Privacy Policy

1) Scope

This policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices and rights available to you when you use the Service, contact us, or interact with our content, ads, and social media.

2) Information We Collect

• Identifiers & Contact: name, email, username, IP address, device identifiers.
• Usage & Technical: pages viewed, links clicked, referral URL, approximate location (city/country), browser and OS data, cookie IDs.
• Content & Contributions: comments, poll answers, search queries.
• Commercial & Preferences: subscriptions, newsletter opt-ins, ad preferences.
• Inferences: interests derived from your activity (e.g., favorite topics).
• Optional submissions: information you provide in contests, surveys, or when contacting us.

We collect data directly from you, automatically via cookies and similar technologies, and from service providers/partners (analytics, advertising networks, anti-spam, hosting, CDN) to operate and improve the Service.

3) Purposes of Use

1. Deliver and maintain the Service (including security, fraud prevention, debugging).
2. Measure and improve performance, content, and user experience.
3. Provide newsletters, alerts, and replies to inquiries.
4. Personalize content and advertising (where permitted).
5. Comply with legal obligations and enforce terms.

4) Legal Bases (EU/UK GDPR)

Where GDPR applies, we rely on:

• Consent for analytics/marketing cookies, newsletters, and personalized ads.
• Legitimate interests for essential analytics, security, fraud prevention, and service improvement (balanced against your rights).
• Contract when processing is necessary to provide requested services.
• Legal obligation where required by law.

You may withdraw consent at any time (see Your Choices) without affecting prior processing.

5) Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use: essential cookies (required for the site to work), analytics (to understand visits and performance), and advertising (to deliver and measure ads; may involve cross-site tracking).

On your first visit, a cookie banner lets you Accept / Reject / Manage preferences. Until you consent, analytics/advertising tags are not activated. You can change your choice anytime via the Manage Cookies link in the footer.

See our detailed Cookie Policy for cookie lists and lifetimes.

6) Disclosures & Recipients

We share information with:

• Service providers processing data on our behalf (hosting, CDN, email delivery, analytics, ad tech, anti-spam, security).
• Advertising partners (if you consent) to deliver or measure targeted ads.
• Authorities or third parties where required by law, to protect rights, or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

We do not sell your personal information for money. For California, some ad tech uses may be deemed a "sale" or "sharing" for targeted advertising—see California Rights.

7) International Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside your residence (e.g., Canada, U.S., EU). Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) and assess local laws.

8) Retention

We keep personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes above, then either delete it or irreversibly anonymize it.

9) Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the data (e.g., access controls, encryption in transit, least-privilege). No system is 100% secure.

10) Your Rights

Quebec / Canada (Loi 25 & PIPEDA)

• Access, correction, and portability where applicable.
• Withdraw consent for non-essential processing.
• Request de-indexing/anonymization where the law allows.
• Contact our Privacy Officer (see Contact).

You may also file a complaint with the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec (CAI).

European Union / UK (GDPR)

• Access; rectification; erasure; restriction; portability; objection to processing based on legitimate interests or to direct marketing; withdraw consent.
• Lodge a complaint with your local Supervisory Authority.

California (CCPA/CPRA)

• Know/access categories and specific pieces of personal information.
• Delete information, subject to exceptions.
• Correct inaccuracies.
• Opt-out of sale or sharing (cross-context behavioral advertising).
• Limit use of sensitive personal information (if applicable).

Use our Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information link to exercise these rights.

11) Your Choices

• Cookie preferences: adjust anytime via Manage Cookies.
• Email communications: unsubscribe via the link in emails or contact us.
• Targeted advertising: use site controls and platform/account settings (e.g., Google, Meta). You can also visit industry tools (NAI/DAA/EDAA).

12) Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or the relevant age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child provided personal information, contact us to delete it.

13) Third-Party Links

Our content may link to third-party sites and services. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

14) Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be indicated by updating the "Last updated" date and/or by additional notice where required.

15) Contact