Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society ("ROARS", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (roars.om), use our services, or interact with us in any way.

By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the site or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

2.1 Information You Provide

• Membership Information: Name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, callsign, and license class when you apply for or renew your membership.
• Contact Form Submissions: Name, email address, and any information you include in your message when you contact us through our website.
• Event Registration: Name, callsign, contact details, and dietary requirements when you register for events.
• Newsletter Subscription: Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter.
• Shop Purchases: Name, shipping address, billing information, and payment details when you make purchases through our online shop.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and referring websites.
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To process and manage your ROARS membership applications and renewals.
• To communicate with you about society activities, events, news, and updates.
• To process event registrations and provide event-related services.
• To process online shop orders and deliver purchased products.
• To send you our newsletter if you have subscribed (you may opt out at any time).
• To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
• To improve our website, services, and user experience.
• To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.
• To maintain the security and integrity of our website and systems.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our members, subject to confidentiality agreements.
• Regulatory Authorities: We may share relevant information with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) as required for license verification and regulatory compliance.
• IARU and Partner Organizations: We may share callsign information with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and partner societies for QSL bureau services and contest administration.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
• Consent: We may share your information with your explicit consent for purposes not covered in this policy.

5. Data Security

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

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission.
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms for our systems.
• Regular security assessments and updates.
• Staff training on data protection practices.

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

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our website. We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly, such as session management and security.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous usage data.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences, such as language selection.

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You may request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal and operational requirements.
• Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.
• Data Portability: You may request that we provide your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@roars.om.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Membership records are retained for the duration of your membership and for a period of 5 years after membership termination. Website usage data is retained for a period of 2 years.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 12 without parental consent. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: