Privacy Policy
At thegutstory.com, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, make a purchase, or interact with our services. By using thegutstory.com, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
1.1 Personal Information
Provided by You: When you create an account, make a purchase, subscribe to our services, or contact us, we may collect:
Name
Email address
Billing and shipping address
Phone number
Payment information (processed securely by third-party payment processors)
Optional: Information you provide in surveys, reviews, or feedback forms.
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
Usage Data: When you visit our website, we may collect:
IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Pages visited, time spent, and referral URLs
Device identifiers
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site performance, and deliver personalized content. See Section 5 for details.
1.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from third-party services (e.g., analytics providers, advertising partners, or social media platforms) if you interact with our content through those platforms or link your accounts.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Order Processing: To process and fulfill your purchases, including shipping, payment processing, and order confirmation.
Account Management: To manage your account, subscriptions, and preferences.
Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries, provide assistance, and resolve issues.
Marketing: To send promotional emails, newsletters, or offers (you may opt out at any time).
Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve our website, and enhance user experience.
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes.
Fraud Prevention: To detect and prevent fraudulent activity or unauthorized access.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following cases:
Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist with payment processing, shipping, website hosting, analytics, or marketing (e.g., PayPal, Google Analytics). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government authority to disclose information.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.
With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information (e.g., through a third-party integration).
4. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures, including encryption and secure socket layer (SSL) technology, to protect your personal information.
Payment information is processed by PCI-DSS-compliant third-party providers and is not stored on our servers.
While we strive to protect your data, no system is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Types of Cookies:
Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality (e.g., maintaining your session or cart).
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics).
Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver personalized ads or track campaign performance.
Managing Cookies: You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Do Not Track: Our website does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications using the "unsubscribe" link in emails or by contacting us.
Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your information.
Data Portability: Request a transferable copy of your data in a structured format.
To exercise these rights, contact us at support@thegutstory.com. We will respond within 30 days, or as required by applicable law.
7. International Data Transfers
If you are located outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, to protect your data during international transfers.
8. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for individuals under 13 years of age (or 16 in certain jurisdictions).
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those third parties.
10. Retention of Information
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes.
When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your information.
11. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Email: support@thegutstory.com
Response Time: Within 48 hours
12. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of thegutstory.com after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.