Effective Date: January 20, 2025 Last Updated: January 20, 2025
Introduction
WindowsTechies (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.
In Short: We collect minimal personal information, primarily for email newsletter purposes. We don’t sell your data, and we comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
Email Newsletter Signup When you subscribe to our newsletter or download lead magnets:
- Email address (required)
- First name (optional)
- Preferences (topics of interest, language preference)
Contact Forms When you contact us:
- Email address
- Name (optional)
- Message content
We Do NOT Collect:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial information
- Detailed personal profiles
- Sensitive personal data (health, religion, etc.)
Information Collected Automatically
Website Analytics We use analytics services to understand how visitors use our site:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Referring websites
- Device type and browser
- General location (city/country level, not precise location)
- IP address (anonymized after collection)
Cookies and Similar Technologies See the “Cookies” section below for details.
Information from Third Parties
Affiliate Partners If you purchase products through our affiliate links, the seller may inform us of the purchase (but not your personal details or payment information).
How We Use Your Information
Email Communications
Newsletter Subscribers:
- Send weekly/monthly Windows tips and guides
- Notify about new content relevant to your interests
- Share exclusive downloads or resources
- Occasional product recommendations
Frequency: Weekly or monthly (you choose) Opt-Out: Unsubscribe link in every email
Website Improvement
Analytics Data helps us:
- Understand which content is most helpful
- Improve site navigation and user experience
- Identify technical issues
- Create content based on reader interests
Legal and Security
We may use information to:
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect against fraud or security threats
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Respond to law enforcement requests
How We Share Your Information
We Do NOT Sell Your Data
WindowsTechies does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Period.
Limited Sharing with Service Providers
We share minimal information with trusted service providers who help operate our website:
Email Service Provider (ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or similar)
- What we share: Email address, name (if provided)
- Purpose: Send newsletters and email courses
- Their obligations: Must protect your data and use it only for our purposes
Analytics Providers (Google Analytics or similar)
- What we share: Anonymous usage data
- Purpose: Understand site traffic and performance
- Privacy measures: IP anonymization, no personally identifiable information
Hosting Provider (Digital Ocean or similar)
- What we share: Website data stored on servers
- Purpose: Keep website online and accessible
- Their obligations: Secure data storage and transmission
Affiliate Networks
- What we share: Anonymous conversion data (not your personal information)
- Purpose: Track affiliate commissions
- What they can’t see: Your email, name, or personal details
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law:
- Court orders or legal process
- Law enforcement requests (with valid legal basis)
- Regulatory compliance (tax, business registration, etc.)
We will notify you of legal requests unless prohibited by law.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences and understand how you use the site.
Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Required for site to function)
- Session management
- Security features
- Basic functionality
Analytics Cookies (Help us understand site usage)
- Google Analytics or similar
- Traffic analysis
- Content performance tracking
- Note: We use IP anonymization
Preference Cookies (Remember your choices)
- Language preference
- Display preferences
- Newsletter signup status (prevents repeated prompts)
Affiliate/Advertising Cookies (Track conversions)
- Affiliate link tracking
- Conversion attribution
- No personally identifiable information
Your Cookie Choices
Browser Settings: You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
Note: Blocking essential cookies may affect site functionality.
Opt-Out Tools:
- Google Analytics Opt-Out: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Do Not Track: We respect Do Not Track signals
Your Privacy Rights
GDPR Rights (European Union)
If you’re in the EU, you have these rights:
Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Delete your data Right to Restriction: Limit how we use your data Right to Portability: Receive your data in a portable format Right to Object: Object to processing of your data Right to Withdraw Consent: Unsubscribe from emails anytime
How to Exercise Rights: Email privacy@windowstechies.com
Response Time: Within 30 days
CCPA Rights (California, USA)
If you’re a California resident, you have these rights:
Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how we use it Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of sale of personal data (note: we don’t sell data) Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of exercising rights
How to Exercise Rights: Email privacy@windowstechies.com or call (if we add phone number)
Verification: We may ask for verification before fulfilling requests
Other Privacy Rights
Regardless of location, you can:
- Unsubscribe from emails: Click “Unsubscribe” in any email
- Delete cookies: Clear cookies in your browser
- Contact us: privacy@windowstechies.com for any privacy concerns
Data Security
How We Protect Your Data
Technical Measures:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission (HTTPS)
- Secure hosting with reputable providers
- Regular security updates to website software
- Access controls: Limited team access to personal data
Organizational Measures:
- Staff training on data privacy
- Data minimization: Only collect necessary information
- Regular audits of data practices
- Incident response plan for data breaches
Data Breach Notification
If a data breach occurs that affects your personal information:
- We will notify you within 72 hours of discovery
- We will inform relevant authorities as required by law
- We will provide details about the breach and steps to protect yourself
Data Retention
How Long We Keep Your Data
Email Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe (then deleted within 30 days) Contact Form Messages: Retained for 2 years (then deleted) Analytics Data: Aggregate data retained indefinitely; IP addresses anonymized Legal Requirements: Longer retention if required by law (tax records, etc.)
Requesting Deletion
Email privacy@windowstechies.com to request deletion of your data.
Response Time: Within 30 days Exceptions: We may retain data if required by law or legitimate business need
Children’s Privacy
WindowsTechies does not knowingly collect information from children under 13 (or 16 in the EU).
If You’re a Parent:
If you believe your child has provided personal information to us:
- Email: privacy@windowstechies.com
- We will: Promptly delete the information
Third-Party Websites
Links to Other Sites
Our website contains links to other websites (product sites, affiliate partners, resources).
Important: This privacy policy does not cover third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
We Recommend: Review the privacy policy of any website you visit.
Embedded Content
We may embed content from third parties (YouTube videos, social media posts):
Third-party cookies: Embedded content may set cookies Your control: Block third-party cookies in browser settings Privacy policies: Check the privacy policy of embedded content providers
International Data Transfers
WindowsTechies is based in the United States. If you’re accessing our site from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US.
Data Protection:
- We comply with applicable data transfer regulations
- Service providers commit to data protection standards
- EU users: We comply with GDPR requirements
Changes to This Privacy Policy
Updates
We may update this privacy policy to reflect:
- Changes in our practices
- New legal requirements
- Feedback from users
- New features or services
Notification of Changes:
- Minor changes: Updated “Last Updated” date
- Major changes: Email notification to subscribers and prominent site notice
Your Continued Use: Using the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy
Review: Check this page periodically for updates
Contact Us
Privacy Questions or Requests
Privacy Officer: Lance Cobain Email: privacy@windowstechies.com General Contact: hello@windowstechies.com
Response Time: Within 2-3 business days for general inquiries, 30 days for formal requests
Mailing Address
Techies Network LLC 302 Washington St #150-5426 San Diego, CA 92103 United States
Your Choices Summary
Control Your Privacy:
✅ Unsubscribe from emails: Click “Unsubscribe” in any email ✅ Block cookies: Browser settings ✅ Request data copy: Email privacy@windowstechies.com ✅ Delete your data: Email privacy@windowstechies.com ✅ Opt out of analytics: Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on ✅ Correct inaccurate data: Email privacy@windowstechies.com
GDPR Compliance Statement
For EU residents, WindowsTechies complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
Lawful Basis for Processing:
- Consent: Email newsletter (you can withdraw anytime)
- Legitimate Interest: Website analytics to improve user experience
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with laws
Data Controller: Techies Network LLC
Data Protection Officer: Lance Cobain (privacy@windowstechies.com)
Supervisory Authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
CCPA Compliance Statement
For California residents, WindowsTechies complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
Categories of Personal Information Collected:
- Identifiers (email address, name)
- Internet activity (browsing behavior, analytics)
Business Purpose: Operating website, sending newsletters, improving content
We Do Not Sell Personal Information
Your Rights: See “CCPA Rights” section above
Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
Cookie Policy Details
Cookie Table
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Session management | Essential | Session |
| lang_pref | Language preference | Preference | 1 year |
| newsletter_shown | Controls signup prompts | Preference | 1 year |
| _ga | Google Analytics | Analytics | 2 years |
| affiliate_ref | Affiliate tracking | Advertising | 30 days |
Note: This table is illustrative. Actual cookies may vary based on services used.
Updates & Effective Date
Current Version: 1.0 Effective Date: January 20, 2025 Last Updated: January 20, 2025 Next Review: April 20, 2025
Legal Disclaimer
This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. We make reasonable efforts to comply with applicable privacy laws but cannot guarantee compliance with all jurisdictions worldwide.
Thank you for trusting WindowsTechies with your information. We take your privacy seriously and are committed to transparency and data protection.
For questions or concerns, contact us at privacy@windowstechies.com.