Privacy Policy

Version 2.0 – January 21, 2026

1. Introduction

BierGeek (“BierGeek,” “we,” “us,” “our”) operates a global digital directory and visibility platform for breweries, beers, stockists, and related establishments (the “Platform”).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, disclose, and safeguard personal data in connection with:

  • Website usage
  • Subscription services
  • Brewery account registration
  • Future “claim this brewery” functionality
  • User registration
  • QR-based check-ins
  • Gamification features
  • Mobile application features (when launched)

By using the Platform, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Categories of Personal Data Collected

2.1 Information You Provide

We may collect:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Business name
  • Contact details
  • Login credentials
  • Profile information
  • Communications sent to us
  • Submitted listings and related content

2.2 Subscription & Payment Data

If you subscribe to a paid plan:

  • Billing name
  • Billing address (if required)
  • Subscription tier
  • Transaction identifiers
  • Payment confirmation status

Payments are processed by third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, or similar providers).

We do not store full credit card numbers.

Payment processors handle financial data according to their own privacy policies.

2.3 Email Marketing Data

If you subscribe to communications:

  • Email address
  • Marketing preferences
  • Engagement data (opens, clicks)

Email communications may be managed through third-party email service providers.

You may unsubscribe at any time.

2.4 Analytics Data (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics to collect:

  • IP address (subject to anonymization where configured)
  • Device and browser information
  • Pages visited
  • Time spent
  • Interaction behavior
  • Referral sources

Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies.

For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy.

2.5 User Registration & Account Data (Planned Feature)

When account registration is implemented, we may collect:

  • Username
  • Email address
  • Password (securely hashed)
  • Profile data
  • Activity history

2.6 QR Check-In & Gamification Data (Future App Feature)

When QR-based check-ins are launched, we may collect:

  • User identity (registered account)
  • Date and time of check-in
  • Associated beer
  • Brewery
  • Stockist location
  • City
  • Province/state
  • Country
  • Beer style
  • Engagement metrics
  • Badge and milestone progress

This information may be used to:

  • Calculate rankings
  • Assign badges
  • Display participation metrics
  • Generate aggregated statistics

Some of this information may be visible publicly depending on feature settings.

3. Behavioral Data & Profiling

The Platform may generate structured profiles based on user activity, including:

  • Beer preferences
  • Geographic engagement
  • Check-in frequency
  • Ranking status
  • Participation level

These processes are used for gamification and ranking purposes.

They do not constitute automated decision-making producing legal or similarly significant effects.

4. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

Where applicable, we process personal data under:

  • Contract performance (subscription services)
  • Legitimate interest (platform improvement, fraud prevention, ranking systems)
  • Consent (marketing communications, non-essential cookies)
  • Legal compliance

Users may withdraw consent where applicable.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We may use:

  • Essential cookies (site functionality)
  • Analytics cookies (Google Analytics)
  • Functional cookies
  • Future advertising cookies (if introduced)

Where required by law, users will be presented with cookie consent options.

Users may control cookies via browser settings.

6. Sharing of Data

We may share personal data with:

Service Providers

  • Hosting providers
  • Cloud infrastructure providers
  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
  • Email marketing providers
  • Analytics providers (Google)

Legal Authorities

If required by law or to protect rights and safety.

Corporate Transactions

In case of merger, acquisition, or restructuring.

We do not sell personal data.

7. International Transfers

Data may be processed in countries outside your own.

Where required, we rely on safeguards such as:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses
  • Contractual data processing agreements
  • Reputable global infrastructure providers

8. Data Retention

We retain data as long as necessary to:

  • Maintain accounts
  • Provide subscription services
  • Support gamification systems
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Resolve disputes

Inactive accounts may be anonymized or deleted after a reasonable retention period.

9. User Rights

Depending on jurisdiction, users may have rights to:

  • Access personal data
  • Correct inaccuracies
  • Request deletion
  • Restrict processing
  • Object to processing
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent

Requests may be sent to:
legal@biergeek.com

Identity verification may be required.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents may request:

  • Disclosure of categories of personal data collected
  • Deletion of personal data
  • Confirmation that data is not sold

We do not sell personal data.

We will not discriminate against users for exercising rights.

11. Security Measures

We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards, including:

  • Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
  • Secure hosting environments
  • Password hashing
  • Access controls

However, no system is completely secure.

12. Children’s Privacy

The Platform is not intended for individuals under 18.

We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Changes will be posted with an updated effective date.

Continued use constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact

Privacy inquiries:
legal@biergeek.com