Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and process personal data on pdf-guider.com. We comply with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP/DSG) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. Controller

Simon Bärtschi
Bern, Switzerland
Email: baertschi@pdf-guider.com

2. Hosting & Infrastructure

This website is hosted on WordPress.com (Automattic Inc.). Personal data may be processed on servers located in the EU and/or the USA. Automattic acts as our processor. For details, see Automattic’s privacy policy: https://automattic.com/privacy/.

3. Data We Process

  • Form data (including present and future forms such as downloads, contact, waitlists, surveys, beta sign-ups): name (optional), email (required where indicated), checkbox selections (e.g., newsletter opt-in), the page/post of submission, timestamp, and technical metadata (e.g., IP address, user agent) for fraud/spam prevention.
  • Usage/server data: IP address, date/time, requested URL, referrer, user agent and similar log data generated automatically when visiting the site.
  • Communication data: Content of messages you send via email or forms.
  • Newsletter data (if you opt in): email, optional name, subscription status, consent proof (double opt-in), basic engagement metrics (e.g., delivery/opens) where supported by our email service.

4. Purposes of Processing

  • Deliver requested content (e.g., PDF guides) by email (transactional communication).
  • Manage and document leads and enquiries (internal records of submissions).
  • Provide newsletters, updates or invitations where you have explicitly consented (double opt-in).
  • Operate, maintain and secure our website; prevent abuse and spam.
  • Improve content and user experience; respond to your messages.
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our rights.

5. Legal Bases

  • Contract / pre-contractual steps (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR): sending the requested PDF or handling your enquiry.
  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR): newsletters or other optional processing; you can withdraw consent anytime with future effect.
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR): site operation, security, fraud prevention, and service optimisation.
  • Under Swiss law, processing follows principles of good faith, proportionality and purpose limitation.

6. Recipients & Processors

We use trusted service providers to run this site and communicate with you. These currently include:

  • Automattic Inc. (WordPress.com) – hosting, email relay for transactional messages and form handling.
  • Elementor – form plugin used to collect and manage submissions within WordPress.
  • Email delivery / newsletter services (present or future) – if we add a newsletter provider (e.g., Brevo, Mailchimp, SendGrid), we will integrate it with double opt-in and appropriate data processing agreements.
  • Analytics / anti-spam tools (present or future) – if introduced, will be configured in a privacy-respecting manner and, where required, based on consent.

We only share data with processors as necessary for the purposes stated, under contractual safeguards and applicable law.

7. International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred to countries without an adequacy decision (e.g., the USA), particularly when using Automattic or email providers. We rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) or the applicable legal framework. By requesting our services from outside Switzerland/EU, transfers may also be necessary to perform the contract you request.

8. Retention

  • Form/lead data: retained until the purpose is fulfilled or you request deletion.
  • Newsletter data: retained until you unsubscribe; we may keep minimal records in restricted mode to document consent and compliance.
  • Server logs: retained for a limited time needed for security and troubleshooting.
  • Legal retention duties (if any) may require longer storage.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to request access, rectification, deletion, restriction, data portability (where applicable) and to object to processing based on legitimate interests. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your rights, contact us at baertschi@pdf-guider.com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint. In Switzerland: Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC). In the EU: your local supervisory authority.

10. Newsletters (If You Opt In)

Subscriptions use a double opt-in process. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in each email or by contacting us. We may process basic engagement metrics (e.g., delivery status) to ensure reliable sending and detect deliverability issues.

11. Cookies & Similar Technologies

We currently use only technologies necessary to operate this site and its forms. No analytics or marketing cookies are used at this time. If we introduce analytics or advertising tools in the future, we will provide clear information and, where required, obtain your consent before activating them.

12. Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures (e.g., TLS/HTTPS, access controls) to protect personal data against loss, misuse or unauthorized access.

13. Provision of Data

Providing your email address is necessary to deliver requested content (e.g., PDF guides). Providing your name is optional. Newsletter emails are sent only if you voluntarily opt in.

14. Children’s Data

Our services are not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child provided data, please contact us for deletion.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal, technical or business developments. If changes materially affect your rights, we will take appropriate measures to inform you. The current version is always available on this page.

Last updated: [insert date]