Characters.biz

Privacy policy

Characters.biz is a reading site with no accounts, no ads and no newsletter. This page explains the small amount of data we do handle.

Updated

Who we are

Characters.biz ("we", "us") runs the website at characters.biz. Questions about this policy can go to privacy@characters.biz.

What we collect

  • Usage analytics. We use Google Analytics 4 (property G-ZH4907WS7B) to measure which pages are read, how readers arrive, roughly where they are (country/region level), what device type they use, and how they interact with pages: scroll depth, use of search and filters, quiz completions and clicks on related guides. This tells us which guides help people and which need work.
  • Server logs. Our hosting provider receives standard request data (IP address, browser user agent, requested URL, referrer and time) to deliver and secure the site.
  • Emails you send. If you write to us, we receive your address and whatever your message contains.
  • Local preferences. If you switch between light and dark mode, that choice is stored in your own browser's local storage. It is never sent to us.

We don't run advertising, don't sell data, and don't build profiles of individual readers. Google Signals and ads personalisation are not enabled on our Analytics property. The site isn't directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect their personal information.

How we use it

We use this information to run and secure the site, decide which pages to improve or write next, and answer your messages. Aggregate, non-identifying figures, such as "the most-read guide this month", may be mentioned publicly.

Who processes it

Google processes Analytics data on our behalf under its data processing terms. Our hosting provider processes server logs to serve the site. No other third parties receive reader data, apart from authorities where the law requires it.

How long we keep it

Google Analytics event data is kept for the data-retention period configured on our Analytics property, after which Google deletes it automatically. Emails are kept for as long as needed to handle your request and any follow-up, then deleted.

Your choices and rights

  • Block or delete cookies in your browser settings, or install Google's Analytics opt-out add-on. The site works fully without them.
  • Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR or CCPA), you may have the right to access, correct or delete personal data we hold about you, or to object to its processing. Email privacy@characters.biz and we'll respond within the legally required time.
  • You can also complain to your local data protection authority.

Cookie details are in our cookie policy. If this policy changes, the updated date at the top of the page will change too.