This Privacy Policy outlines how Friends of George’s (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collect, use, and protect personal information provided by visitors, clients, and users of our website, services, and AI chat functionalities. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and complying with applicable laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant U.S. privacy laws.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information
We may collect personal information that can identify you, such as your name, email address, phone number, IP address, and other contact details when you voluntarily provide it to us through forms, email, or when using our AI chat services.
1.2 Automated Information
Our systems automatically collect information about your device, browser, and interactions on our website. This includes IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and browsing history. We also use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your user experience.
1.3 AI Chat Data
When interacting with our AI chat system, the chat may collect information you share during your conversation. This data may be stored for quality assurance, analytics, and to enhance the AI’s responses in future interactions.
2. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Union, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: When you have provided consent for specific data processing activities, such as receiving marketing communications.
- Contractual Necessity: To provide services or information requested by you.
- Legitimate Interests: For purposes such as improving our website, enhancing user experience, or securing our systems, provided these do not override your rights and freedoms.
- Legal Obligations: When processing is required to comply with our legal obligations.
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Delivery
We use your information to provide, personalize, and improve our services, including communication via our AI chat feature.
3.2 Communication
We may use your contact information to send you administrative updates, respond to inquiries, or provide requested information.
3.3 Analytics and Improvements
Data collected through automated means and AI chat may be used to analyze usage trends, optimize website performance, and improve our services.
4. AI Chat Disclosures
Friends of George’s AI chat service is an automated virtual assistant designed to help you access information and navigate our services. It is important to note:
- Non-Human Interaction: You are engaging with an AI-based system, not a live representative.
- Data Collection: Information you provide during chat interactions may be stored and analyzed to improve service quality. Data retention for this purpose will adhere to the minimum time necessary for quality assurance and system improvements.
- Anonymization: Where possible, data collected in chat interactions is anonymized to protect your privacy.
5. Information Sharing
We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties. We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in website hosting, analytics, or other business functions, and who are contractually obligated to keep such information confidential.
- International Transfers: If your data is transferred outside your country, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses under GDPR.
6. Cookies and Similar Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixels) to collect and store information. Cookies help enhance user experience, analyze site performance, and deliver personalized content. You can manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (e.g., for regulatory compliance or dispute resolution).
- Chat Data: AI chat data is retained for a limited period for quality control and analytics and then deleted or anonymized.
- General Data: User data, including automated and contact data, is retained only as long as necessary to meet business or legal needs.
8. Your Rights and Choices
8.1 Rights under GDPR
For users in the European Union, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal or business obligations.
- Data Portability: Request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.
- Object to Processing: Object to processing for legitimate interests, direct marketing, or data profiling.
- Restriction of Processing: Request restriction on processing under certain conditions.
8.2 Rights under CCPA
For California residents, in addition to the above, you have the right to:
- Opt-Out of Sale: Request to opt-out of the sale of your personal information, although we do not currently sell user data.
- Non-Discrimination: Exercise your privacy rights without facing discrimination.
To exercise your rights, please contact us at the contact information provided below.
9. Data Security
We employ appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, and disclosure. This includes secure storage, encrypted transmission, and regular audits. However, no data transmission over the internet or storage system can be guaranteed as 100% secure.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected data from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will delete it promptly. For users in the EU, this age threshold may vary depending on national regulations.
11. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify users of material changes by posting a notice on our website or contacting you directly where appropriate.
- Last Updated: March 3, 2025
- Notification Method: Significant changes will be communicated via email or on-site notices.
12. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or to exercise your data rights, please Send a Message using our contact form for a reply by email.