What Information We Collect

Let's be upfront. When you interact with Gilkemon, we collect certain information. Some you give us directly, some gets collected automatically.

Information You Provide

• Contact details when you reach out – name, email address, phone number
• Account information if you sign up for our learning programs
• Payment information when you enroll (though we don't store full credit card numbers)
• Any messages or questions you send us through contact forms
• Details you share during consultations or program assessments

Information Collected Automatically

• Device and browser information when you visit our website
• IP address and general location data
• Pages you visit and how long you spend on them
• Referring websites and search terms that brought you here
• Session data and analytics to understand how people use our site

Why We Need Your Information

We're not collecting data just for the sake of it. Here's what we actually do with your information:

• Provide the educational services you signed up for
• Communicate with you about programs, updates, and your progress
• Process payments and maintain accurate financial records
• Improve our website and learning materials based on usage patterns
• Send relevant information about investment education topics
• Comply with legal requirements and financial regulations
• Protect against fraud and maintain security

How We Store and Protect Your Data

Security isn't just a checkbox for us. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Security Measures

• Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) for all data transmission
• Secure servers located in Canadian facilities
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls limiting who can view your information
• Employee training on privacy and data handling

But let's be realistic – no system is completely foolproof. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security. If we ever experience a data breach that affects you, we'll notify you as required by Canadian law.

Data Retention

We keep your information only as long as we need it. Here's a general breakdown:

Data Type	Retention Period
Account information	Duration of active enrollment plus 3 years
Financial records	7 years (Canadian tax law requirement)
Marketing communications	Until you unsubscribe
Website analytics	26 months
Support inquiries	2 years after resolution

Sharing Your Information

We don't hand your information out freely. When we do share it, there's a specific reason.

Service Providers

We work with trusted third parties who help us run our business. These include payment processors, email service providers, and analytics tools. They only get access to the information they need to do their job, and they're required to protect it.

Legal Requirements

Sometimes we're legally required to disclose information – court orders, regulatory investigations, that sort of thing. We'll comply with valid legal requests, but we'll also push back if we think a request is overly broad.

Business Transfers

If Gilkemon gets acquired or merges with another company, your information would be part of that transfer. We'd notify you if this happens and if privacy practices change as a result.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have specific rights about your personal information. These aren't just theoretical – you can actually exercise them.

Access Your Information

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We'll provide it in a readable format within 30 days. There's no fee unless your request is excessive or repetitive.

Correct Inaccuracies

If information we have about you is wrong or outdated, let us know. We'll update it promptly. This is important especially for contact details and account information.

Request Deletion

You can ask us to delete your personal information. We'll comply unless we have a legal reason to keep it (like tax records or unresolved disputes). Account deletion requests are processed within 30 days.

Withdraw Consent

If you previously agreed to receive marketing emails or other communications, you can change your mind anytime. Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link. Or just email us directly.

Object to Processing

You can object to how we use your information in certain situations. We'll review your request and stop the processing unless we have compelling legitimate grounds to continue.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Like most websites, we use cookies. These are small files stored on your device that help the site function and provide us with analytics.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies that make the website work properly
• Analytics cookies to understand visitor behavior
• Preference cookies to remember your settings
• Marketing cookies to show relevant content (with your consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers let you block or delete cookies, though this might affect how the website functions. Essential cookies are necessary for basic operations.

International Data Transfers

We primarily operate in Canada and store data on Canadian servers. However, some service providers we use might process data outside Canada (particularly in the United States).

When this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through contractual agreements that require service providers to maintain Canadian-equivalent privacy protections.

Children's Privacy

Our services aren't designed for anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors. If you're a parent and think your child has provided us with information, contact us immediately and we'll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws change. Our business evolves. Sometimes we need to update this policy. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you by email or through a prominent notice on the website.

The "Last Updated" date at the top shows when we last revised this document. We recommend checking back periodically, especially if you haven't visited in a while.

Privacy Complaints

If you think we've mishandled your personal information, we want to hear about it. Contact our privacy officer first – we'll investigate and respond within 45 days.

If you're not satisfied with our response, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. They're an independent organization that investigates privacy complaints.