Privacy Policy for The Earth Links (TEL)

Effective Date: 17th Sep 2024

At The Earth Links (www.theearthlinks.org), we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data across all our services, including our three core verticals: Xplorers (custom travel packages), Xporters (global product sourcing and export), and Xchange (custom job search and placement services).

By using our website and services, you agree to the practices outlined in this policy. This Privacy Policy complies with global privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable regulations worldwide.

1. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services. This may include:

a. Personal Identifiable Information (PII):

• Name, email address, phone number, postal address – required when registering, submitting a custom request, booking services, or contacting us.
• Payment Information – credit card details, billing information, or other payment data required to process transactions.
• Government-issued identification – for visa processing, custom travel, or employment verification purposes (Xplorers and Xchange).

b. Non-Personal Identifiable Information (Non-PII):

• Device information – including IP address, browser type, and operating system.
• Usage data – how you interact with our website and services, including pages viewed, time spent on the site, and referral sources.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes across our three verticals:

a. Xplorers:

• To process bookings and custom travel requests – including arranging flights, accommodation, and local guides.
• To ensure your safety – sharing necessary information with local authorities, guides, and transportation services to guarantee a safe and seamless travel experience.
• To send relevant travel offers and updates – personalized offers for upcoming trips, travel news, and promotions, if you have opted-in to receive marketing communications.

b. Xporters:

• To facilitate product sourcing – gathering product requests and managing the sourcing process from suppliers in various regions.
• To process business transactions – managing orders, shipments, and payments between buyers and exporters.
• To ensure quality control – sharing necessary information with exporters and importers for quality assurance purposes.

c. Xchange:

• To process job applications – sharing your information with employers for job placement purposes, including background checks and qualifications verification.
• To match you with job opportunities – reviewing your qualifications and preferences to find suitable job openings.
• To send career-related updates – newsletters, job openings, and opportunities in specific regions, if you have subscribed to receive these updates.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your data with trusted partners and service providers in the following cases:

• Service Providers: We share information with third-party vendors for payment processing, travel arrangements, product shipment, and job placement services. These parties are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Obligations: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, in response to a subpoena, or to protect the safety and rights of our company, users, or the public.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. This includes retaining your data for as long as your account remains active or as needed to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.

5. Your Rights and Choices

a. For EU/EEA Users (GDPR):

• Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You can ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your data under certain circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: You can request your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: You can object to the processing of your personal data for direct marketing or other legitimate purposes.

b. For California Residents (CCPA):

• Right to Know: You can request information about the categories and specific data we’ve collected about you.
• Right to Delete: You can request the deletion of your personal information.
• Right to Opt-Out: You can opt-out of the sale of your personal data (though we do not sell personal data).
• Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [insert email address].

6. International Data Transfers

As a global company, your information may be transferred to, and processed in, countries other than your own. However, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve the user experience on our site. Cookies are small files placed on your device to help us understand how you use our website and services. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

8. Data Security

We take the security of your information seriously and implement industry-standard measures, including encryption, firewalls, and secure servers, to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, please note that no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any significant changes by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed of how we are protecting your information.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

• Email: info@theearthlinks.org
• Postal Address: [Insert company address]