Last updated: 2025-05-01

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Helsh-js ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you visit helsh-js.com or engage us for services.

1. Who we are

Helsh-js is a freelance software studio based in Belgium. We are the data controller for any personal data collected through this website. For inquiries, contact info@helsh-js.com.

2. What data we collect

• Contact form submissions. If you submit the form on our /contact page, we receive your name, email address, the project description and budget range you provide, and the time of submission.
• Email correspondence. If you email us directly we will retain that thread for as long as is necessary to respond and continue any resulting engagement.
• Server logs. Our infrastructure provider (Cloudflare) automatically receives standard request metadata including IP address, user agent, and request paths. This is used solely for security, abuse prevention, and operational diagnostics.

We do not use analytics services, advertising trackers, or cross-site cookies. No JavaScript on this site loads from a third-party tracker.

3. Why we process it

• To respond to inquiries and provide the services you have requested (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, performance of a contract or pre-contractual steps).
• To comply with our legal obligations (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR), including accounting and tax records.
• To pursue our legitimate interest in operating the website securely and preventing abuse (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR).

4. Where it goes

Contact form submissions are forwarded to a private Discord channel that only Helsh-js members can read. Discord, Inc. acts as our data processor for the transmission and storage of those messages. Discord's privacy practices are described in their own policy.

Website hosting is provided by Cloudflare. Cloudflare may process data in jurisdictions outside the European Economic Area; transfers are covered by Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable.

5. How long we keep it

• Contact form submissions: retained for up to 24 months unless an engagement results, in which case retention follows the engagement record.
• Engagement records (invoices, contracts, correspondence): retained for 7 years as required under Belgian commercial and tax law.
• Server logs: retained per Cloudflare's standard retention windows.

6. Your rights

Under GDPR you have the right to access, rectify, port, or erase your personal data, and to object to or restrict its processing. To exercise any of these rights, email info@helsh-js.com. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit.be).

7. Cookies

This site uses one (1) cookie-like mechanism: a localStorage entry called hjs-theme that remembers your preferred colour scheme. It is set only when you click the theme toggle, contains the value light or dark, and is never transmitted to our servers.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be marked with a new "Last updated" date at the top.