Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us.

SICCI operates in accordance with the laws of Solomon Islands and is committed to best practices in data protection. By using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

For the purposes of this policy, "SICCI," "we," "us," and "our" refer to the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with our principal office located at Level 2, City Centre Building, Mendana Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, as well as information collected automatically when you use our website.

2.1 Information You Provide

• Membership Information: When you apply for or renew membership, we collect your name, business name, contact details, business registration information, and payment details.
• Contact Information: When you contact us through our website, email, or phone, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and any information you provide in your message.
• Event Registration: When you register for events, workshops, or training programs, we collect registration details, dietary requirements, and other relevant information.
• Newsletter Subscription: When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address and name.
• Business Directory: If you choose to be listed in our member directory, we collect business information you provide for public display.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Log Data: Our servers automatically record information including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited.
• Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access our website, including device type and screen resolution.
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect usage data (see Section 5 for details).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Membership Services: To process membership applications, manage your account, and provide member benefits and services.
• Communications: To respond to your inquiries, send newsletters, event invitations, and important updates about SICCI activities.
• Events and Training: To register you for events, workshops, and training programs, and to communicate relevant information.
• Business Directory: To maintain and display the member business directory on our website.
• Advocacy: To represent member interests in policy discussions and government consultations (using aggregated, non-identifiable data unless otherwise authorised).
• Website Improvement: To analyse website usage, improve our services, and enhance user experience.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations in Solomon Islands.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: We share information when you have given us explicit permission to do so.
• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you (e.g., payment processors, email service providers).
• Business Directory: If you opt in to the member directory, your business information will be publicly displayed.
• Partner Organisations: We may share relevant information with our development partners and funding organisations for program delivery purposes, with appropriate safeguards.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government authority in Solomon Islands.
• Protection of Rights: We may disclose information to protect the rights, property, or safety of SICCI, our members, or others.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website.

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly (e.g., session management, security).
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website, allowing us to improve our content and services.
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences for a better experience.

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

6. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS
• Secure storage of personal information
• Access controls limiting who can view personal data
• 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.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Membership Records: Retained for the duration of your membership and for seven (7) years thereafter for legal and accounting purposes.
• Event Registration: Retained for three (3) years after the event for reporting and follow-up purposes.
• Contact Inquiries: Retained for two (2) years unless the inquiry leads to ongoing engagement.
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe.

8. 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 retention requirements.
• Opt-out: You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails.
• Data Portability: You may request your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 12.

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside Solomon Islands. When we transfer your personal information internationally, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information, including:

• Using service providers with strong privacy practices
• Entering into data protection agreements where appropriate
• Ensuring compliance with applicable data protection standards

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

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: