Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [October 11, 2024]

At Wise Owl Accounting, your privacy is of paramount importance to us. We are committed to transparency regarding the data collected through our website and how it is used. While we do not directly collect personal information from visitors unless voluntarily provided, this policy outlines how our website and third-party services may collect and manage data.

By using our website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Information You Provide

We collect personal information only when voluntarily submitted by you through forms on our website. This may include: 

• First and Last Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Job Position/Title
• Physical or Mailing Address

You are under no obligation to provide this information, and if you choose not to, we will not collect it.

Information Collected by Third Parties

While Wise Owl Accounting does not actively collect personal information, we utilize third-party services such as GoDaddy’s website builder and TrustedSite’s security integration to enhance your experience. These third-party providers may automatically collect certain types of data: 

• Demographic and Usage Data: This includes anonymized information like IP addresses, browser types, general geographic locations, and patterns of website interaction. We use this data to analyze website performance and improve your experience. 
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Our website uses cookies and similar technologies, managed by GoDaddy and TrustedSite, to enhance security and functionality. You can adjust your browser settings to block cookies, but doing so may affect your ability to fully utilize some features of our site. 

Security and Data Protection

At Wise Owl Accounting, protecting client information, especially sensitive financial and personal data, is a top priority. We comply with industry-leading security standards, including:

• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
• Virginia Data Protection Act (VCDPA)

While we do not directly collect personal information through our website, any information you share through third-party services (e.g., GoDaddy, TrustedSite) is safeguarded by their security protocols.

We have robust internal guidelines to ensure secure handling, storage, and transmission of data. This includes policies for subcontractors and clients to protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. Please note that Wise Owl Accounting is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. 

Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that such information has been inadvertently collected, we will take steps to delete it promptly. 

Your Rights

Although we do not actively collect personal information, you retain the right to: 

1. Access or request deletion of any data collected by third-party services (e.g., GoDaddy or TrustedSite). 
2. Manage cookie preferences via your browser settings, allowing you to control what data is shared. 

For any inquiries regarding your data or privacy concerns, please contact us directly, or refer to GoDaddy’s and TrustedSite’s privacy policies for more information. 

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or third-party practices. Any updates will be posted on this page, and the "Effective Date" will be updated accordingly. By continuing to use our website, you consent to the terms of the current and any revised versions of this Privacy Policy. 

Summary of Changes to This Privacy Policy

To maintain transparency, we will always inform you about updates or changes made to this Privacy Policy. Below is a summary of recent changes: 

1. Effective Date: [October 11, 2024]– This Privacy Policy was revised and updated to reflect new guidelines and ensure compliance with recent regulations.
2. Compliance with Laws – We have clarified our adherence to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Virginia Data Protection Act (VCDPA) to protect sensitive client data.
3. Third-Party Services – Updated details about how GoDaddy and TrustedSite may collect certain non-personal information, such as IP addresses and browser types.
4. Security Enhancements – Strengthened guidelines on the secure handling, storage, and sharing of client data, specifically outlining the role of subcontractors and clients in data security.
5. Cookies and Tracking – Provided more transparency on the use of cookies and how users can manage their preferences.
6. Children's Privacy – Clarified that our website is not intended for use by children under the age of 18 and outlined steps to address any inadvertent collection of minors' data.

We encourage you to review this summary to stay informed about any future changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.