Privacy and security background

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Last updated: June 25, 2025

Introduction

HelloGuestbook ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our digital guestbook service for vacation rentals and short-term accommodations.

We want to be transparent about our data practices and believe you have the right to understand exactly how your information is handled. This policy is written in plain language to make it as clear and accessible as possible.

By using HelloGuestbook, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We will only use your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy unless we obtain your explicit consent for other uses.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account with HelloGuestbook, we collect information necessary to provide our service and manage your account.

  • Full name and email address
  • Profile/avatar images (optional)
  • Authentication credentials (securely encrypted)
  • Account preferences and settings

Property & Guestbook Content

We collect information you provide when creating and managing your digital guestbooks for your properties.

  • Property title, location, and description
  • Property images and media files
  • WiFi network credentials
  • Emergency contact information
  • Custom pages and content
  • External links and resources

Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information to ensure our service works properly and securely. We use cookieless tracking methods to respect your privacy.

  • IP address and general location (anonymized)
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information and operating system
  • Usage patterns and feature interactions
  • Error logs and performance data
  • Analytics data (cookieless, via SimpleAnalytics when implemented)

Payment Information

Payment processing is handled securely through Stripe. We do not store your full credit card information.

  • Stripe customer ID (for subscription management)
  • Subscription status and billing history

How We Use Your Information

Service Delivery

To provide and maintain our digital guestbook service, manage your account, process subscriptions, and enable you to create and share guestbooks with your guests.

Security & Protection

To protect our service from fraud, abuse, and security threats. We monitor for suspicious activity and maintain system security.

Service Improvement

To understand how our service is used, identify issues, and improve features. We analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience.

Communication

To respond to your inquiries, send important service updates, and provide customer support. We may also send promotional emails with your consent.

Information Sharing

We only share your personal information in specific, limited circumstances. We never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

We Never Sell

Your personal information is never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for their marketing purposes.

Service Providers Only

We only share data with trusted service providers like Supabase, Stripe, and Resend to deliver our service.

Our Third-Party Services:

  • Netlify: Website hosting and deployment (based in US)
  • Supabase: Database hosting, authentication, and file storage (EU-North region)
  • Stripe: Payment processing and subscription management (PCI DSS compliant)
  • Resend: Transactional emails (contact form, account notifications)
  • SimpleAnalytics: Cookieless website analytics (planned implementation, GDPR compliant)

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.

Data Encryption

All data transmitted using HTTPS/TLS encryption. Sensitive data encrypted at rest.

Secure Infrastructure

Hosted on Netlify and Supabase with enterprise-grade security and compliance.

Access Controls

Role-based access controls and monitoring for suspicious activity.

Data Retention

How Long We Keep Your Data

Active Accounts: We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services.

Account Deletion: When you delete your account, we will permanently delete your personal information and guestbook content within 30 days. Some data may be retained longer if required by law or for legitimate business purposes (such as preventing fraud).

Backups: Data in our system backups may persist for up to 90 days after deletion.

Your Rights

You have several rights regarding your personal information under GDPR and Norwegian privacy laws. You can exercise these rights by contacting us at support@helloguestbook.com or through your account settings.

Access Your Data

Request a copy of all personal information we have about you, including your guestbook content and account details.

Update Information

Correct or update your personal information directly in your account settings or by contacting us.

Delete Your Account

Request complete deletion of your account and all associated data. This action cannot be undone.

Export Your Data

Download your guestbook content and property information in a portable format.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us using the information below. We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days as required by GDPR.

Privacy & Support

support@helloguestbook.com

Jurisdiction

Norway (EU/GDPR Compliant)

Changes to This Policy

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by email (to the address associated with your account) or through a notice on our service.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when this Privacy Policy was last revised.

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