Introduction
Widow.ie is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data with care and respect.
This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights in relation to that information.
Widow.ie is an Irish-based website providing peer support and information for widowed and bereaved people. The website is intended for use by individuals aged 18 and over.
What Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of information:
Personal information you provide voluntarily, such as your name, email address, or phone number when registering or contacting us
Account information for registered forum users, including username, email address, encrypted password, and any additional details provided during registration
Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited
Usage data including how you interact with the website
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used to:
Provide and maintain the website and forum
Allow you to participate in the community
Respond to enquiries or support requests
Communicate important updates related to your account or the site
Improve the website and user experience
Help maintain a safe and supportive environment
We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.
Cookies
Widow.ie uses cookies to improve your experience on the site.
Cookies may be used to remember your preferences, enable login functionality, and analyse website traffic.
The forum section of Widow.ie operates on phpBB software, which uses its own cookies to manage login sessions and user preferences. These are essential for the proper functioning of the forum.
We use a cookie consent tool (CookieYes) to manage your preferences and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect how parts of the website function.
You can modify your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the “Consent Preferences” option available on the site. This allows you to review or update your choices, or withdraw your consent if you wish.
In addition, most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can choose to block or delete cookies depending on your preferences. Please note that doing so may affect how parts of the website function.
For guidance on managing cookies in your browser, you can visit the following support pages:
Chrome: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050
Safari: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox
Internet Explorer: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-delete-cookie-files-in-internet-explorer-bca9446f-d873-78de-77ba-d42645fa52fc
If you are using a different browser, please refer to its official support documentation.
Analytics
We use analytics tools such as Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. These tools collect anonymised information such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and general location data.
This helps us improve content and user experience.
Forum and User-Generated Content
If you register for the forum:
Your username and any information you choose to share may be visible to other registered members
You should avoid posting personal identifying information such as your full name, address, or phone number
While we take steps to prevent forum content from being indexed by search engines, this cannot be absolutely guaranteed
Your IP address may be recorded for security and moderation purposes.
Communication (Email, Phone, and Messaging)
If you provide your contact details:
We may contact you by email regarding your account, forum activity, or important updates
If you provide a phone number, it may be used where necessary to support your account, respond to queries, or address matters relating to your participation on the site
This contact may include phone calls, text messages, or messaging services such as WhatsApp where appropriate.
If we introduce newsletters or updates in the future, you will have the option to opt in or out at any time.
We do not send unsolicited marketing communications.
Moderation and Data Access
Access to personal information is restricted and handled with care.
Moderators do not have access to your registration details such as email address or phone number
In rare cases, limited information may be shared with a moderator where necessary to support a member’s wellbeing or to maintain the safety of the community
Any such sharing is done carefully and only where appropriate.
Account Deletion
Forum users can delete their account at any time through their account settings.
Where available, users may also choose whether their posts or contributions are removed or retained as part of ongoing discussions.
Please note that removing posts may affect the continuity of conversations within the community.
Data Protection and Your Rights (GDPR)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to:
Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data where applicable
Restrict or object to processing
Request a copy of your data
To make a request, you can contact us via the website.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. However, no internet-based service can be completely secure, and users should exercise care when sharing information online.
External Links
Widow.ie may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us through Widow.ie.
Last updated
March 2026
