Privacy Policy

Below is an updated version of the Privacy Policy tailored for VG Overland Adventures operating in Cyprus, Europe. Since Cyprus is part of the European Union (EU), the policy has been adjusted to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs data protection in the EU. Key changes include explicit references to GDPR rights, lawful bases for processing, and data transfer considerations. Here’s the revised version:

Privacy Policy for VG Overland Adventures

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

At VG Overland Adventures (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website, https://vgoverlandadventures.com/ (the “Site”), in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable laws in Cyprus, where we are based. By using the Site, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

1. Data Controller

VG Overland Adventures is the data controller responsible for your personal data. Our contact details are provided in Section 10 below.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

a. Personal Data You Provide
– Contact Information: Name, email address, and other details you provide when submitting a contact form, subscribing to our newsletter, or commenting on our content.
– User-Provided Content: Information you voluntarily share, such as comments, reviews, or messages sent to us.

b. Automatically Collected Data
– Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the Site, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the Site.
– Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze trends, and administer the Site. See Section 4 for details on managing cookies.

c. Third-Party Data
– If you interact with us via social media or other third-party platforms linked from the Site, we may collect data made available by those services (e.g., usernames or profile data), subject to their privacy policies.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following GDPR lawful bases:
– Consent: For newsletters, promotional emails, or non-essential cookies (where you opt in).
– Legitimate Interests: To improve the Site, respond to inquiries, and analyze usage, provided this does not override your rights.
– Contractual Necessity: To fulfill requests or services you initiate (e.g., responding to a contact form).
– Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws or regulations.

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your data to:
– Provide and enhance the Site’s content and functionality.
– Respond to your inquiries, comments, or requests.
– Send you updates, newsletters, or promotional materials (with your explicit consent, where required).
– Analyze Site usage to improve user experience and optimize performance.
– Comply with legal obligations or protect our rights, safety, or property.

5. How We Share Your Personal Data

We do not sell or rent your personal data. We may share it in these circumstances:
– Service Providers: With trusted third parties (e.g., hosting providers, analytics tools) acting as data processors, under GDPR-compliant agreements.
– Legal Requirements: If required by law, regulation, or legal process (e.g., a court order in Cyprus or the EU).
– Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, where your data may be transferred, with appropriate safeguards.

6. Your GDPR Rights

As an EU resident, you have the following rights under GDPR:
– Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
– Rectification: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
– Erasure: Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”), subject to legal exceptions.
– Restriction: Ask us to limit how we process your data.
– Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
– Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
– Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent at any time where processing relies on it (e.g., newsletters).

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 10. We will respond within one month, extendable by two months for complex requests.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to improve your experience. Essential cookies are necessary for Site functionality, while non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics, marketing) require your consent. You can manage preferences via our cookie banner or your browser settings.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. For example:
– Contact form data: Until your request is resolved, unless further retention is justified.
– Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe.
– Usage data: Typically retained for [insert period, e.g., 12 months] for analytics purposes.

9. International Data Transfers

The Site is hosted and operated from Cyprus, within the EU. If we transfer your data outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect your rights, in line with GDPR.

10. Data Security

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, in compliance with GDPR standards. However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies.

12. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with an updated “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be notified where required by GDPR.

14. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

VG Overland Adventures
Email: Vgoverlandadventures.cy@gmail.com
Address:Alkminis 5, Kato Paphos 8041 Paphos, Cyprus

You may also lodge a complaint with the Cyprus Data Protection Authority:
Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection
Email: commissioner@dataprotection.gov.cy
Website: www.dataprotection.gov.cy

This version aligns with GDPR requirements, including explicit rights, lawful bases, and contact details for the Cyprus supervisory authority. Replace placeholders (e.g., email, address, retention periods) with specific details for VG Overland Adventures. Let me know if you need further refinements!