Privacy Policy

The Itch Board ("we", "us", or "our") operates theitchboard.co.nz. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

By using The Itch Board, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Create and manage your account
• Enable you to post problems and interact with other users
• Send you important updates and notifications
• Respond to your comments and questions
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Public Content: Problems and comments you post are publicly visible to all users of the platform
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website (hosting, analytics, email services)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of our users
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (you will be notified)
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information with third parties

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

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/SSL
• Secure password hashing and storage
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below.

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our site. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve site performance and functionality
• Analyze traffic and usage patterns

We require your consent before placing non-essential cookies (such as analytics and advertising cookies). A cookie consent banner is displayed when you first visit our site, allowing you to accept or reject these cookies. You can also control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features.

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your prior visits to our site and other websites on the internet. This enables Google and its partners to serve personalised advertisements to you.

Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the internet. You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. Alternatively, you can opt out of third-party vendor cookies for personalised advertising by visiting www.aboutads.info.

Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior website visits. We require your consent before loading advertising cookies. You can manage your cookie preferences via the consent banner displayed on your first visit.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services, including:

• Google Analytics for usage analytics
• Google AdSense for advertising
• Authentication providers
• Social media platforms

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for their practices and encourage you to review their policies before providing any information.

Our services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.