Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Vegan Community ("TVC", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with transparency, responsibility, and care.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you interact with:

• Our website(s)
• Online and offline events
• Courses and learning programs
• Memberships and community spaces (including subcommunities or "pods")
• Any related tools, platforms, or services operated by us

By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all users, including:

• Visitors browsing our website
• Event participants
• Members and subscribers
• Partners and collaborators
• Users of any future TVC platform or ecosystem features

3. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to operate, improve, and grow our platform.

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

You may provide us with:

• Identity & Contact Data
  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number (optional)
• Account & Profile Data
  • Username and password (if applicable)
  • Profile details (bio, preferences, interests)
• Participation Data
  • Event registrations
  • Course enrollments
  • Survey responses and feedback
  • Community interactions (comments, posts)
• Communication Data
  • Messages sent to us
  • Support requests
  • Email or newsletter interactions
• Payment Data
  • Billing details (processed via third-party providers)
  • Transaction confirmations

3.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you interact with our platform, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Device type and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent
• Click behavior and navigation patterns
• Referring URLs

3.3 Community & Platform Activity Data

If you participate in community features:

• Content you share (posts, comments, uploads)
• Engagement within pods/subcommunities
• Preferences, interests, and interaction patterns

3.4 Information from Third Parties

We may receive limited information from:

• Payment processors (transaction confirmations)
• Event platforms (attendance data)
• Social platforms (if you interact with us externally)

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to operate and improve our services in a meaningful and responsible way.

4.1 Service Delivery

• Register you for events and programs
• Manage memberships and access
• Provide course content and community features

4.2 Communication

• Send event updates and reminders
• Share newsletters and relevant content
• Respond to inquiries and support requests

4.3 Platform Improvement

• Understand user behavior and engagement
• Improve content, structure, and experience
• Develop new features and offerings

4.4 Safety & Integrity

• Prevent misuse, fraud, or abuse
• Enforce community guidelines
• Monitor platform health

4.5 Legal & Compliance

• Maintain records for accounting and reporting
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations

We do not sell your personal data.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Depending on your location, we process your data based on:

• Consent (e.g., newsletters, cookies)
• Contractual necessity (e.g., event participation)
• Legitimate interests (e.g., improving services)
• Legal obligations

6. Payments & Financial Data

Payments are processed through secure third-party providers.

We do not store sensitive payment details, including:

• Card numbers
• CVV

We may retain:

• Transaction IDs
• Payment status
• Basic billing details (for accounting and compliance)

7. Third-Party Services & Tools

To operate effectively, we use trusted third-party services, such as:

• Email and communication platforms
• Payment processors
• Analytics tools
• Event hosting platforms (e.g., Zoom)
• Automation and integration tools

These providers:

• Only access data necessary for their function
• Are expected to comply with data protection standards

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable essential platform functionality
• Understand usage and improve experience
• Remember preferences

Types of Cookies:

• Essential – required for basic functionality
• Analytics – help us understand usage
• Functional – store preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain features.

9. Data Sharing

We share your information only when necessary and responsibly:

9.1 Service Providers

With tools that help us operate (email, payments, analytics).

9.2 Event Partners

With collaborators only where required, such as:

• Speaker coordination
• Event logistics

9.3 Legal Requirements

When required by law, regulation, or legal process.

9.4 Business Changes

In case of restructuring, merger, or asset transfer (with safeguards).

We do not share your data for third-party marketing without your explicit consent.

10. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

We may retain anonymized data for analytics and research.

11. Your Rights

You have control over your data. Depending on your location, you may:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion
• Withdraw consent
• Opt out of marketing
• Request data portability

To exercise your rights:

Email us: peterg@thevegancommunity.com
Response time: typically within 30 days

12. India – DPDP Act (2023)

If you are located in India:

• Your data is processed based on consent and legitimate use
• You may withdraw consent at any time
• You may request correction or erasure

Grievance Officer: Peter Goldstein
peterg@thevegancommunity.com

13. EU / UK – GDPR Rights

If you are in the EU/UK, you also have rights to:

• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

14. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards, including:

• Secure platforms and tools
• Controlled access to data
• Internal process discipline

However, no system is completely secure.

15. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

16. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in different countries depending on our tools and partners. We ensure appropriate safeguards where required.

17. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

18. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. If changes are significant, we will notify you via:

• Email
• Platform notifications

19. Contact Information

For any privacy-related queries:

The Vegan Community (TVC)
Email: peterg@thevegancommunity.com