I reckon I need something like this in order to comply with a plethora of regulations that have been coming in recently (GDPR y’all). So, this privacy policy sets out how I use any information that you give me when you use this website.

I may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes…

What I collect

Not much… This is a personal blog and not a business and I do not collect anything from you other than through those pesky cookies and some usage data (due to my WP installation having recently eaten itself, consuming every single plugin, it seems, I don’t think I collect anything anymore, which is just fine by me). However, as I utilize fancy social networking things , there is actually quite a bit of data being passed around (not that I would see very much of it, mind you). See below for details. (Update: as far as I can see, none of them work anymore. Also, I have disabled comments due to the unseemly interest of free pharmacies in my comment section, so all this stuff is gone, too; this is fast becoming one of the calmest realms on the Internet).

The site is hosted on a US-based host, so the servers are there (or so I think). Also, a lot of the services we use everyday are operated by US-American companies, which means that the data they are processing are hosted in the US, too (you know who they are).

How I use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

My blog used to use the usual WordPress plugins to log traffic and provide stats (at which I rarely looked) and most of these use cookies to identify which pages are being used. They are now all dead and, at this time, I can’t be bothered to update this, so you’re safe. Should I ever reactivate it, here’s what would happen: it would help me (in theory) to analyse data about web page traffic and – theoretically – improve my site to make it even cooler. I would only ever use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

Overall, cookies (wherever they are now) might help me provide you with a better website, for instance by enabling me to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website. I currently am unable to enable a working plugin for this either. So on the negative side: sorry. On the positive side: there are none (or at least none I can access).

Share Buttons (NB: these are all gone as far as I can tell…)

These services allow interaction with social networks or other external platforms directly from the pages of this Application. The interaction and information obtained on my blog are always subject to your privacy settings for each social network. If a service enabling interaction with social networks is installed it may still collect traffic data for the pages where the service is installed, even when you do not use it.

Facebook Like button and social widgets (Facebook)

The Facebook Like button and social widgets are services allowing interaction with the Facebook social network provided by Facebook Inc.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Google+ +1 button and social widgets (Google)

The Google+ +1 button and social widgets are services allowing interaction with the Google+ social network provided by Google Inc.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Linkedin button and social widgets (Linkedin)

The Linkedin button and social widgets are services allowing interaction with the Linkedin social network provided by Linkedin Inc.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Twitter Tweet button and social widgets (Twitter)

The Twitter Tweet button and social widgets are services allowing interaction with the Twitter social network provided by Twitter Inc.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Google Analytics

The services contained in this section enable the Owner to monitor and analyze web traffic and can be used to keep track of User behavior.

Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google Inc. (“Google”). Google utilizes the Data collected to track and examine the use of this Application, to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services. Google may use the Data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Links to other websites

I regularly link to other websites of interest. It is not rocket science but, of course, once you have used these links to leave my blog (and why would you ever), you should note that I do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, I cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Disqus Comments

Content commenting services allow you to make and publish their comments on the contents of my blog. Your are responsible for the content of your own comments and I reserve the right to remove and block inappropriate stuff (you know it when you see it). Note that Disqus may still collect web traffic data for the pages where the it is installed, even when you do not use the content commenting service.

Disqus is operated by Big Heads Labs Inc.

Personal Data collected: Cookie and Usage Data.

Place of processing: USA – Privacy Policy

Controlling your personal information

I only will ask for personal information if you choose to use my contact form. I do not collect any personal information and I will not market anything to you (even if you may wish I would…). I will also not sell or gift any info to third parties ever!