PRIVACY POLICY FOR VIKING ROOTS

www.vikingroots.com

Effective date: 1^st March 2024

I. Introduction

1. Identity and Contact Information

Viking Roots is a genealogical research initiative culminating in the publication of a book titled "Gimli Saga." This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information you provide through our website (https://www.vikingroots.com/).

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all information collected or submitted through the Viking Roots website and its associated services. It covers data you provide during registration, user-generated content, and information collected automatically through website usage.

II. Information We Collect

3. Information You Provide

We collect information you knowingly and voluntarily submit when using our website. This may include:

• Personal details (name, address, email address, phone number)
• Genealogical data (family history, ancestry information, relatives)
• Photos and other media related to your genealogy

4. Information Collected Automatically

We collect certain information automatically when you visit our website. This may include:

• Device information (browser type, operating system, IP address)
• Usage data (pages viewed, browsing activity, search terms)

5. Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

Viking Roots uses cookies and similar technologies to store information and enhance your user experience. These technologies may track:

• Login information and preferences
• Website analytics (usage patterns, traffic sources)
• Targeted advertising (if applicable)

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit your website experience.

6. Information from Third Parties

We may collect information from third-party sources in limited circumstances, such as:

• Publicly available databases (with your consent)
• Social media platforms (if you connect your accounts)

7. Legal Basis for Data Collection (for GDPR compliance)

We collect and process your information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: You expressly consent to our data collection practices when using our website.
• Contract Fulfillment: We use your data to fulfill our agreement to provide genealogy research and book publication services.
• Legitimate Interests: We may use your data for website security, analytics, and targeted marketing (with your consent).

8. Information Not Collected

Viking Roots is committed to respecting your privacy. We will never sell or share your personal information or photos with third parties for their marketing purposes.

9. Use of Your Information for Genealogy and Book

The primary purpose of collecting your information is to facilitate genealogical research and contribute to the development of the Gimli Saga book. Your data will be used to:

• Build a comprehensive record of Viking ancestry
• Verify and enrich genealogical information
• Include relevant information (with your permission) in the Gimli Saga book

10. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information under limited circumstances, such as:

• With service providers who assist us with website operation and data analysis (bound by strict confidentiality agreements)
• To comply with legal requirements or respond to lawful requests from law enforcement

In the next sections, we will detail how you can control your information, opt-out of marketing communications, and request data deletion.

III. User Choices and Controls

11. Accessing and Updating Your Information

You have the right to access and update your information on our website. You can:

• Review and modify your profile information
• Update your contact details and preferences
• Manage your genealogy data (subject to verification and approval)

We strive to provide a user-friendly platform for managing your information. If you encounter difficulties, please contact us using the information provided in Section 24.

12. Photo Inclusion Opt-Out

You have the right to choose whether your photos are included in the Gimli Saga book. During the submission process, you will be presented with an option to opt-out of photo inclusion. You can also manage this preference through your account settings.

Please note: Opting out of photo inclusion does not guarantee your information will be excluded from the book entirely. Anonymized genealogical data may still be used for research and reference purposes.

13. Opting Out of Marketing Communications

We may use your contact information to send you occasional emails about Viking Roots updates, news related to the Gimli Saga book, or genealogical resources.

You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any marketing email
• Updating your communication preferences through your account settings

We respect your privacy and will not send you unwanted marketing messages.

14. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

You have the right to request deletion of your information. However, this may limit our ability to provide you with full access to Viking Roots services, including the Gimli Saga book (if information is relevant to your ancestry).

To request data deletion, please contact us using the information provided in Section 24. We will review your request and respond promptly.

IV. Data Security and Transfer

15. Security Measures

Viking Roots takes data security seriously. We implement various security measures to protect your information, including:

• Secure servers with encryption protocols
• Access controls and user authentication procedures
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments

While we strive to protect your information, no website is completely secure. We encourage you to practice safe online habits and maintain strong passwords.

16. International Data Transfers (if applicable)

If Viking Roots uses third-party service providers located internationally, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information. This may include standard contractual clauses approved by relevant data protection authorities.

V. Children's Privacy

17. Policy Regarding Children

Our website is not directed towards children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has submitted personal information to our website, please contact us immediately. We will take steps to remove the information from our systems.

VI. Your Rights (for GDPR compliance)

18. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These rights include:

• The right to access and rectify your personal information
• The right to erasure (deletion) of your personal information
• The right to restrict the processing of your personal information
• The right to data portability (transfer of your data to another service)
• The right to object to the processing of your personal information

You can exercise these rights by contacting us using the information provided in Section 24.

VII. Disclaimer

19. Disclaimer Regarding Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any website you visit.

20. Updates to this Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or comply with legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website.

VIII. Intellectual Property

21. Copyright and Trademarks

The content of the Viking Roots website and the Gimli Saga book are protected by copyright. All trademarks and service marks associated with Viking Roots are our property or the property of our licensors. You may not use our intellectual property without our express written permission.

IX. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

22. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy and your use of the Viking Roots website are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the country in which Viking Roots is headquartered in.

23. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Privacy Policy or your use of the website will be resolved through mediation.

X. Entire Agreement

24. Entire Agreement

This Privacy Policy constitutes the entire agreement between you and Viking Roots regarding your use of the website and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals.

XI. Contact Us

25. How to Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

• Email: info@vikingroots.com

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.