Effective Date: April 17, 2025

At GreatStory.ca, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit our website or share your story with us.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information:
When you subscribe to our newsletter, comment on a post, contact us, or submit a story, we may collect your first and last name, email address, and any other information you voluntarily provide. If you submit a story, we also collect the content of your story and any accompanying images or photographs.

Non-Personal Information:
We automatically collect data such as browser type, operating system, IP address, and pages visited through cookies and analytics tools, including Google Analytics.

2. Legal Basis for Processing Data

Since our website operates in Canada, we comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). We collect and process personal data based on your consent, such as when you voluntarily provide your name, email, story, or photo through forms on our website.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • To review and share user-submitted stories (with your permission)

  • To improve website content and user experience

  • To send newsletters and updates if you have opted in

  • To respond to inquiries and comments

  • To monitor website performance and security through Google Analytics

4. Data Retention Policy

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. If you unsubscribe from our communications or request deletion of your story or personal information, we will remove your data from our records within a reasonable timeframe.

5. How We Protect Your Information

We implement security measures, such as encryption and secure storage, to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. However, no online transmission is 100% secure, and we encourage you to take precautions when sharing information.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behaviour. Google Analytics collects information, including your IP address, device type, and browsing patterns. You can manage your cookie preferences by adjusting your browser settings or using Google's opt-out tools.

7. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services

We do not sell or share your personal information with advertisers. However, we may share non-personal data with Google Analytics and other service providers to improve our website. If your story is published on our site, your name or image may appear publicly with your consent. Third parties with whom we work are required to protect your data in accordance with their privacy policies.

8. Children’s Privacy

GreatStory.ca is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. If we discover that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Under PIPEDA, you have the right to:

  • Request access to or deletion of your personal information

  • Withdraw your story submission at any time

  • Opt out of newsletters and marketing emails

  • Disable cookies through your browser settings

  • Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

10. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated effective date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you would like to request the removal of a submitted story or image, please contact us at:
Email: admin@greatstory.ca
Website: GreatStory.ca