Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Dublin Travel Guide's Privacy Policy. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website and services.

By using Dublin Travel Guide, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Create an account or log in using Google authentication
• Submit a business listing application
• Post reviews or ratings
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us for support
• Fill out forms on our website

This information may include your name, email address, phone number, business details, and any content you submit.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies help us remember your preferences, understand how you use our site, and improve our services. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Account Management: To manage your account and authentication
• Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, and respond to inquiries
• Business Verification: To verify business listings and prevent fraud
• Personalization: To personalize your experience and provide relevant content
• Analytics: To analyze usage patterns and improve our platform
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Marketing: To send promotional materials (with your consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 When We Share Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist in operating our website (hosting, analytics, email services)
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Public Information: Reviews and ratings you post are publicly visible

4.2 Third-Party Services

We use Google authentication for login services. When you log in with Google, we receive limited information from your Google account according to your Google privacy settings. We recommend reviewing Google's privacy policy to understand how they handle your data.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

Specific retention periods include:

• Account information: Until you request deletion or close your account
• Business listing data: As long as the listing is active, plus 3 years
• Analytics data: Typically aggregated and anonymized after 26 months
• Communications: Retained for customer service purposes for 2 years

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under applicable data protection laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Objection: Object to processing of your data for direct marketing
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@dublintravelguide.ie. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Children's Privacy

Dublin Travel Guide is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your jurisdiction. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

10. Cookie Policy

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your browsing to show relevant advertisements

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending an email to registered users. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

12. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@dublintravelguide.ie

Data Protection Officer: dpo@dublintravelguide.ie

General Support: Visit our Support page

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have and will respond to all inquiries promptly.