Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 20, 2025
Website: https://methodmate.ai

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you use our website, MethodMate.ai, in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable privacy laws.

1. Who We Are

Data Controller:
Data-Driven Decision-Making Institute (3DMI)
Email: info@3dmi.com.au

We are responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing your personal data.

2. What Personal Data We Collect and Why

We collect only the data necessary to operate our website, manage memberships, process payments, and ensure site security.

2.1 Comments

When visitors leave comments, we collect:

• The data you provide in the comments form

• Your IP address and browser user agent (for spam detection)

An anonymized hash of your email may be sent to the Gravatar service to check if you use it. After approval, your profile image (if any) becomes public alongside your comment.
Gravatar Privacy Policy: https://automattic.com/privacy/

2.2 Media Uploads

If you upload images, avoid including embedded location data (EXIF GPS), as visitors may extract this information.

2.3 Membership Accounts (ARMember)

When you register for a membership or subscription, we collect:

• Name, email, username, password

• Membership plan details (type, duration, renewal status)

• Communication preferences

• IP address and browser/device information (for security)

Purpose: To create and manage your account, provide access to member-only content, and fulfill your subscription.
Storage: Securely hosted on Hostinger’s EU-based servers. Access is restricted to authorized administrators.

2.4 Payments (Stripe)

Payments are processed through Stripe, a global payment processor.

Stripe may collect:

• Name, email, billing address

• Payment method details (card or digital wallet)

• Transaction information (amount, date, currency, status)

• Device and IP information (for fraud prevention)

We do not store or have access to your complete payment details.
Stripe processes data under strict security and privacy controls, including PCI-DSS compliance.
Stripe Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy

Purpose: To process payments, verify transactions, and meet legal and accounting obligations.
Legal Basis: Contract necessity and legal obligation.

2.5 Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for:

• Login and session management

• Remembering preferences

• Ensuring website security

• (If you consent) analytics and performance measurement

You can opt in or out of non-essential cookies at any time using our cookie consent manager.
See our [Cookie Policy] (link) for details.

2.6 Embedded Content

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, articles).
Embedded content behaves as if you visited the other site, which may collect data, use cookies, and track interactions per their policies.

2.7 Security and Fraud Prevention

We may process IP addresses, device data, and usage patterns to detect and prevent spam, fraud, and unauthorized access.

2.8 Transactional Communications

We may send essential transactional emails (e.g., receipts, renewal notices, password resets). These are not marketing messages.

3. Legal Bases for Processing

4. Who We Share Data With

We share personal data only with trusted partners essential to running this website:

• Hostinger – EU-based hosting and data storage

• ARMember Plugin – Membership and user management (data stored on Hostinger servers)

• Stripe – Payment processing (card data handled directly by Stripe)

• Automattic/Gravatar – Profile image service for commenters

• Spam detection – Automated spam prevention services

All partners comply with GDPR and maintain strong security standards.

5. International Data Transfers

While most data is hosted within the EU, some processing (e.g., via Stripe’s global network) may occur outside the EU/EEA.
When this happens, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other approved safeguards to ensure your data remains protected.

6. Data Retention

We retain data only for as long as necessary for its purpose or as required by law.

7. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data

• Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”)

• Restrict or object to processing

• Receive your data in a portable format

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Lodge a complaint with a Data Protection Authority

To exercise your rights, email info@3dmi.com.au.
We may verify your identity and respond within one month.

8. Security Measures

We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data, including:

• Encrypted HTTPS connections

• Strong authentication and access controls

• Regular updates of WordPress, ARMember, and plugins

• Secure hosting with Hostinger (EU)

• Stripe’s PCI-DSS compliant payment infrastructure

• Routine security reviews and restricted administrative access

No system is entirely risk-free, but we follow industry best practices to reduce risks.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 16 years old.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors.
If you believe a child has provided us data, please contact us to have it deleted.

10. Where Your Data Is Sent

• Visitor comments may be checked via automated spam detection services.

• Payment and subscription data are securely processed by Stripe.

• Embedded content may transfer data to third-party platforms you interact with.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Updates will appear on this page with a new Effective Date.
Significant changes may also be communicated via email or website notice.

12. Contact

For privacy inquiries or data requests:
Data-Driven Decision-Making Institute (3DMI)
📧 info@3dmi.com.au