Legal Docs: The Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 13, 2025

The Programming Squirrel (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information when you visit our website, the-programming-squirrel.com (the “Website”). It also explains your rights and how to exercise them.

By using our Website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us at nyki@the-programming-squirrel.com.

1. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:
The Programming Squirrel
Email: nyki@the-programming-squirrel.com

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

a. Information You Provide to Us

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Payment information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
  • Any other information you provide when contacting us or subscribing to our services.

b. Automatically Collected Information

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Operating system
  • Pages you visit and time spent on the Website
  • Referring URLs and search terms

c. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Website. For more details, refer to our Cookie Policy.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

  1. Providing Services: To process orders, deliver tutorials and study guides, and manage customer accounts.
  2. Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide updates, and send marketing communications (if you have opted in).
  3. Improving the Website: To analyze Website performance and improve user experience.
  4. Security: To maintain the security of our Website and prevent fraud.
  5. Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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

  1. Consent: When you subscribe to our newsletter or opt in to receive marketing communications.
  2. Contractual Necessity: To fulfill a contract with you (e.g., delivering purchased products).
  3. Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, maintain Website security, and understand user preferences.
  4. Legal Obligation: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

5. Data Storage and Retention

We store your personal data securely using industry-standard practices. We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or comply with legal obligations. Examples of retention periods include:

  • Purchase records: Retained for accounting and tax purposes for up to 7 years.
  • Marketing data: Retained until you opt out or withdraw consent.

6. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share your data with trusted third parties:

  1. Service Providers: Payment processors, email services, and hosting providers who help operate our Website.
  2. Legal Obligations: Authorities or regulators when required by law.
  3. Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new entity.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These include encryption, firewalls, and secure servers. However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

As a data subject under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights:

  1. Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  2. Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
  3. Right to Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements).
  4. Right to Restrict Processing: Request limits on how we process your data.
  5. Right to Data Portability: Receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.
  6. Right to Object: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
  7. Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on your consent.
  8. Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at nyki@the-programming-squirrel.com.

9. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please note that your personal data may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ. By using our Website, you consent to such transfers.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Programming Squirrel does not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 16. If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the “Effective Date” updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: nyki@the-programming-squirrel.com

Thank you for trusting The Programming Squirrel with your personal data!