Privacy Policy

Introduction

BeCroatian ("we," "our," or "us") operates the BeCroatian website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services") that connect users with Croatian business opportunities, tourism information, cultural content, and Croatian citizenship assistance tools.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, process, and disclose your personal information when you use our Services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number when you contact us or subscribe to our newsletter
• Account Information: Username, email, and profile information if you create an account
• Communication Data: Messages, inquiries, and feedback you send through our contact forms or support channels
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address and preferences for our Croatian culture and business newsletters
• Survey and Feedback Data: Responses to optional surveys about Croatian heritage, business interests, or platform feedback

Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Analytics: We use Plausible Analytics, a privacy-focused analytics service that does not use cookies or track users across websites
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information, and referring website
• Website Interaction: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and navigation paths (anonymized)
• Performance Data: Website loading times and technical performance metrics

BeCroatian Application Data (Desktop App)

Our Croatian citizenship organization application is designed with privacy in mind:

• Local Storage: All your documents and personal information remain on your device
• No Cloud Upload: We do not upload, store, or access your citizenship documents or personal files
• Optional AI Features: Local AI assistance runs on your device through Ollama (no data transmission)
• Usage Analytics: Anonymous usage statistics to improve the application (opt-in only)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

Service Provision

• Provide information about Croatian business opportunities and tourism
• Deliver Croatian cultural content and educational materials
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Process newsletter subscriptions and send relevant updates
• Improve and personalize our Services based on your interests

Communication

• Send newsletters about Croatian culture, business opportunities, and platform updates
• Respond to customer service requests and inquiries
• Provide important notices about our Services
• Share relevant information about Croatian citizenship processes (if requested)

Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze website usage patterns to improve user experience
• Monitor website performance and technical issues
• Understand user interests to create relevant content
• Generate anonymized insights about Croatian heritage interest and business trends

How We Share Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

• Analytics: Plausible Analytics (privacy-focused, GDPR-compliant analytics)
• Email Services: Email delivery services for newsletters and communications
• Hosting: Vercel for website hosting and content delivery
• Content Management: Sanity CMS for content storage and management

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to appropriate privacy protections.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard SSL/TLS protocols
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can access personal information
• Regular Security Reviews: We regularly review and update our security practices
• Privacy-First Analytics: We use Plausible Analytics which doesn't use cookies or track users
• Local Data Storage: BeCroatian application keeps sensitive documents on your device only

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your information using industry best practices.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

GDPR Rights (EU Residents)

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing of your personal information
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal information for direct marketing

CCPA Rights (California Residents)

• Know: Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Delete: Right to delete personal information
• Opt-Out: Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
• Non-Discrimination: Right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising privacy rights

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@becroatian.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Cookies and Tracking

Our Privacy-First Approach

BeCroatian takes a privacy-first approach to analytics and tracking:

• No Tracking Cookies: We do not use tracking cookies or persistent identifiers
• Plausible Analytics: Our analytics solution is GDPR-compliant and does not track users across websites
• No Cross-Site Tracking: We do not participate in cross-site tracking or advertising networks
• Essential Cookies Only: We only use essential cookies necessary for website functionality

Essential Cookies

We use only essential cookies that are necessary for the basic functionality of our website, such as remembering your newsletter subscription preferences and maintaining website security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Newsletter Subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Contact Inquiries: For 3 years or until resolution of your inquiry
• Analytics Data: Anonymized analytics data is retained for up to 2 years
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations

You can request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us at privacy@becroatian.com.

International Data Transfers

BeCroatian is based in the United States, and our servers are located in the US. If you are accessing our Services from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers, including using service providers that comply with GDPR adequacy decisions or implementing appropriate contractual safeguards.

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@becroatian.com.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Modified" date at the top of this policy
• Sending email notifications to newsletter subscribers for significant changes
• Displaying prominent notices on our website

Your continued use of our Services after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: