Privacy policy

This privacy policy explains what information abandoned.blog collects, why we collect it, and the choices you have. We have written it in plain English rather than legal boilerplate, because a policy nobody can read protects nobody. It covers the website at abandoned.blog and email messages or update requests you choose to send us.

Who we are

abandoned.blog is an independent editorial archive of abandoned and forgotten places, run by Marek Halden (Archive Editor & Researcher). For the purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we are the data controller for the personal information described below. You can reach us at hello@abandoned.blog.

What we collect

We keep our data collection to the minimum needed to run an editorial website.

• Information you give us. If you email us, use the contact form, or request email updates, we receive your name (if you provide it), your email address, and whatever you choose to write. The contact and update forms open your own email application; they do not silently submit data to a third-party form service.
• Information collected automatically. Like most websites, our hosting provider logs basic technical data — your IP address, browser type, the pages you visit, and the time of your visit — for security and to understand how the site is used.
• Cookies and similar technologies. Small files that help the site function and, where you consent, help us understand traffic and show advertising. See the cookies section below.

Cookies, local storage and consent

The current site code uses browser local storage for basic preferences such as light/dark theme. We do not currently run a third-party analytics script or set analytics cookies from our own site code.

If Google AdSense advertising is enabled, Google and its advertising partners may use cookies or similar technologies. Where consent is legally required — including for relevant visitors in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom and Switzerland — advertising consent will be handled through a Google-certified Consent Management Platform (CMP), not through a home-made banner.

Google AdSense and third-party vendors

We intend to display advertising through Google AdSense to support the cost of running this archive. When ads are active, the following applies:

• Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites.
• Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the internet.
• You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings, or opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalised advertising by visiting aboutads.info.
• For visitors in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, advertising partners request consent through a certified consent management platform (CMP) before using cookies for personalised advertising.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share your email address with advertisers.

Analytics

At the time of this policy update, abandoned.blog does not include a third-party analytics script in its site code. Our hosting provider may process basic request and security logs as part of operating the website. If we add analytics later, this policy will be updated and any consent required by law will be requested before non-essential tracking is used.

Our legal basis for processing

Under the GDPR we rely on your consent where consent is required for advertising technologies; our legitimate interests in keeping the site secure and responding to genuine correspondence; and your request when you choose to contact us or ask for email updates.

Your rights

If you are in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, you have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict or object to our processing of your personal data, and to data portability. You also have the right to withdraw consent at any time. To exercise any of these rights, email hello@abandoned.blog and we will respond within one month. You may also complain to your national data protection authority.

How long we keep data

Email update requests are kept only while needed to provide the updates you asked for or until you ask us to stop. Other emails you send us are kept only as long as needed to deal with your query and any follow-up, then deleted. Server logs are retained for a short period for security purposes.

Children

This site is intended for adults and is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the "last updated" date at the top of the page. Significant changes will be noted on the homepage.

Contact

Questions about privacy can be sent to hello@abandoned.blog. We read everything and reply to real queries.