Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
At mariesouthard.com (“we”, “us”, or “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal data. We understand the importance of data protection in the digital age and strive to maintain a transparent, secure, and trustworthy environment for all users of our website. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit or interact with mariesouthard.com.
We uphold the principles of data minimization, purpose limitation, and security, and we adhere fully to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), among applicable data protection laws.
2. Scope and Data Controller
This Privacy Policy applies solely to the personal data collected through mariesouthard.com and related services. For purposes of applicable data protection legislation, we act as the “data controller,” meaning we determine the purposes and means of processing your personal data in accordance with this Policy.
3. Categories of Data Processed
We collect and process the following categories of personal data:
– Usage Data: Includes information about your device, browser type, IP address, geographic location, referral source, time zone, pages viewed, and interactions with the website. This information is used for diagnostic purposes and to improve website performance.
– Account Data: If you register or purchase through our website, we may collect your name, address, email address, phone number, and account credentials.
– Profile Data: Includes information you submit about your interests, purchasing behavior, preferences, and any profile customizations.
– Communication Data: Encompasses records of your interactions with us, including inquiries, support requests, and correspondence submitted via contact forms or email.
– Technical Data: Includes data about your operating system, device model, IP configuration, language settings, and browser system variables required to ensure compatibility and performance.
– Transaction Data: Contains payment details (method, order metadata), delivery information, and associated billing data in connection with any transactions on the website.
– Preference Data: Includes your preferences regarding marketing communications, notification settings, and expressed interests in particular offerings or topics.
4. Legal Bases for Processing Personal Data
We rely on several legal bases for processing your personal data under GDPR and CCPA regulations:
– Performance of a Contract: To fulfill and manage transactions and user requests.
– Consent: When legally required, such as for marketing or non-essential cookies.
– Legitimate Interests: To enhance website usability, manage communications, and prevent fraud—balanced against your privacy rights.
– Legal Obligation: When necessary to comply with a legal or regulatory requirement.
5. Your Rights
Under applicable privacy laws, particularly the GDPR and CCPA, you are entitled to exercise the following rights:
– Right of Access: Obtain information about what personal data we hold about you.
– Right of Rectification: Request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
– Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of your data under certain conditions.
– Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how your personal data is processed where permitted by law.
– Right to Data Portability: Obtain a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
– Right to Object: Withdraw consent or object to specific types of processing.
– Right to Non-Discrimination (CCPA): Exercise your rights without being subject to unlawful discrimination.
To exercise any of these rights, you may contact us via email at [email protected].
6. Security Measures
We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or theft. These include, but are not limited to:
– Industry-standard encryption protocols for data transmission and storage.
– Access controls based on role and necessity.
– Regular system audits and vulnerability assessments.
– Secure data backup and disaster recovery protocols.
– Internal policies and training programs to maintain security awareness.
Despite our efforts, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure, and you acknowledge and accept that when submitting data to mariesouthard.com.
7. International Data Transfers
If data is transmitted outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or other territories with equivalent data protection standards, we ensure such transfers comply with applicable laws. Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), adequacy decisions, or lawful transfer mechanisms are used to safeguard your information.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, regulatory, or reporting obligations. Retention periods include:
– Account and Profile Data: Retained for the duration of the account and up to 6 months thereafter.
– Transaction Data: Retained for up to 7 years in accordance with legal and accounting requirements.
– Usage and Technical Data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytics and security purposes.
– Communication Data: Retained for up to 24 months to manage user inquiries and maintain service records.
– Cookie and Preference Data: Retained based on expiration settings of individual cookies (detailed below).
9. Cookie Policy
mariesouthard.com uses cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, monitor website performance, and track user preferences. Categories of cookies include:
– Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality and security.
– Functional Cookies: Enhance features such as remembered preferences or user login.
– Analytics Cookies: Collect data on site traffic, usage trends, and site interaction through services such as Google Analytics.
– Performance Cookies: Help improve site responsiveness and load times.
10. Cookie Management and User Consent
We comply with GDPR and CCPA regulations by allowing you to manage your cookie preferences via a consent banner or settings dashboard visible upon your first visit. You may:
– Accept or reject non-essential cookies before browsing.
– Adjust browser settings to disable cookies.
– Withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences or contacting us directly.
11. Protection of Children
mariesouthard.com does not knowingly collect or process personal data from individuals under the age of 13. If we become aware that such data has been collected without parental or guardian consent, it will be deleted promptly. Parents or legal guardians may contact us at [email protected] to make such a request.
12. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, technology, or service offerings. Substantive changes will be communicated by notice on the website or directly to users where required by law. Continued use of mariesouthard.com after any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
13. Contact Information
For questions, requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, you may contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mariesouthard.com
We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and compliance with all applicable data protection laws. If you have any concerns regarding your privacy or how we handle your data, please contact us directly using the information provided above.