:::hero meta: Last updated 12 July 2026 :::
Your privacy matters to us. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data Glare Books ("we", "us") collects, why we collect it, how we look after it, and the rights you have. We process personal data in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL, Law No. 30 of 2018) and other applicable data-protection rules. It applies to our website, storefront, reader Library, and author tools (the "Service").
Who we are
Glare Books is a publishing marketplace based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. For the personal data we handle through the Service, Glare Books acts as the data controller. If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is used, you can reach us through the Contact page.
Information we collect
We collect information you give us and information generated as you use the Service:
- Account details — your name, email address, and password (stored only in encrypted/hashed form).
- Orders & delivery — items purchased, billing details, and the shipping address you provide for printed books.
- Payment information — processed by our payment gateway; we receive confirmation of payment but do not store your full card number.
- Content you submit — manuscripts, covers, author profiles, reviews, and messages you send us.
- Usage & device data — pages viewed, actions taken, and technical details such as your browser, device, and IP address, collected through cookies and similar technologies.
How we use your information
We use personal data to: create and secure your account; process orders, deliver digital and printed products, and provide your Library; review and list titles you submit and pay out author earnings; provide customer support; keep the Service safe and prevent fraud; comply with our legal obligations; and, where permitted, send you service updates and — with your consent — marketing you can opt out of at any time.
Legal bases for processing
Depending on the activity, we rely on: performance of our contract with you (for example, to fulfil an order); your consent (for example, for optional marketing or non-essential cookies), which you can withdraw at any time; our legitimate interests in running and improving a secure Service; and compliance with our legal obligations.
Payments
Card payments are handled by a PCI-DSS-compliant third-party payment gateway. Your card details are entered on the gateway's secure systems and are not stored on our servers. We retain only the information needed to record the transaction, such as an order reference and payment status.
Cookies & analytics
We use essential cookies to keep you signed in, remember your cart, and secure the Service. We may also use analytics to understand how the Service is used so we can improve it. You can control non-essential cookies through your browser settings; disabling essential cookies may affect how the Service works.
How we share information
We do not sell your personal data. We share it only with: service providers who help us operate the Service (such as our hosting and database provider, payment gateway, and shipping carriers), under agreements that require them to protect it; authorities or advisers where required by law or to protect our rights; and a successor entity in the event of a business transfer. Authors receive aggregated sales data, not the personal details of individual buyers.
International transfers
Because we serve readers and authors worldwide and use global service providers, your data may be processed outside Bahrain. Where it is, we take steps to ensure it receives a level of protection consistent with the PDPL and applicable law, including through appropriate contractual safeguards.
How long we keep it
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described here — for example, to maintain your account, fulfil orders, and meet legal, accounting, and tax obligations. When data is no longer needed, we delete it or anonymise it securely.
How we protect your data
We use technical and organisational measures — including encryption in transit, access controls, and row-level security on our database — to protect personal data against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. No system is completely secure, but we work continuously to safeguard your information and will notify you and the relevant authority of a significant breach as required by law.
Your rights
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to: access the personal data we hold about you; ask us to correct inaccurate data; request deletion; object to or restrict certain processing; withdraw consent; and request a copy of your data in a portable format. To exercise any of these rights, contact us and we will respond within the timeframe required by law. You may also lodge a complaint with the Bahrain Personal Data Protection Authority.
Children's privacy
The Service is intended for adults and is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will remove it.
Changes & contact
We may update this policy from time to time; the "last updated" date above shows when. For material changes we will take reasonable steps to notify you. If you have any questions, or want to exercise your rights, please reach us through the Contact page.