Effective Date: May 01, 2025
Welcome to The Open Thought. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
1. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information
We may collect and store the following types of personal data when you engage with us:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Country or location (if provided)
- Content submitted via forms, comments, or feedback
- Subscription preferences
b. Non-Personal Information
Collected automatically through cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools:
- IP address
- Browser and device information
- Referring/exit pages
- Pages viewed and time spent
- Site navigation patterns
2. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
We process your personal data based on the following lawful grounds:
- Consent – When you subscribe to our newsletter or engage with content voluntarily
- Contractual necessity – To provide content or services you request
- Legitimate interest – To improve our services and communicate relevant updates
- Legal obligation – To comply with applicable laws
3. Your Rights Under GDPR and CCPA
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or California, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Delete your personal data (“Right to be Forgotten”)
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Data portability – receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Opt-out of the sale of personal data (CCPA)
You can exercise any of these rights by contacting us at: media@theopenthought.com
We respond to all requests within 30 days.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Enhance user experience
- Analyse website traffic and user behaviour
- Personalise content and communications
You can manage your cookie preferences using your browser settings or via our cookie consent banner.
5. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Once no longer needed, your data will be securely deleted or anonymized.
6. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with:
- Trusted third-party service providers (e.g., email delivery, analytics) under data processing agreements
- Legal authorities, if required by law or legal process
7. Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data against loss, theft, misuse, and unauthorized access. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third-party websites.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with the updated “Effective Date”. Continued use of our website implies acceptance of these changes.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, requests, or concerns about your privacy or this policy, please contact us at:
media@theopenthought.com
