Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

forge paren ("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 or engage our consulting services.

We operate in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected].

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number)
• Company name and job title
• Business address
• Information contained in messages you send us
• Professional background relevant to our consulting engagement

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Cookie data (see our Cookie Policy for details)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including:

• Responding to your inquiries and providing requested services
• Delivering and managing consulting engagements
• Communicating about our services, updates, and relevant information
• Improving our website and services
• Analysing website usage patterns
• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting our rights and preventing fraud

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific purposes
• Contract: When processing is necessary to fulfil a consulting agreement
• Legitimate Interests: For business operations, provided these do not override your rights
• Legal Compliance: When required by applicable laws in Hong Kong

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers: Third parties who assist our operations (hosting, analytics, email services)
• Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and consultants as needed
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales

All third parties are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

6. Data Security

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

• Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
• Access controls limiting data access to authorised personnel
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection practices

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any breach as required by law.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Inquiry data: 2 years from last contact
• Client engagement data: 7 years after engagement completion (for legal and accounting purposes)
• Website analytics: 26 months
• Marketing communications: Until you unsubscribe

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. These include:

• Essential cookies for website functionality
• Analytics cookies to understand usage patterns
• Preference cookies to remember your settings

For detailed information about our cookie practices and how to manage your preferences, please see our Cookie Policy.

9. Your Rights

Under Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Opt-out: Decline marketing communications at any time
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to requests within 40 days as required by the Ordinance.

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website 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. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.