Last Updated: 29.01.2025
Welcome to Puffin Around (accessible at www.puffinaround.com). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting any personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website.
1. Who we are
Puffin Around is an online publication providing travel guides and inspiration to help people explore the world responsibly. Our website address is www.puffinaround.com.
2. Information we collect
We may collect and process the following types of data when you use our site:
a) Personal data you provide voluntarily
- Comments & forms: When visitors leave comments or fill out forms on our site, we collect the data shown in the form, including your name, email address, and any other details you provide.
- Email subscriptions: If you sign up for newsletters or other communications, we collect your email address.
b) Data collected automatically
- Cookies & tracking technologies: We use cookies, log files, and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to collect data about your browsing behaviour, including:
- Your IP address
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring site (where you came from)
- Device type and operating system
- Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertisers:
- We use Google AdSense to display ads. Google may collect cookies and use your browsing behavior to serve personalised ads.
- You can manage your ad preferences via Google Ads Settings: https://adssettings.google.com/
3. How we use your information
We use your data for the following purposes:
- To operate and improve our website’s content and functionality
- To communicate with you (if you subscribe to emails or contact us)
- To analyse website traffic and user behaviour (via Google Analytics)
- To display relevant ads through Google AdSense and third-party advertisers
- To prevent spam and ensure website security
4. Cookies & tracking technologies
Cookies are small data files stored on your device to improve your experience. We use:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
- Performance Cookies: Help us analyse website traffic
- Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense for personalised ads
Managing Cookies: You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect your experience on our site.
5. Embedded content from other websites
Our articles may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, social media posts). Embedded content behaves just like if you visited the external website, meaning they may collect data, use cookies, and track your interactions.
6. Who we share your data with
We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing. However, we may share information with:
- Google AdSense & Analytics (for advertising and analytics)
- Spam Detection Services (e.g., Akismet, to filter spam comments)
- Legal Compliance: If required by law or to protect our rights
7. How long we retain your data
- Comments and their metadata are stored indefinitely.
- If you register an account (if applicable), we store your user information until you delete it.
- Analytics data is typically retained for 26 months unless you opt out.
8. Your data rights (GDPR & CCPA Compliance)
If you are in the EU (under GDPR) or California (under CCPA), you have the right to:
- Request a copy of the data we have about you
- Ask us to delete or correct your data
- Opt out of targeted ads or data collection
How to Make a Request: Email us at abbie@puffinaround.com
9. Where your data is sent
- Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.
- Our website may be hosted on servers outside your country, meaning your data may be transferred internationally.
10. Security Measures
We take appropriate security measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Use our site at your own risk.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted here with the “Last Updated” date.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
hello@puffinaround.com
www.puffinaround.com