PRIVACY POLICY
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Effective date: [01 November 2025]
We are the “data controller” for personal data we process when you use ourhiddenearth.com and the Hidden Earth membership.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws.
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1. Personal data we collect
We collect and process:
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Account & identity data: name, email, password (hashed), country/region.
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Subscription & payment data: plan details, transaction IDs, billing address, last four digits/expiry (processed by our payment providers; we do not store full card numbers).
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Usage data: pages viewed, buttons clicked, referral source, device/browser, IP address (which may give an approximate location), time on page, error logs.
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Marketing preferences: email opt-ins/opt-outs, opens/clicks.
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Support data: messages you send us, survey responses.
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User Content: tips, reviews, images or suggestions you choose to submit.
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2. How we use your data (purposes & legal bases)
We use your data to:
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Provide the Service (create/manage your account, authenticate, deliver content, operate trials and memberships). Legal basis: Contract.
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Take payment and manage billing. Legal basis: Contract/Legal obligation.
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Send service emails (receipts, account notices, changes). Legal basis: Contract/Legitimate interests.
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Send marketing emails about features, offers, and content, if you opt in (or if permitted, as an existing customer). Legal basis: Consent/Legitimate interests. Opt-out anytime.
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Improve and secure the Service (analytics, troubleshooting, preventing abuse/fraud). Legal basis: Legitimate interests.
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Comply with law (tax, accounting, regulatory requests). Legal basis: Legal obligation.
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3. Cookies & similar technologies
We use necessary cookies to run the site and optional analytics/marketing cookies to understand usage and personalise communications.
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You can manage non-essential cookies via our cookie banner or your browser settings.
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See our Cookie Notice (below) for details.
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4. Sharing your data
We share personal data with trusted processors who help us run the Service, such as:
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Hosting & platform: Wix.com Ltd (website, forms, infrastructure)
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Payments: [Stripe/PayPal]
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Analytics: [Google Analytics]
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Email & CRM: [Wix Automations]
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Customer support tools: [e.g., Wix Inbox]
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These providers process data under contracts that meet GDPR requirements. We may disclose data if required by law or to protect our rights, users, or the public.
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5. International transfers
Some providers may process data outside the UK/EEA (e.g., the United States). When we transfer data internationally, we rely on lawful mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses and additional safeguards as required.
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6. Data retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes above:
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Account data: for the life of your account and then up to 24 months after closure (for records, fraud prevention, and legal obligations).
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Transaction records: 6–7 years to meet tax and accounting rules.
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Marketing data: until you opt out or your consent is withdrawn, then we keep minimal suppression data.
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Support messages: typically 24 months.
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7. Your rights (UK/EU GDPR)
You have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict or object to processing, and data portability.
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You can withdraw consent (e.g., for marketing) at any time.
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You can lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or your local authority.
To exercise your rights, contact [info@ourhiddenearth.com].
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8. Children
Our Service is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect children’s data. If you believe a child has provided data, contact us to delete it.
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9. Security
We use administrative, technical and organisational measures to protect personal data (access controls, encryption in transit, least-privilege access). No method is 100% secure; please keep your password safe.
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10. Third-party links
Our site contains links to third-party sites/apps (e.g., mapping, social media). Those sites have their own privacy policies and we’re not responsible for their practices.
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11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We’ll post the new version with an effective date and, for material changes, we’ll provide a clear notice (and ask for consent again where required).
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12. Contact
For privacy questions or requests, email [info@ourhiddenearth.com]
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COOKIE NOTICE
What are cookies? Small text files placed on your device that help the site work and remember your preferences.
How we use them
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Strictly necessary: sign-in, security, load balancing, form submissions.
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Analytics: to understand site usage and improve features (e.g., Google Analytics).
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Marketing: to measure emails and on-site promotions.
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Managing cookies
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Use our cookie banner to accept/reject non-essential cookies.
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You can also control cookies in your browser settings and opt out of Google Analytics via tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. Blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.
