Effective Date: 31/1/2025
The Maldives Independent (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, maldivesindependent.com (the “Site”), or use any of our associated services, including mobile apps, newsletters, and social media platforms.
By using our Site, you agree to the terms of this privacy policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our services.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of information:
a. Information You Provide to Us
Account Information: When you register on our Site, subscribe to a newsletter, or participate in surveys or forums, you may provide information such as your name, email address, and any other contact details.
Payment Information: If you make a purchase or subscription, we collect payment details, such as billing addresses and payment methods.
User Content: Any comments, reviews, or content you submit to the Site.
b. Information We Collect Automatically
Log Data: Your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Information about your usage of the Site through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.
c. Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from social media platforms if you interact with our content or login using third-party services.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for purposes such as:
Providing Services: To operate and maintain our Site and services.
Personalisation: To provide customised content, newsletters, and recommendations based on your preferences.
Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send updates, and provide promotional materials where you have consented.
Analytics and Improvements: To analyse trends, monitor usage, and improve our services.
Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations or respond to legal requests.
3. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:
Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist in operating our Site, such as hosting providers, payment processors, and analytics services.
Legal Requirements: To comply with legal obligations, enforce our terms of use, or protect our rights and the rights of others.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our assets.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyse site performance. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may affect certain functionalities.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no online system can be entirely secure. You share your information at your own risk.
6. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Access and Correction: Request access to and correction of your personal data.
Deletion: Request that we delete your personal data, subject to legal and contractual obligations.
Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a commonly used format.
Withdraw Consent: If we process your data based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.
To exercise these rights, contact us at editorial@maldivesindependent.com.
7. Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please review their policies before sharing your data.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our Site is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent.
9. International Data Transfers
As a global media outlet, we may transfer your data to servers located outside your country. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated “Effective Date.” Your continued use of our Site constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:
Email: editorial@maldivesindependent.com
Thank you for trusting the Maldives Independent with your personal data.