your data will be processed under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). This is the UK’s data protection framework, based on the EU GDPR, and applies specifically to the UK following Brexit.

If you have questions about your rights under local laws, we recommend contacting us or a local data protection authority.

7. How do we use cookies?

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience, including:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Enable essential website functionality.
• Performance Cookies: Help us analyse website usage and improve services.
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.
• Targeting Cookies: Deliver personalised marketing and content.

We only use non-essential cookies with your explicit consent. When you visit our website, you’ll see a cookie banner allowing you to accept or manage your cookie preferences. You can change your preferences at any time through your browser settings or by revisiting our cookie banner.

8. Children’s Data (Under-16s)

Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with their data, please contact us immediately at info@ruthaisling.com, and we will take steps to delete it.

9. Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you and the relevant authorities as required by law. If you suspect a breach, please contact us immediately at info@ruthaisling.com.

10. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• To fulfil a contract: For bookings, purchases, or transactions.
• With your consent: For sending newsletters and marketing updates.
• To comply with legal obligations: For financial record-keeping or fraud prevention.
• For legitimate interests: To improve our services and personalise your experience.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing your personal data.

12. Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on this page, and significant changes will be communicated to you directly if required by law.

13. How to contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us at: info@ruthaisling.com.