Privacy Policy

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy describes:

• What information we collect from you
• How and why we use it
• How we safeguard your personal data
• Your rights regarding your information
• How you can contact us about privacy matters

By using our website or providing your personal information to us, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information when you:

• Apply for membership or renew your membership
• Register for events, programmes, or initiatives
• Complete online or offline forms
• Contact us by email, phone, or through our website

This may include:

• Full name, title, and date of birth
• Contact details, such as email address, phone number, and postal address
• Nationality, identification details, and diaspora-related information
• Professional details, occupation, and organisational affiliation
• Membership preferences and areas of interest within GOPIO
• Any other information you choose to share with us

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information, such as:

• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
• Cookie identifiers and analytics data

This information helps us understand how our website is used and improve user experience and security.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data only for legitimate organisational purposes, including to:

• Process and manage membership applications and renewals
• Maintain accurate member records and communication lists
• Send updates about events, programmes, and organisational news
• Respond to enquiries and provide requested information
• Manage event registrations, attendance, and follow-up
• Process payments and maintain necessary financial records
• Improve our website, services, and member engagement
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Depending on the context, we may rely on one or more of the following legal bases for processing your data:

• Consent – when you voluntarily provide information or opt-in to receive communications.
• Legitimate interests – to support and manage the activities of a non-profit organisation serving its members and community.
• Contractual necessity – where processing is required to administer your membership or participation in an activity.
• Legal obligations – to comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us using the details provided in this policy.

5. Sharing of Information

We may share your personal data only when necessary and appropriate, including with:

• Authorised committee members and officers of GOPIO International – Mauritius National Chapter
• GOPIO International, for global membership coordination where relevant
• Trusted service providers such as website hosts, email platforms, and secure payment processors
• Regulatory or legal authorities when required by law

All third parties are required to handle your data securely and only for the purposes for which it was provided.

6. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Limiting access to authorised individuals
• Using secure systems and communications where appropriate
• Applying good practice in password management and system security
• Regularly reviewing and improving our data protection practices

While we strive to protect your information, no system can be guaranteed as completely secure. We nevertheless work to minimise risk as far as reasonably possible.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, including to:

• Administer membership and organisational activities
• Maintain proper accounting and legal records
• Meet archiving and governance requirements

When data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, anonymised, or archived in line with our retention practices.

8. Your Rights

Subject to applicable data protection laws, you may have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal data where appropriate
• Object to or restrict certain types of processing
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Request information about how your data is processed

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact details below. We may need to verify your identity before responding to your request.

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve site performance and user experience
• Remember certain preferences where applicable
• Collect anonymised analytics data to understand how visitors use the site

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some functions of the website may not operate correctly if cookies are disabled.

10. Links to Other Websites

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

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our activities, legal requirements, or best practices. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of our website and services after changes are published will signify your acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your personal data, please contact us: