1. Introduction

Walden Book Store ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at waldenbookstore.com (the "Site") or make a purchase from us.

By accessing or using our Site, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Payment information (credit card details, billing address)
• Order history and preferences
• Age verification confirmation (18+ requirement)
• Communications with customer service

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior:

• IP address and geographical location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website
• Device information (screen size, device type)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Site. These technologies help us:

• Remember your preferences and shopping cart contents
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and advertisements
• Maintain user sessions and authentication

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Processing and fulfilling orders
• Providing customer service and support
• Sending order confirmations and shipping notifications
• Communicating about account updates and security
• Improving our website and services
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Complying with legal obligations
• Marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except as described in this Privacy Policy:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our business:

• Payment processors (Stripe) for secure payment processing
• Shipping companies for order fulfillment
• Print-on-demand services for book production
• Email service providers for communications
• Analytics providers for website optimization
• Customer service platforms

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, including:

• Compliance with legal processes
• Protection of our rights and property
• Investigation of potential violations
• Protection of safety of users or the public

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner as part of the business transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Secure payment processing through Stripe
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected:

• Account information: Until account deletion or 3 years of inactivity
• Order history: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Customer service records: 3 years
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: 2 years

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Correction

You can access and update your account information at any time through your account dashboard or by contacting customer service.

7.2 Data Portability

You can request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.

7.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal obligations to retain information.

7.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in emails or contacting customer service.

7.5 Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though this may limit some website functionality.

8. Age Restrictions

Our Site is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If we learn that we have collected personal information from someone under 18, we will delete that information immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. When we transfer personal information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

11. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information
• Right to access personal information
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to equal service and price

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@waldenbookstore.com.

12. European Privacy Rights

If you are in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@waldenbookstore.com.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date
• Post the revised policy on our Site
• Notify you of significant changes via email
• Provide notice on our website

Your continued use of our Site after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@waldenbookstore.com
• Phone: 1-800-WALDEN
• Mail: Walden Book Store, 123 Literature Lane, Book Haven City, BH 12345