Privacy Policy

Updated Feb 2, 2022

TL;DR Privacy Policy

VeganOstomy respects User privacy and does not use third-party tracking or cookies.

Third-party tracking cookies and scripts may be indirectly loaded if the User accesses third-party content on the site (i.e. YouTube).

The only personal data collected by this Site is the data willingly provided by the User.

We do not share personal data with third-parties unless required to provide technical support or when legally obligated.

This site utilizes local cookies to provide basic functionality of the Site’s features.


Full Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which VeganOstomy collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the www.veganostomy.ca website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by VeganOstomy.

Information We Collect

We may collect both “Non-Personal Information” and “Personal Information” about you.

  • “Non-Personal Information” includes information that cannot be directly used to personally identify you, such as basic browser information (Ex. Chrome on Windows), page visited, timezone, etc.
  • “Personal Information” includes information that can be used to personally identify you, such as your name and email address. This is never collected unless you optionally submit it to us through a contact form, forum registration, or other communication method. We don’t typically verify the information supplied, so you have the full ability to use a throwaway email when contacting us.

Web browser cookies

We have done our best to eliminate the use of third-party “cookies” on this site.

Cookies that are used are stored within your browser and are only used to support the functionality of certain areas of the website. We do not use cookies to track or analyze the behavior of our Users.

For example, if a User visits the forums, a cookie will be used to determine which forums and topics you’ve visited (bold and normal titles) These are kept in your browser, and we cannot view them.

We have used no-cookie embedding of certain media, such as YouTube videos, but accessing these videos may cause additional scripts to load from YouTube, which are beyond our control.

Analytics Data

VeganOstomy does not use any third-party analytics or behavior tracking on this site.

We use a self-hosted, open-source analytics tracker that does not collect personal data and only registers which pages were visited, the general location of the visitor, and the referral page that the visitor came from.

This data is aggregated and cannot be linked to any specific user.

Furthermore, we do not implement cookies or cross-site tracking for our analytics.

Anti-Spam measures

This site uses a self-hosted, anti-spam software that does not rely on third-party access to User email or IP address.

Most spam is caught before any content has been submitted.

If a User successfully posts a comment, then their email and IP address is logged for anti-spam cross-checks.

This data is kept in our database and is not used for any other purpose but to ensure a spam free comment section.

How we use collected information

VeganOstomy collects and uses Users personal information for the following purposes:

  • To improve customer service
    Your information helps us to more effectively respond to your customer service requests and support needs.
  • To personalize user experience
    We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.
  • To improve our Site
    We continually strive to improve our website offerings based on the information and feedback we receive from you.
  • To send periodic emails
    The email address Users provide during newsletter subscriptions, will only be used to send them information and updates related to the VeganOstomy site. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, and/or other requests or questions. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

VeganOstomy does not use behavior tracking or manipulation software to display content, including the “Related Posts” section, which displays random posts from relevant categories.

How we protect your information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, and data stored on our Site.

While we cannot guarantee your information will not be accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed by a breach of such precautions, we are doing everything in our power to prevent it from happening.

Update Dec 1, 2015: SSL encryption has been added to all pages on the site.  This ensures that communication between your browser and the site are encrypted, and information entered through the site (i.e. contact form) will be protected from eavesdropping.

Update Jan 2022: We are proactively implementing blocks to Google FLoC, which is another form of user tracking that we do not, and will not, willingly participate in.

Sharing your personal information

We do not sell, trade, or rent User’s personal identification information to others.

We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes, provided that you have given us your permission.

Testimonials

We get some pretty positive emails and comments from our Users, and from time to time, we like to publish your kind words. By sending these comments, you agree that we may publish your testimonial on this website or social media sites that we use from time to time. We will protect your identity and will ask for permission before any full name or personally identifiable information is published.

You further agree that we may edit the testimonial and publish edited or partial versions of the testimonial. However, we will never edit a testimonial in such a way as to create a misleading impression of your views.

Third party websites

Users may find affiliate links or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, licensors and other third parties.

We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites, and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site.

In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing.

These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies, which I encourage you to read. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.

Changes to this privacy policy

VeganOstomy has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, revise the updated date at the top of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

What rights you have over your data

If you would like your personal information to be edited or deleted, including Community Forum posts and Forum account, please contact us directly.

For the most part, you can edit your profile directly from your Forum profile page.

Contacting us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

VeganOstomy
www.veganostomy.ca
info@veganostomy.ca