Last updated: April 2026

1. Introduction

Civixplorer (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates civixplorer.com (the “Website”). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our Website, subscribe to our newsletter, or interact with our content.

2. Information We Collect

We collect minimal personal information, only what is necessary for the features you choose to use:

• Newsletter subscription: Your email address (via the “Stay Updated” form in the footer).
• Comments: When you log in and post comments, we collect your account details (typically email and/or username) and the content of your comments.
• Contact form: Name and email address when you message us.
• Automatically collected data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site (via Google Analytics and standard server logs).

We do not collect sensitive personal data (race, religion, health, etc.) unless you voluntarily include it in a comment or message.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Operate and improve the Website (including displaying your comments).
• Send you our newsletter (only if you subscribed).
• Respond to your messages or comments.
• Analyze site traffic and understand how visitors use our infographics, maps, rankings, and articles.
• Prevent abuse and maintain security.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under GDPR we rely on:

• Consent – for newsletter marketing and non-essential cookies.
• Legitimate interests – to run the Website, analyze traffic, and show comments.
• Contract – to provide the comment feature once you log in.

You can withdraw consent at any time (see “Your Rights” below).

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies (including Google Analytics) to:

• Remember your preferences (light/dark mode, etc.).
• Analyze site usage.
• Enable the comment system.

You can manage or refuse cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit some features (e.g., posting comments).

6. Third-Party Services

We use the following trusted third-party services:

• Google Analytics – to understand traffic and improve content. You can opt out using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
• Newsletter/email provider – to send “Stay Updated” emails (we use a secure, GDPR-compliant service).
• Comment system – powered by our platform’s built-in tools (requires login).
• Affiliate links (e.g., 3dmap.cc maps) – When you click these links, the third-party may set its own cookies. We do not share your personal data with them.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their policies.

7. Data Sharing and International Transfers

We do not sell your data. We may share it only with the service providers listed above, who are contractually bound to protect it.

Some of these providers (e.g., Google) are based in the United States. We use standard contractual clauses and other safeguards to ensure your data receives adequate protection.

8. Data Security and Retention

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information. However, no system is 100% secure.

We keep your data only as long as necessary: newsletter subscriptions until you unsubscribe, comments for as long as they remain published, and analytics data for up to 26 months.

9. Your Rights (GDPR)

As an EU/EEA resident (or anyone whose data we process under GDPR), you have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Restrict or object to its processing.
• Receive your data in a portable format.
• Withdraw consent (e.g., unsubscribe from the newsletter).

To exercise these rights, contact us at civixplorer@gmail.com. We will respond within one month.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Website is not directed at children under 13 (or the applicable age in your country). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we become aware that we have, we will delete it immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy occasionally. The new version will be posted here with an updated “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Website after changes means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out:

Email: civixplorer@gmail.com

Or use our contact page.