Privacy Policy - WebDoctor

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

At WebDoctor.Center (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website (the “Site”), use our services (including the “Ask Our Doctors” feature), or interact with us in any way. The Site is operated in partnership with Elena Canton Medical Center, a specialized clinic focused on skin oncology, cryosurgery, and dermatology.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Site, regardless of location. By accessing or using the Site, you consent to the practices described in this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

We operate as an informational medical portal and do not collect protected health information (PHI) as defined under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, if we introduce features that involve health data in the future (e.g., user accounts with symptom tracking), we will update this Policy accordingly and comply with applicable laws, including HIPAA where relevant.

For users in the European Union (EU) or other regions with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR), we act as the data controller for your personal data. We process data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable regulations.

Please read this Policy carefully. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our Services, respond to user inquiries, and ensure a secure experience. The types of information we collect fall into two main categories: personal information (which can identify you) and non-personal information (which cannot).

1.1 Personal Information

Personal information is data that identifies you as an individual or relates to an identifiable individual. We may collect the following personal information:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address (if provided, e.g., when submitting a question via “Ask Our Doctors” or contacting us).
User-Submitted Content: Any information you provide in questions, comments, or forms (e.g., general health-related queries). Note: We do not collect sensitive health data (e.g., medical history, diagnoses) through these submissions; all questions are treated as general and anonymized when published.
Account Information: If you create an account (e.g., for saving articles or future features like a medicine reminder app), we may collect username, password, and preferences.
Payment Information: If we introduce paid features (e.g., premium content), we may collect billing details (processed via secure third-party providers; we do not store full credit card numbers).
Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (for analytics and compliance with regional laws).
Device and Usage Data: Automatically collected data such as IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources.
Communications: Records of your interactions with us, such as emails or support tickets.

We do not collect sensitive personal data (e.g., racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, genetic data, biometric data, or sexual orientation) unless explicitly provided by you in a question, in which case it is treated with heightened care and anonymized.

1.2 Non-Personal Information

This includes aggregated or anonymized data that does not identify you personally, such as:

Usage statistics (e.g., number of visitors, popular pages).
Technical logs (e.g., error reports).
Aggregated analytics from tools like Google Analytics.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, such as:

Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics for site usage).
Social media platforms (if you interact with our content via sharing buttons).
Partners (e.g., if you access our Site through a referral link).

1.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixel tags, and similar technologies to enhance your experience. See Section 7 for details.

2. How We Collect Information

Directly from You: When you submit forms, ask questions, create an account, or contact us.
Automatically: Through your browser or device when you visit the Site (e.g., via cookies or server logs).
From Third Parties: As described above.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for legitimate business purposes, including:

Providing Services: To publish articles, respond to “Ask Our Doctors” questions (general educational replies only), and deliver content.
Improving the Site: Analyzing usage to enhance functionality, content, and user experience.
Communications: Sending responses to your inquiries, newsletters (if subscribed), or updates about the Site.
Security and Compliance: Detecting fraud, preventing abuse, and complying with legal obligations (e.g., responding to subpoenas).
Analytics and Research: Aggregating data for internal research (e.g., popular topics) without identifying individuals.
Marketing: If you opt-in, sending promotional emails about new features or related services.
Administrative Purposes: Managing accounts, processing payments (if applicable), and maintaining records.

Under GDPR, our legal bases for processing include:

Consent (e.g., for cookies or newsletters).
Legitimate interests (e.g., site improvement, security).
Contractual necessity (e.g., responding to your question).
Legal obligations (e.g., data retention for audits).

We do not use your information for automated decision-making that produces legal effects or similarly significant impacts.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it in limited circumstances:

With Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist us (e.g., hosting providers, analytics tools like Google Analytics, email services). These providers are contractually bound to use data only for our purposes and maintain confidentiality.
With Elena Canton Medical Center: Doctors from the clinic may access anonymized questions to provide responses.
For Legal Reasons: If required by law, court order, or government authority (e.g., to prevent harm or fraud).
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred to the new owner.
With Your Consent: If you explicitly agree (e.g., sharing your question publicly).
Aggregated/Anonymized Data: Shared with partners for research or analytics (no personal identifiers).

We do not share personal information with advertisers or for targeted advertising without your consent.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

Encryption (e.g., HTTPS for data transmission).
Access controls (limited to authorized personnel).
Regular security audits and vulnerability testing.
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access or breaches. In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and authorities as required by law (e.g., within 72 hours under GDPR).

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy (e.g., 2 years for analytics data, indefinitely for published anonymized Q&A to benefit users). When no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it. Retention periods comply with legal requirements (e.g., 6 years for tax records).

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use:

Essential Cookies: For site functionality (e.g., session management).
Performance Cookies: To analyze usage (e.g., Google Analytics).
Functional Cookies: To remember preferences (e.g., language).
Marketing Cookies: If enabled, for targeted ads (third-party, e.g., Google Ads).

You can manage cookies via your browser settings or our cookie banner. Opting out may limit site features. For more, see our Cookie Policy (if separate; otherwise integrate here).

We use Google Analytics, which collects anonymized data. To opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-Out.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request a copy of your data.
Correction: Update inaccurate information.
Deletion: Request removal (subject to legal obligations).
Objection/Restriction: Object to processing for legitimate interests or restrict it.
Portability: Receive your data in a portable format.
Withdraw Consent: For consent-based processing (e.g., newsletters).
Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe via email links.
Do Not Track (DNT): We honor DNT signals for non-essential tracking.

To exercise rights, email [email protected] with verification (e.g., email used). We respond within 30 days (extendable under GDPR). For California residents (CCPA/CPRA): Additional rights include opt-out of sales (we don’t sell data) and non-discrimination.

Lodge complaints with your data protection authority (e.g., EU supervisory authority).

9. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn of such collection, we delete it. Parents/guardians: Contact us if you believe your child provided data.

10. International Data Transfers

Our servers may be located outside your country (e.g., U.S. or EU). For EU users, we use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other mechanisms to ensure adequate protection under GDPR. Data transfers comply with applicable laws.

11. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to external sites (e.g., cited sources). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes in practices or laws. Updates are posted with a new “Last Updated” date. Significant changes (e.g., new data uses) will be notified via email or site notice. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

For questions, requests, or concerns: Email: [email protected]

Thank you for trusting WebDoctor.Center. Your privacy is our priority.