Privacy Policy

1. About this Privacy Notice and our role

This Privacy Notice provides information about the different types of personal data that we collect and the ways in which we use it. It applies to all those who interact with us online through our website (www.lifelebanon.com) or our App (Apple store | Google Play) and to our members and scholars. LIFE (“we”, “us” or “ours”) is the data controller in respect of any such personal data.

As a data controller, we are committed to protecting your privacy at all times in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use or processing of personal data, including (where applicable) the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and any subsequent data protection legislation, whichever is in force in the UK at the relevant time.

2. What personal information we collect, when we collect it and how we use it?

(a) Information we collect

When you visit our Site, we will collect certain technical information about your visit, such as your IP address, your login data, browser type and version, time zone setting and location, browser plug-ins, operating system and platform and other technology on the devices you use to access our Site. See our Cookies Policy for more detail.

(b) Information you give to us

We collect your first name, last name, email address and country of residence via the Site or by telephone so we can respond to your enquiry and keep records of interactions.

Membership applications: we collect additional information (full name, date of birth, email, telephone, current and main addresses, employment details) to consider and process your application, communicate with you, and direct you to a secure payment provider. Further information is generated in the members portal (e.g., profile, photo, event registrations, messaging).

Mentoring: if you join as mentor/mentee, we collect and retain completed mentorship forms to administer and improve the programme.

Member directory: your profile may be visible to other members so they can contact you via details published on the portal.

Scholarship applications: we collect full name, email, telephone, date/place of birth, nationality, address, parents’ names and course information; you may also complete a form covering you/your family’s financial/educational status, living expenses, academic achievements and supporting documents. We use this to assess eligibility, process your application and liaise with university financial aid officers. We may request progress updates (e.g., transcripts) and—where you consent—publish part of your profile on areas of the Site available to registered users.

Jobs/internships: when you apply, you may provide a CV/cover letter; employers who are members may view applications for their posts.

Event bookings (non-members/scholars): we collect your contact and work details to register and process bookings. We may publish event photos on our publicity materials and Site.

(c) Information we obtain indirectly

Your data may be shared with us by third parties (e.g., your university for scholarship administration). We may also receive data from analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics), advertising networks, or social platforms (e.g., LinkedIn/Twitter) if you interact with us there.

(d) Special categories of data

We do not anticipate collecting special category data via the Site. In exceptional cases (e.g., reasonable adjustments for disabilities/dietary requirements) we will only process such data where there is a valid reason and the law allows it.

(e) Other purposes

We also process personal information for organisational management (accounting/audit, reporting, IT systems maintenance, legal disputes, supplier management) and to comply with legal obligations. We will only use your data for the original purpose unless a compatible reason applies; otherwise we will inform you and explain the legal basis.

(f) If you do not provide data

Where data is required by law or for membership/scholarship processing and you fail to provide it when requested, we may be unable to progress your application and will notify you if so.

(g) Children’s data

The Site is not intended for children, and memberships/scholarships are not available to candidates under 17. If you are under 17, do not use the Site or provide personal information without parental/guardian consent.

3. Marketing communications

We operate an opt-out policy for individuals. If you are a member, we send information about events/professional opportunities to keep you informed (a benefit of membership and our contractual obligation). We may also send information after membership ends where appropriate to our obligations. You can opt out at any time (links in emails or email info@lifelebanon.com). For legal entities, we follow an ‘opt-out’ approach per applicable laws.

4. Lawful processing

Contractual relationship: where processing is necessary to perform a contract or take steps at your request before entering a contract (e.g., provide membership services).

Legitimate interests: where permitted by law and balanced against your rights (e.g., responding to enquiries, business administration, strategy and performance monitoring).

Consent: generally not relied upon except for certain direct marketing activities.

Legal obligation: where processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation.

We may process data without your knowledge/consent where required or permitted by law.

5. Sharing your personal data

We do not sell, rent or lease your personal information, nor share it with third parties for marketing purposes. We share only as needed with:

• entities within our organisation for personalised interaction related to member/scholar/event status;
• our agents, donors and service providers;
• your university (if you are, or apply to become, a scholar) with minimum necessary information;
• the Information Commissioner’s Office if requested;
• relevant employers if you apply for a job via our Site; and
• named third parties where you specifically consent.

We may also share data for auditing, with advisers, to comply with legal obligations, or in legal proceedings. Third parties must protect your data and act only on our instructions.

6. International transfers

Where recipients are outside the UK/EEA, we implement appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) to ensure adequate protection required by UK data laws.

7. Keeping your data secure

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to prevent unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or loss, and limit access to those with a business need who are bound by confidentiality. We have procedures for suspected breaches and will notify you/regulators where legally required. Any payment transaction will be encrypted.

8. How long do we keep your personal information?

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes collected and to satisfy legal/accounting/regulatory requirements, considering data nature/sensitivity, risk of harm, purposes and alternatives, and legal requirements. After the relationship ends, we securely destroy most information subject to legal/operational needs (e.g., verifying qualifications or issuing replacement certificates).

9. Rights and duties

Please inform us of changes so we keep accurate and current information.

Your rights (subject to law):

• Access your personal information (data subject access request).
• Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Erasure (“right to be forgotten”) where no good reason to continue processing.
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests (including profiling) where your situation justifies it.
• Restriction of processing (e.g., contest accuracy/processing basis or for legal claims).
• Transfer (data portability) to another party.

To exercise rights, please contact us (see below), provide proof of identity/address, and details of your request (what data, what’s incorrect, and the replacement). We aim to respond within 30 days. Note: erasure/objection/restriction may affect our ability to provide services.

10. Contact us or the ICO

Email: info@lifelebanon.com

You have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). We’d appreciate the chance to address concerns before you approach the ICO.

11. Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time and will publish changes on our Site.