Privacy Policy
Last Updated: November 19, 2024
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Socials BV ("Socials", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website www.socials.community and related services (collectively, the "Services"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data.
Data Controller:
Socials BV
Wolstraat 70
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Email: hello@socials.community
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
When you use our Services, we collect the following personal information that you voluntarily provide:
- Full Name: To identify you within our community platform
- Email Address: To communicate with you about our Services and send you important updates
- Phone Number: To provide you with WhatsApp group links and community access
- Destination City: To connect you with the appropriate local student community
2.2 Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website addresses
2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information, please see Section 7 below.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Provision: To connect you with relevant WhatsApp student communities in your chosen city
- Communication: To send you community invitations, updates about our Services, and respond to your inquiries
- Service Improvement: To understand how users interact with our Services and make improvements
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Safety and Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and maintain the security of our Services
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your personal data based on:
- Consent: When you voluntarily provide your information to join our communities
- Legitimate Interests: To operate and improve our Services, ensure security, and communicate with you about our Services
- Legal Obligation: When required by law
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Our Commitment
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes.
5.2 Limited Sharing
We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our Services (e.g., email service providers, hosting services) under strict confidentiality agreements
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
- Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, safety, or that of our users or the public
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (you will be notified of any such change)
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing for a specific purpose
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specifically:
- Account information is retained while your account is active
- Communications records are retained for up to 2 years
- Technical logs are retained for up to 12 months
You may request deletion of your personal data at any time (see Section 8).
7. Your Rights Under GDPR
As a data subject under GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request deletion of your personal data
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@socials.community.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data
- Regular security assessments
- Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
- Secure data storage and transmission protocols
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). When we do so, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your personal data in accordance with GDPR requirements.
10. Children's Privacy
Our Services are intended for students aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 16 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information.
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as WhatsApp). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/privacy-policy?lang=en
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy on our website
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email notification (for material changes)
15. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Data Protection Officer
Socials BV
Wolstraat 70
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Email: hello@socials.community
16. Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority:
Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit (GBA) / Autorité de protection des données (APD)
Drukpersstraat 35
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Website: www.dataprotectionauthority.be
By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
