Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

1. Introduction

CottageTech Solutions ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any capacity.

This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation in Canada.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Property Information: Cottage location, property details, existing systems
• Service Information: Service preferences, technical requirements, consultation notes
• Financial Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed securely through third-party providers)
• Communication Records: Email correspondence, phone call records, support tickets
• System Data: Performance data from installed smart cottage systems (with your consent)

2.2 Website Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and general location information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website information
• Device information (mobile, tablet, desktop)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: Providing smart cottage technology solutions, installations, and support
• Customer Support: Responding to inquiries, technical support, and maintenance requests
• Communication: Sending service updates, appointment confirmations, and important notifications
• Billing and Payment: Processing payments and maintaining billing records
• System Monitoring: Monitoring installed systems for performance and maintenance needs (with consent)
• Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of our services and facilities

3.2 Secondary Purposes

With your explicit consent, we may also use your information for:

• Marketing communications about new services and technologies
• Newsletter subscriptions and educational content
• Customer satisfaction surveys and feedback collection
• Research and development of new cottage technology solutions

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Installation and maintenance services
• Payment processing and billing
• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Customer support and communication systems
• Analytics and website optimization

All service providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for the specified purposes.

4.2 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets, your personal information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our customers or others
• Investigate fraud or security issues

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: All sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Strict access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training for all staff
• Incident Response: Established procedures for responding to security incidents

5.2 Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk of significant harm, we will:

• Notify affected individuals as soon as reasonably possible
• Report the breach to relevant authorities as required by law
• Take immediate steps to contain and remediate the breach
• Provide clear information about the incident and protective measures

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law:

• Active Customers: Information retained for the duration of the service relationship
• Former Customers: Information retained for 7 years for tax and legal purposes
• Marketing Communications: Until you withdraw consent or unsubscribe
• Website Analytics: Typically 26 months for Google Analytics data
• Security Logs: Retained for 2 years for security monitoring purposes

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Request a copy of your information in a portable format

7.2 Consent Management

You can:

• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Opt out of non-essential cookies through our cookie preference centre
• Request restriction of processing for specific purposes
• Object to automated decision-making processes

7.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information provided in Section 11. We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require identity verification to protect your privacy.

8. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website and services may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these external sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be processed or stored outside of Canada by our service providers. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

12. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Our Privacy Officer: Using the contact information above
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: www.priv.gc.ca
• Your Provincial Privacy Commissioner: As applicable to your province of residence

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Notify existing customers via email or through our services
• Obtain new consent where required by law

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Acknowledgment

By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.