Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Voluntarily

We collect minimal information that you choose to provide:

• Contact Information: If you contact us directly via email, we receive your email address and message content
• Feedback: Any feedback or suggestions you voluntarily submit

Technical Information We Collect

Our web server automatically collects standard technical information:

• Access Logs: IP addresses, user agents, timestamps, and requested pages
• Error Logs: Technical errors for site maintenance purposes
• Performance Data: Basic metrics to ensure site availability

Information We Do NOT Collect

We deliberately avoid collecting:

• Personal identifying information beyond what you voluntarily provide
• Tracking cookies or persistent identifiers
• Social media profiles or account information
• Behavioral analytics or user profiling data
• Location data beyond general geographic region from IP
• Device fingerprinting information

How We Use Information

Technical Information

• Site Operation: Ensuring the website functions properly and securely
• Security: Detecting and preventing abuse, spam, and security threats
• Performance: Optimizing site speed and availability
• Compliance: Meeting legal obligations for web hosting

Communication

• Responses: Replying to direct inquiries and feedback
• Support: Providing technical assistance when requested

What We Do NOT Do

• Sell, rent, or share your information with third parties
• Use your information for advertising or marketing
• Create user profiles or behavioral tracking
• Share information with data brokers or analytics companies
• Use your information for commercial purposes

Third-Party Services

Hosting and Infrastructure

This website is hosted on Netlify, which may collect standard web server logs. We chose Netlify for their strong privacy practices and GDPR compliance. Review Netlify's Privacy Policy for details on their data practices.

No Third-Party Analytics

We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other third-party tracking services. We believe in respecting your privacy rather than monitoring your behavior.

No Advertising Networks

This site contains no advertising and does not work with advertising networks or data brokers.

Data Security and Protection

Technical Safeguards

• HTTPS Encryption: All communications are encrypted in transit
• Secure Hosting: Infrastructure protected by industry-standard security measures
• Minimal Data Storage: We store only essential technical logs
• Regular Updates: Site and security systems are kept current

Data Retention

• Server Logs: Automatically deleted after 30 days
• Email Communications: Retained only as long as necessary for response
• Error Logs: Deleted after resolution, typically within 30 days

Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request information about data we have collected
• Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a standard format
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at: privacy@theshadowbug.com

We will respond to legitimate requests within 30 days and will not charge fees for reasonable requests.

Your Rights Under CCPA

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

• 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, even if you exercise your privacy rights

International Users and GDPR

GDPR Compliance

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European visitors:

• Legal Basis: Legitimate interest for technical operation and direct consent for communications
• Data Minimization: We collect only necessary information
• Purpose Limitation: Data used only for stated purposes
• Transparency: Clear information about our data practices
• Individual Rights: Full respect for GDPR privacy rights

International Data Transfers

Our hosting infrastructure may process data in various countries. All transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and use appropriate safeguards.

Children's Privacy

This website is designed for general educational purposes and does not specifically target children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children's internet usage and teach them about digital privacy and safety.

Cookies and Local Storage

Essential Technical Cookies Only

This website uses minimal technical cookies necessary for operation:

• Session Security: Protecting against cross-site request forgery
• Preference Storage: Remembering basic display preferences (if any)

No Tracking Cookies

We do not use:

• Analytics cookies
• Advertising cookies
• Social media tracking cookies
• Cross-site tracking mechanisms
• Persistent user identification

Updates to This Policy

Notification of Changes

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in:

• Our data practices
• Legal requirements
• Technical infrastructure
• User feedback and privacy best practices

How We Notify You

Material changes will be announced by:

• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Posting a notice on the website homepage
• For significant changes, providing advance notice when possible

Contact Information

Privacy Questions

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:

• Email: privacy@theshadowbug.com
• Subject Line: Please include "Privacy Policy" in the subject
• Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours

Company Information

Our Commitment

TheShadowBug.com exists to educate people about digital privacy and security. We are committed to practicing what we teach by:

• Minimizing Data Collection: Collecting only what is absolutely necessary
• Maximizing Transparency: Being clear about all our practices
• Respecting User Rights: Honoring all privacy rights and preferences
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving our privacy practices
• Leading by Example: Demonstrating privacy-respecting web practices

We believe privacy is a fundamental right, not a luxury. This privacy policy reflects our commitment to protecting your rights while providing valuable educational content about digital privacy and security.