1. Our Commitment to Protect Your Privacy
i. Caritas Institute of Community Education (“we”, “our” or “us”) values your interest in our institution and academic offerings. Ensuring your privacy is a top priority for us, and we aim to elucidate our privacy policy to enhance your comfort while engaging with our website (https://www.cice.edu.hk) and utilizing our academic services. By accessing our website and its pages, you agree to the terms delineated in this policy.

2. Collection of Personal Data
We gather and retain information provided by you on our website or through other means, including during the application process for our academic services, interactions with our Learning Centres, or engagement at educational events. This information may constitute personal data as defined in the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, encompassing but not limited to:
a. Your personal details such as name, age group, contact information, academic background, and address; and
b. Certain data, especially pertaining to contact details, are essential for specific services, and failure to provide such data may impede our ability to deliver the services effectively.
We do not intentionally collect data from minors. Nevertheless, ascertaining the age of individuals accessing our website is challenging. Consequently, our privacy policy applies to all website visitors. If a child has furnished us with data without parental or guardian consent, the concerned guardian should contact us (refer to section 11 for instructions) to request data removal.

3. Purposes for Data Collection and Usage
The data you provide will be utilized for the intended purpose and directly associated objectives, including but not limited to:
a. Application, administration, continuation, and conclusion of academic programme enrollment;
b. Financial transactions, maintenance of student financial records, debt reconciliation, and potential debt recovery;
c. Processing and responding to various requests or applications submitted by you;
d. Handling inquiries and complaints effectively;
e. Identity verification;
f. Administration of contests and disclosure of contest winners;
g. Updating and enhancing records;
h. Complying with disclosure mandates to governmental or regulatory bodies in Hong Kong as stipulated by law; and
i. Enhancing our understanding of student demographics for customized educational products/services.

4. Automatic Information Capture
Similar to numerous websites, we automatically receive specific information when your web browser accesses our website, such as your IP address, browser type, visited pages, referral website, and visit duration. This information aids in website management and customer insights.

5. Direct Marketing Use of Data
i. We intend to engage in direct marketing using your data, contingent upon receiving your consent.
ii. Promotion of educational offerings, services, and events by Caritas Institute of Community Education;
iii. Your data will not be shared with third parties for direct marketing without your explicit consent.
iv. To opt-out of direct marketing communications, utilize the provided channels in section 11 or select the unsubscribe option in our communications.

6. Data Disclosure and Transfer
We do not sell or trade your data with third parties and prioritize safeguarding your privacy. Nevertheless, your data may be transferred within or outside Hong Kong as follows (if applicable):
a. Governmental, legal, or regulatory authorities in Hong Kong;
b. Our legal and financial advisors;
c. Assigns or successors in title.

7. Data Security and Accuracy
i. Apart from instances detailed in section 6, your data, regardless of storage method, will be accessible only to authorized employees or service providers.
ii. Electronically stored data will be protected by passwords within Caritas Institute of Community Education computing facilities, accessed solely by authorized personnel or service providers. Data encryption will be implemented when necessary.
iii. Designated employees and service providers handling data will adhere strictly to this privacy policy.
iv. We will take reasonable measures to maintain the accuracy, completeness, and currency of your data for its intended use. Data shared with third parties (refer to section 6) will be regularly updated. You can rectify or update your data in accordance with section 11.

8. Data Retention
Provided data will be retained as long as the original purpose exists, as mandated by law, or in the public interest. Data will be securely disposed of upon cessation of necessity.

9. Cookies
i. When accessing our website, information about your visit is stored in a small text file known as a “cookie” on your device, aiding in identifying you and recalling preferences on subsequent visits.
ii. Only data provided by you will be stored in the cookie, readable solely by the originating website. This does not grant access to your entire device.
iii. You may configure your browser to reject cookies or receive alerts for each cookie offered, although certain website features may be limited without cookie acceptance.

10. Third-Party Websites
Our privacy policy does not cover third-party websites linked from our website or other associated platforms.

11. Amendments to Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to amend this privacy policy periodically by updating this version. Please visit our website regularly to stay informed about any revisions.
These amendments aim to enhance transparency, security, and user understanding of how their data is managed by Caritas Institute of Community Education.