Privacy Policy

Expat Info Almere

Effective Date: 06-09-2025
Last Updated: 06-09-2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Expat Info Almere (hereinafter: "EIA"). EIA is a non-profit initiative dedicated to helping international residents and newcomers navigate life in Almere by centralising scattered information from various sources into one accessible platform.

This Privacy Policy explains how EIA collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use our website and services. EIA is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Dutch privacy laws.

2. Who We Are

Organization Name: Expat Info Almere
Location: Almere, Netherlands
Contact Email: info@expatinfoalmere.nl

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

Contact Information: Name, email address
Registration Details: Username, password, and profile information (if we offer user accounts)
Community Contributions: Posts, comments, reviews, or information you share on our platform
Feedback and Inquiries: Messages sent through contact forms or direct communication

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and navigation paths
Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
Cookies and Similar Technologies: Small files stored on your device to improve your experience

3.3 Information from Third Parties

Public Information: Publicly available information from official sources (government websites, public announcements)
Community Sources: Information aggregated from public Facebook groups, forums, and other community platforms (anonymised and with proper attribution)

4. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes:

4.1 Primary Services

Providing centralised information about living in Almere
Facilitating community connections and resource sharing
Responding to your inquiries and providing support
Maintaining and improving our website functionality

4.2 Communication

Notifying you about changes to services or policies
Responding to your questions and feedback

4.3 Website Improvement

Analysing website usage to improve user experience
Identifying popular content and community needs
Technical maintenance and security

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, EIA processes your data based on:

Legitimate Interest: Providing community information services and improving our platform
Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or sign up for communications
Legal Obligation: When required to comply with Dutch or EU laws
Public Interest: Supporting international residents' integration into the community

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 We DO NOT Sell Your Data

As a non-profit organisation, we never sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

6.2 We May Share Information With:

Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help us operate our website (hosting, email services, analytics)
Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
Community Partners: Local organisations or government services (only with your explicit consent)

6.3 Public Information

Information you post in public areas of our platform may be visible to other users
We may display aggregated, anonymised statistics about our community

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data:

Encryption: Secure transmission of data using SSL/TLS protocols
Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
Regular Updates: Keeping software and security measures current
Backup Procedures: Secure backup and recovery processes

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

Account Information: Until you delete your account or request deletion
Contact Inquiries: Up to 3 years for reference and follow-up
Website Analytics: Anonymised data may be retained longer for trend analysis
Legal Requirements: As required by Dutch law or legal obligations

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

As a data subject in the EU, you have the following rights:

9.1 Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

9.2 Right to Rectification

You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

9.3 Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten")

You can request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

9.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can request that we limit how we use your data.

9.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a portable format to transfer to another service.

9.6 Right to Object

You can object to our processing of your data for direct marketing or legitimate interests.

9.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.

10. Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:

Email: info@expatinfoalmere.nl
Subject Line: "Privacy Rights Request"
Information to Include: Your name, email address, and specific request

We will respond to your request within 30 days (or sooner when possible).

11. Cookies and Tracking

11.1 Essential Cookies

EIA uses necessary cookies for basic website functionality and security.

11.2 Analytics Cookies

EIA may use analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to understand how our website is used. You can opt out through your browser settings.

11.3 Your Cookie Choices

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings
You can delete existing cookies and prevent future cookies
Some website features may not work properly if cookies are disabled

12. International Data Transfers

As we operate within the EU/Netherlands, your data primarily stays within the European Economic Area (EEA). If we use services that transfer data outside the EEA, we ensure adequate protection through:

Adequacy Decisions: Countries approved by the EU Commission
Standard Contractual Clauses: EU-approved contract terms
Other Safeguards: As approved under GDPR

13. Children's Privacy

EIA's services are intended for adults (18+) and those capable of making informed decisions about living in Almere. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

EIA may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When making a change,

The updated policy will be posted on this website
"Last Update" date will be visible
You may be notified by email in case of significant changes
In addition, you are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

15. Complaints and Supervisory Authority

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data:

15.1 Contact Us First

Please reach out to us directly so we can address your concerns.

15.2 Dutch Data Protection Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP):

Website: autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl
Phone: 0900-200 0201
Address: Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, Postbus 93374, 2509 AJ Den Haag

16. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

Primary Contact: info@expatinfoalmere.nl
Response Time: within 72 hours

17. Language

This Privacy Policy is provided in English. If there are any translations, the English version will prevail in case of conflicts.

Thank you for being part of the Expat Info Almere.