Privacy Policy
01 Introduction
Welcome to aretefidelis. This Privacy Policy explains how I, as a freelance Full-Stack Designer & Developer, collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit my portfolio website.
I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, including the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.
By using this website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
02 Data Controller
For the purposes of applicable data protection laws, the data controller is:
aretefidelis
United Arab Emirates
Email: aretefidelis@gmail.com
As a freelance professional, I am responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing your personal data.
03 Data Collected
I collect the following types of personal data when you interact with this website:
3.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact Information: First name, last name, email address, company name, and any other details you provide through the contact form.
- Project Details: Information about your project requirements, budget range, timeline preferences, and any uploaded files (PDF, JPG, PNG).
- Communication: Any correspondence you send via email or through the website.
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on the website, referral sources, and interaction patterns.
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and device type.
- IP Address: Your IP address and approximate geographic location (country/city level).
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to enhance your experience.
Important: I do not collect sensitive personal data (e.g., financial information, health records, political opinions) unless you explicitly provide it for a specific purpose.
04 How We Use Your Data
Your personal data is used for the following legitimate purposes:
📩 Respond to Inquiries
To reply to your messages, answer questions, and provide information about my services.
📋 Service Delivery
To communicate with you regarding project proposals, quotes, and service agreements.
📊 Analytics
To understand how visitors use my website and improve user experience and content.
⚖️ Legal Compliance
To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal obligations.
I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.
05 Legal Basis for Processing
Under the UAE PDPL and GDPR, I process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: You have given explicit consent for the processing of your data for specific purposes.
- Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract.
- Legitimate Interest: Processing is necessary for my legitimate interests, provided these are not overridden by your rights and interests.
- Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation to which I am subject.
Where processing is based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
06 Data Sharing & Transfers
Your data may be shared with trusted third-party service providers who assist me in operating the website and delivering services:
- Forminit: For processing contact form submissions. Data is transmitted securely via HTTPS.
- Vercel: Website hosting and deployment services.
- Analytics Providers: To understand website usage patterns (anonymized and aggregated data).
Cross-Border Data Transfers: Some service providers may be located outside the UAE. I ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, to protect your data during international transfers.
07 Data Retention
I retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
- Contact Form Data: Retained for up to 30 days for follow-up purposes, unless a project is initiated.
- Project Communications: Retained for the duration of the project and for a reasonable period afterward for record-keeping.
- Analytics Data: Retained in aggregated, anonymized form for up to 14 months.
After the retention period expires, your data is securely deleted or anonymized.
08 Your Rights
Under the UAE PDPL and GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data I hold about you.
- Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations).
- Right to Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain conditions.
- Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another controller.
- Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at aretefidelis@gmail.com. I will respond to your request within 30 days as required by law.
09 Security Measures
I implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:
- HTTPS Encryption: All data transmitted is encrypted using TLS.
- Secure Hosting: Website hosted on Vercel with industry-standard security.
- Access Control: Strict access controls and authentication mechanisms.
- Data Minimization: Only collecting necessary data.
- Regular Audits: Periodic reviews of security practices.
While I strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
10 Cookies & Tracking
10.1 Types of Cookies Used
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly.
- Analytics Cookies: Help understand how visitors interact with the website.
- Preference Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.
10.2 Managing Cookies
You can control and manage cookies in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
11 Children's Privacy
My services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. I do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided me with personal data, please contact me immediately.
12 International Data Transfers
As a freelance professional serving clients globally, your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UAE.
When transferring your data internationally, I ensure that:
- The transfer is necessary for the performance of a contract.
- Appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses.
- The transfer is subject to applicable data protection laws.
13 Changes to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in my practices, legal requirements, or operational needs.
The most current version will always be available on this page, with the "Last Updated" date at the top.
I encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how I protect your data.
14 Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:
📧 Get In Touch
I typically respond to privacy-related inquiries within 5 business days.
aretefidelis@gmail.com