The Languaging Lab™ is a trading style of Gwynedd Global, which is a business registered in Hong Kong. We offer proofreading, copyediting, translation, and other language services to students, independent non-fiction writers, academic researchers, and clients from businesses and organisations of all sizes. Our client base is worldwide.

This policy describes how we protect and make use of the information you give us.

If you are asked to provide information, it will only be used in ways stated in this policy.

If you have any concerns, please email dpo@thelanguaginglab.com.

Why do we collect data from you?

We gather and use certain information about you in order to:

  • respond to your requests for information (e.g. our availability or a quote for language services)
  • allow you to register for a special offer
  • allow us to contact you while a project is ongoing
  • allow you to apply for roles and join our team
  • allow access to blog posts
  • enable certain functions on this website
  • better understand how visitors use this website
What information do we collect from you?

We collect the following minimal information:

  • name
  • email address
  • postal address
  • phone/WhatsApp number
  • information pertinent to your enquiry (e.g. word count, nature of project)
  • CV, cover letter, portfolio, language test materials
How do we use this data?

The data we collect is used as follows:​

  • For our internal accounting processes (e.g. so we can invoice you) and so that we are compliant with our tax authority (Inland Revenue Department (IRD)) should it request an audit.
  • To contact you in response to your enquiry, order, quote, special offer or booking.
  • To record your agreement to the terms and conditions of our language services.

We will never use this data for marketing or promotion purposes without getting your permission in writing first (for example, to publish your testimonial for us on our website), or unless you have signed up to be notified about a specific offer.

How do we use cookies?

A cookie is a small file placed on your computer’s hard drive. It enables our website to identify your computer as you view different pages on our website.

Web analytics:
• Google Analytics

Cookies do not provide us with access to your computer or any information about you other than that which you elect to share with us. Some third-party services that we use, such as WordPress may place their own cookies in your browser.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used while preserving the anonymity of visitors. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system. We cannot identify you with such cookies.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of all of the features available on the website.

How do we collect your personal data?

We collect and store minimal information via the following forms:

  • Contact form (via WordPress)
  • Quote request form (via WordPress)
  • Booking confirmation form (via WordPress)
  • Feedback form (via WordPress)
  • Newsletter sign-up (via MailChimp)
  • Email (via CommuniLink and Google)
  • WhatsApp chat (via WhatsApp)

We will never lease, distribute or sell your information to third parties unless you give us written permission to do so, or we are required to do so by law.

You can ask us to remove your data from WordPress or MailChimp at any time.

How do we store your personal data?

The minimal information we collect is stored on the following data servers:

  • WordPress. This is our website host operated by Automattic. It is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) to provide an additional layer of security. You can access WordPress’s privacy policy here.
  • MailChimp. This is our newsletter-subscription management system. MailChimp requires a double opt-in. That means that after a subscriber signs up they have to confirm their opt-in via email. You can access MailChimp’s privacy policy here.
  • CommuniLink. This is the Hong Kong-based password-protected email server we use. You can access CommuniLink’s privacy policy here.
  • Gmail. This is the password-protected server we use to communicate via email. You can access Google’s privacy policy here.
  • Microsoft OneDrive. This is our cloud-based file-management system accessed via our password-protected computer. You can access Microsoft′s privacy policy here.
  • WhatsApp. This is the server we use to communicate via instant messaging. You can access WhatsApp’s privacy policy here.

DATA SERVERS IN THE UNITED STATES

  • WordPress (operated by Automattic), MailChimp, and Google’s servers are based in the US but are registered with the EU–​US Privacy Shield.
How long do we keep your data for?

Because many of our clients work with us more than once, we do not delete data unless specifically requested to do so. That being said, please note that all WhatsApp messages are deleted after 30 calendar days of conversation ending.

HONG KONG

  • IRD requires us to keep records for ‘a period of not less than 7 years’. See “Record Keeping“.
  • Please ask if you want us to delete or amend your records. As long as we are complying with IRD’s legal requirements, we will action your request immediately.
​With whom is your data shared?

No one, unless you request that we do so in writing, or IRD elects to audit our business.

Contact us

If you have any questions or requests for modification or removal of your data, you are welcome to email us at dpo@thelanguaginglab.com.

This privacy policy was last updated on 04 November 2024. © Gwynedd Global.