Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 15, 2025
At Xaphek Dhrenval, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what information we collect when you visit our site or enroll in our courses, why we collect it, and how we protect it.
We operate in Slovakia and follow applicable Slovak and EU data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This document is designed to be straightforward—if something isn't clear, just reach out.
1. Who We Are
Xaphek Dhrenval is an educational platform focused on lighting and texture design in 3D games. Our registered address is Francisciho 20, 058 01 Poprad, Slovakia.
When we refer to "we," "us," or "our" in this policy, we mean Xaphek Dhrenval. "You" or "your" refers to anyone using our website or services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect different types of information depending on how you interact with us. Here's what that looks like in practice:
Information You Provide Directly
When you contact us, sign up for a course, or fill out a form on our site, you might give us:
- Your name and email address
- Phone number (if you choose to provide it)
- Educational background and professional experience
- Portfolio links or project samples you share with us
- Payment details when enrolling in paid programs
- Messages you send through our contact forms or email
Information Collected Automatically
Like most websites, we gather some technical data when you browse:
- IP address and general location (city/region level)
- Browser type and operating system
- Pages you visit and how long you stay
- Referral source (where you came from before landing on our site)
- Device information and screen resolution
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies to remember your preferences and understand site usage. These are small files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though some features might not work as smoothly if you disable them.
3. How We Use Your Information
Everything we collect serves a specific purpose. We don't gather data just for the sake of it.
| Purpose | Legal Basis (GDPR) |
|---|---|
| Processing course enrollments and managing your learning experience | Contract performance |
| Responding to your questions and support requests | Legitimate interest |
| Sending course updates and educational resources you've requested | Consent / Contract performance |
| Improving our website and course content | Legitimate interest |
| Complying with legal obligations and preventing fraud | Legal obligation |
We also use anonymized data to understand which course topics generate the most interest and where students tend to struggle. This helps us create better learning materials.
4. Who We Share Information With
We don't sell your personal information. Period. But we do work with a few trusted partners who help us run our educational programs:
Service Providers
These companies process data on our behalf:
- Payment processors for handling course fees securely
- Email service providers for course communications
- Hosting companies that keep our website running
- Analytics tools that help us understand site usage
All these partners are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
Legal Requirements
We might disclose information if required by Slovak law, court order, or government regulation. This happens rarely, and only when legally necessary.
Business Transfers
If Xaphek Dhrenval merges with another company or is acquired, your information would transfer to the new entity. You'd be notified if this happens.
5. Your Rights Under GDPR
As someone in the EU (or interacting with an EU-based service), you have specific rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: You can request a copy of all personal information we hold about you
- Correction: If something's wrong or outdated, you can ask us to fix it
- Deletion: Request that we erase your data (with some exceptions for legal requirements)
- Restriction: Ask us to limit how we use your information
- Portability: Get your data in a format you can transfer elsewhere
- Objection: Oppose certain types of data processing
- Withdrawal: Revoke consent you've previously given (doesn't affect past processing)
To exercise any of these rights: Send an email to help@xaphekdhrenval.com with your request. We'll respond within 30 days and verify your identity before making changes.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with Slovakia's data protection authority (Úrad na ochranu osobných údajov) if you believe we've mishandled your information.
6. How We Protect Your Data
Security isn't just a checkbox for us—it's built into how we operate:
- All data transmission uses SSL/TLS encryption
- Payment information never touches our servers (handled by PCI-compliant processors)
- Access to personal data is restricted to staff who need it for their work
- Regular security audits and software updates
- Secure backups with encryption at rest
That said, no system is 100% secure. We do our best to protect your information, but can't guarantee absolute security. If you notice anything suspicious, let us know immediately.
7. How Long We Keep Your Data
We don't keep information longer than necessary. Here's our general approach:
- Active students: Data retained throughout your enrollment and for two years after course completion
- Contact inquiries: Kept for three years unless you request earlier deletion
- Financial records: Maintained for ten years to comply with Slovak accounting laws
- Marketing communications: Stored until you unsubscribe or request removal
- Anonymous analytics: Retained indefinitely since it can't identify you
After these periods, we either delete the data or anonymize it so it can't be traced back to you.
8. International Data Transfers
Our primary servers are located within the EU. However, some service providers (like certain analytics tools) might process data outside the European Economic Area.
When this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place—typically through Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission. Your data receives the same level of protection regardless of where it's processed.
9. Children's Privacy
Our courses target adults and professionals in the gaming industry. We don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 16 without parental consent.
If you're a parent and discover your child has provided us with personal information without your permission, contact us. We'll delete it promptly.
10. Third-Party Links
Our site occasionally links to external resources—tutorial sites, portfolio platforms, industry news. We're not responsible for how these sites handle your data. Check their privacy policies before sharing information.
11. Changes to This Policy
We review this policy periodically and update it as needed. When significant changes occur, we'll notify you via email (if you're enrolled in a course) or through a prominent notice on our website.
The "Effective Date" at the top shows when the current version took effect. Continued use of our services after changes means you accept the updated terms.
12. Your Choices and Controls
You're in control of your information. Here's how to manage it:
Email Communications
Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link. Click it, and you're off the list (though we'll still send essential course-related messages if you're enrolled).
Cookie Preferences
Most browsers let you block or delete cookies. Visit your browser's help section for instructions. Keep in mind that some site features depend on cookies to function properly.
Account Deletion
Want to close your account entirely? Email us at help@xaphekdhrenval.com. We'll remove your information within 30 days, except what we're legally required to keep.
Questions or Concerns?
If anything in this policy is unclear, or if you want to discuss how we handle your information, we're here to talk.
Email: help@xaphekdhrenval.com
Phone: +421 904 163 559
Mail: Xaphek Dhrenval, Francisciho 20, 058 01 Poprad, Slovakia
We typically respond to privacy inquiries within two business days.