Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Road Notes operating at carsforum.edu.pl handles personal data. We are committed to protecting your privacy and processing personal data transparently and in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.
Data Controller
The data controller for carsforum.edu.pl is Road Notes. For any privacy-related questions, requests, or complaints, you can contact us at [email protected]. We act as the controller for personal data collected through our website, newsletter sign-ups, contact forms, and forum registrations. We will respond to inquiries without undue delay and within the timeframes required by law.
Data We Collect
We collect data you provide directly, such as your name, email address, and messages when you contact us or create a forum account. We also collect technical data automatically, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs. If you subscribe to updates, we store your email and preferences. We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data and we ask you not to share unnecessary sensitive information in forum posts or messages.
How We Use Your Data
We use your data to operate and improve our educational magazine, to provide requested content, to manage forum accounts, to respond to your inquiries, and to ensure the security of our website. We also use aggregated, anonymized data to analyze traffic, understand which topics are most helpful, and improve user experience. We may use your email to send educational updates only if you have given consent, and you can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your personal data to third parties.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember preferences, measure audience, and improve performance. You can control cookies through your browser settings and choose to block or delete them, although some site features may not function properly without them. We use both session cookies that expire when you close your browser and persistent cookies that remain for a set period. Where required, we request your consent before placing non-essential cookies.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data based on several legal grounds. Processing is based on your consent when you subscribe or accept cookies, on the necessity to perform a contract when you create an account, on our legitimate interests in securing and improving our services, and on compliance with legal obligations where applicable. You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
Data Sharing and Retention
We share data only with trusted service providers who help us operate the website, such as hosting, analytics, and email delivery services, under strict data processing agreements. These providers may only process data on our instructions and must protect it appropriately. We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described, typically until account deletion or for up to 24 months for analytics logs, unless a longer period is required by law. Forum posts that you choose to publish may remain visible until you request removal.
Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, object to, and request portability of your personal data. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
Security and International Transfers
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration, including encryption, access controls, and regular reviews. While our servers are located within the European Economic Area, some service providers may process data outside the EEA with adequate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses. We continuously monitor our practices to maintain a high level of protection.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our services. We will post the updated version on this page with a new effective date and, where appropriate, notify you by email or site notice. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. For questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected].