How IGSO handles personal data

1. Who We Are

International Growers Standards Organization ("IGSO", "we", "us", or "our") is based in Hong Kong. We support agricultural standards, traceability, verification, and trust infrastructure for growers, brands, institutions, and related stakeholders.

For privacy enquiries, contact us at info@igsoworld.org or visit https://igsoworld.org.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect limited personal data, including:

• Contact details you provide, such as name, organization, email address, phone number, and message content.
• Newsletter or update preferences, if you subscribe.
• Basic website usage data, such as pages visited, browser type, device type, approximate location, referral source, and interaction data.
• Information provided through LinkedIn or other third-party platforms when you interact with IGSO pages, forms, or OAuth-enabled services, subject to those platforms' settings and policies.

3. How We Use Information

We use personal data to:

• Respond to enquiries and contact requests.
• Provide updates, newsletters, or event information where requested.
• Improve our website, communications, and public information.
• Manage IGSO's online presence, including LinkedIn-related application functions.
• Maintain website security and prevent misuse.
• Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, or administrative obligations.

4. Legal and Privacy Basis

Where Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance applies, we collect and use personal data for lawful purposes directly related to IGSO's functions and communications.

Where other privacy laws apply, such as GDPR-style rules for certain international visitors, we rely on practical bases such as your consent, our legitimate interest in responding to enquiries and operating our website, and legal or regulatory requirements where applicable.

You may withdraw consent for optional communications at any time.

5. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support basic site functions, understand website traffic, and improve user experience.

Analytics tools, including Vercel Speed Insights or similar services, may collect aggregated or pseudonymous information such as page visits, browser type, device information, and referral sources. We do not use analytics to identify individual visitors unless you separately provide personal data through a form or communication.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functions.

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell personal data. We may share limited personal data with:

• Service providers who help operate our website, email, forms, analytics, hosting, or communications.
• Professional advisers, where necessary.
• Public authorities or regulators, where required by law.
• Third-party platforms such as LinkedIn, where you choose to interact with IGSO through those services.

7. Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose collected, including to respond to enquiries, maintain business records, provide requested updates, resolve disputes, or comply with legal obligations.

Newsletter or update subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion, unless we are required to keep limited records for legal or administrative reasons.

8. International Transfers

IGSO is based in Hong Kong, but our website, email, analytics, LinkedIn services, and other service providers may process data in other jurisdictions.

Where personal data is transferred or accessed internationally, we take reasonable steps to protect it in line with this Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.

9. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or disclosure.

No internet transmission or storage system is completely secure. If you believe your information has been affected by a security issue, please contact us promptly.

10. Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request to:

• Access personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
• Withdraw consent for optional communications.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters or updates.
• Request deletion or restriction of certain personal data, where applicable.
• Object to certain uses of personal data, where applicable.

11. Children

Our website and services are intended for business, institutional, and professional audiences. They are not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party websites or platforms, including LinkedIn. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party services. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal data.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact

For privacy questions, access or correction requests, or concerns about how IGSO handles personal data, contact International Growers Standards Organization at info@igsoworld.org.