Privacy Policy

Welcome to The Context ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and share your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and your rights as a visitor to our website.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name and email address when you subscribe to our newsletter or contact us
• Account Information: Username, password, and payment information if you subscribe to premium content
• Communications: Any messages, comments, or feedback you send to us

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and navigation paths
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate geographic location based on your IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy below

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Providing Services: To deliver our content, process subscriptions, and provide customer support
• Personalization: To customize your experience and show relevant content
• Communications: To send you newsletters, updates, and promotional materials (with your consent)
• Analytics: To understand how our website is used and improve our services
• Advertising: To display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense and other advertising partners
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Google AdSense and Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to show ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites on the Internet.

3.1 How Google AdSense Works

• Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your browsing history
• These cookies allow Google and its partners to show you ads based on your interests
• Google may collect information such as your IP address, device type, and browsing behavior
• Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your past visits to our website

3.2 Opting Out of Personalized Advertising

You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting:

• Google Ads Settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page
• European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (for EU visitors)

For more information about how Google uses data when you use our website, please visit: How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps

4. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device.

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track ad performance
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

4.2 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may impact your experience on our website and some features may not function properly.

5. Third-Party Services

Our website may use third-party services that collect, monitor, and analyze information. These include:

• Google AdSense: For displaying advertisements
• Stripe: For processing subscription payments securely. Stripe's privacy policy can be found at stripe.com/gb/privacy
• Substack: For newsletter distribution and email subscriptions. View Substack's privacy policy at substack.com/privacy
• Google Analytics: For website analytics (if applicable)

These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our website and provide services
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to certain types of data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 16, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

11. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

14. GDPR Compliance (For EU Visitors)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• The right to access your personal data
• The right to rectify inaccurate personal data
• The right to erase your personal data
• The right to restrict processing of your personal data
• The right to data portability
• The right to object to processing
• The right to withdraw consent at any time

Our lawful basis for processing your personal data includes consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations, and legitimate interests.

15. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal information is collected
• The right to know whether your personal information is sold or disclosed
• The right to say no to the sale of personal information
• The right to access your personal information
• The right to equal service and price

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By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.