At EBFCI (Europe Bangladesh Federation of Commerce and Industry), we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It applies to all members, prospective members, and other individuals who engage with EBFCI’s services and activities.

By becoming a member or interacting with EBFCI, you acknowledge and consent to the practices outlined in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please refrain from providing us with your personal data.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

EBFCI collects personal data directly from individuals, businesses, and other organisations. The types of data we collect may include:

• Contact Information: Full name, business name, designation, business address, email address, phone number.
• Membership Data: Information related to your membership status, history, and communications with EBFCI.
• Business Information: Information related to your business operations, needs, and areas where you seek support.
• Billing and Payment Information: If applicable, financial data such as payment methods and billing details related to membership fees or services.
• Communications: Any correspondence or communication between you and EBFCI, including feedback, inquiries, and service-related requests.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

We process your personal data to provide and improve our services, including the following purposes:

• Membership Administration: To manage your membership, provide you with relevant services and benefits, and communicate updates, events, and news related to EBFCI.
• Service Provision: To offer support, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities based on the information you provide regarding your business and interests.
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide information, and send newsletters or other communications related to EBFCI’s products, services, and activities.
• Billing and Payments: To process any membership fees, sponsorship, donations, or other payments.
• Compliance and Legal Requirements: To comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce any agreements made with EBFCI.

We will only use your data for the purposes outlined above and will not process your data in ways that are incompatible with these purposes.

3. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING YOUR DATA

In accordance with the GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases for processing your personal data:

• Consent: By submitting your personal data, you provide your consent for EBFCI to process your data for the purposes outlined in this policy. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
• Contractual Necessity: Processing your personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract, such as your membership agreement with EBFCI.
• Legitimate Interests: We may process your data when it is necessary for our legitimate interests, such as communicating with members or improving our services.
• Legal Obligations: We may process your data to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes.

4. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We will not share your personal data with third parties, except in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share your data with trusted third-party service providers who assist with the operation of our services (e.g., payment processors, event organisers, IT service providers). These third parties are bound by confidentiality agreements and are not permitted to use your data for other purposes.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose your data when required to do so by law or in response to legal processes, such as summons or court orders.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of EBFCI, your personal data may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you if such an event occurs.

5. INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS OF DATA

EBFCI may transfer personal data, where applicable, outside of the UK to third-party service providers located in countries that may not have the same level of data protection laws. When we transfer personal data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data, in accordance with GDPR.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Once the data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymise it.

7. YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights concerning your personal data:

• Right of Access: You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You can request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Remove: You can request the deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.
• Right to Restriction of Processing: You can request the restriction of processing your data under specific circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: You can request to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and transmit it to another data controller.
• Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data for direct marketing purposes or on grounds relating to your particular situation.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: If we are processing your data based on consent, you may withdraw your consent at any time, and we will stop processing your data for that purpose.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable laws and within the required timeframe.

8. DATA SECURITY

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include access controls, regular security audits, and staff training on data protection.

9. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates to this policy will be posted on our website with the revised date. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information on our privacy practices.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal data or this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: info@ebfci.org 

Thank you for your trust in EBFCI. We are committed to safeguarding your personal data and ensuring that your privacy is respected at all times.