1) What personal data we collect
We collect personal data in a limited and purposeful way. The types of information we may collect include:
- Contact details you provide: name, email address, and the content of your message when you use the contact form.
- Basic technical information: device and browser information, pages visited, and approximate usage patterns, but only if you allow optional analytics cookies.
- Preference data: your cookie preference choice stored in your browser (essential vs analytics).
2) Why we collect personal data (purposes)
We use personal data for the following purposes:
- Responding to messages: to reply to your handwriting or calligraphy question, clarify your request, and provide educational pointers.
- Operating the website: to maintain security, prevent abuse, and ensure pages load correctly.
- Improving content: if you accept optional analytics cookies, we use aggregated usage information to improve article structure and topic coverage.
- Compliance: to meet legal obligations under Dutch and EU law when applicable.
3) Legal bases for processing (GDPR)
Under the GDPR, our processing relies on the following legal bases, depending on the situation:
- Consent: for optional analytics cookies and for contacting you when you tick the consent checkbox in the contact form.
- Legitimate interests: for essential site operation, security, and maintaining a stable service. We balance these interests against your rights and expectations.
- Legal obligation: where Dutch or EU law requires us to keep certain records or respond to lawful requests.
4) Contact form and communications
When you send a message, we process the information you enter so we can respond. We use your email address only to reply and follow up on the same topic. We do not use the contact form to send promotional emails, and we do not sell contact details.
Please avoid including sensitive information in your message (for example, health data, government ID numbers, or confidential workplace information). This site is an educational resource about writing skills and tools, not a service for urgent or sensitive matters.
5) Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies to keep the site functional and, if you choose, to understand which guides are most useful. You can manage your choice through the cookie banner and at any time via the “Cookie settings” button in the site footer.
- Essential cookies: required for basic functionality such as remembering your cookie preference and enabling core navigation and security features.
- Analytics cookies (optional): used only if you opt in, to measure reading patterns in a minimal way.
For more details, read our Cookie Policy.
6) Sharing and recipients
We do not sell personal data. We may share personal data only in limited cases:
- Service providers: trusted vendors that help us operate the website or handle messages, acting under instructions and appropriate safeguards.
- Legal requirements: if required by applicable law or a valid request from a competent authority.
- Business protection: to investigate abuse, security incidents, or to protect the rights and safety of users and the company.
7) International transfers
GHF Beheer B.V. is based in the Netherlands. If a service provider processes data outside the European Economic Area, we apply appropriate safeguards such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses and vendor assessments where required.
For Canadian visitors, this means your data may be processed in the Netherlands or other regions used by our service providers. We aim to keep transfers limited and protect data through contractual and technical measures.
8) Data retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:
- Contact messages: kept for as long as needed to respond and maintain reasonable records of communication, then deleted or anonymized when no longer needed.
- Cookie preference: stored in your browser until you clear it or change your settings.
- Analytics data (optional): retained in aggregated form for trend analysis, with retention kept reasonable and proportionate.
9) Your rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights related to your personal data, including:
- Right to access and receive a copy of your personal data
- Right to correct inaccurate data
- Right to delete data in certain situations
- Right to restrict or object to certain processing
- Right to withdraw consent at any time (for example, analytics cookie consent)
- Right to data portability (where applicable)
To exercise your rights, contact us using the homepage contact form and include enough detail to identify your request. If we need to verify identity, we will ask for the minimum information required.
10) Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we continuously work to reduce risk.
11) Children’s privacy
This educational site is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without appropriate consent. If you believe a child has provided personal data through the contact form, please contact us so we can address it.
12) Complaints and supervisory authority
If you have a privacy concern, we encourage you to contact us first so we can try to resolve it. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Dutch supervisory authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) or your local authority.
13) Governing law and jurisdiction
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Netherlands. Any disputes related to privacy matters for this website will fall under Dutch jurisdiction, without prejudice to mandatory consumer protection rules that may apply based on your location.