1. Introduction
The Accountant Membership Platform (“Platform”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of its members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you register for and use the Platform.
By using the Platform, you consent to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
Depending on your membership classification, we may collect the following information:
Personal Information
* Legal name (where provided)
* Nickname or display name
* Email address
* Mobile phone number
* Professional qualifications and membership details
* Personal profile information voluntarily submitted by members
Technical Information
* IP address
* Browser type and device information
* Login activity and usage data
* Cookies and similar technologies used to improve user experience
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
* Account registration and management
* Verification of membership eligibility and professional qualifications
* Member authentication and security
* Communication regarding your account and Platform updates
* Providing access to Platform services and features
* Improving Platform functionality and user experience
* Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
4. Verification and Membership Validation
The Platform may use the information provided by members to verify eligibility for membership categories, including professional accounting qualifications and membership status with relevant professional bodies.
Failure to provide accurate information may result in suspension or termination of membership.
5. Publicly Visible Information
Certain information may be visible to other members depending on your membership type and preferences, including:
* Nickname or display name
* Voluntarily submitted profile information
* Content posted within Publications, Blogs, Forums, or other Platform areas
Where available, members may choose whether their legal name is disclosed publicly.
Mobile phone numbers and email addresses will not be displayed publicly.
6. Information Sharing and Disclosure
The Platform does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
We may disclose information only in the following circumstances:
* When required by applicable law or legal process
* To protect the rights, safety, or security of the Platform and its members
* To service providers assisting in the operation of the Platform under appropriate confidentiality obligations
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
However, no online system can guarantee absolute security, and members acknowledge that they use the Platform at their own risk.
8. Data Retention
Personal information will be retained only for as long as necessary to:
* Maintain your membership account
* Fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy
* Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Upon account termination, information may be retained where required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
9. Cookies and Analytics
The Platform may use cookies and similar technologies to:
* Maintain user sessions
* Remember preferences
* Improve website functionality
* Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
Users may manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.
10. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, members may have the right to:
* Access their personal information
* Correct inaccurate information
* Request deletion of personal information where legally permitted
* Withdraw consent for certain processing activities
* Request information regarding how their personal data is used
Requests may be submitted through the Platform’s contact channels.
11. Third-Party Links
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.
Members are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party services they access.
12. Changes to this Privacy Policy
The Platform reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will become effective upon publication on the Platform.
Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
13. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and applicable data protection regulations, including the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO), where applicable.