1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Information you provide: when you leave a comment, register, or contact us, we collect the name, email address, and any other information you choose to provide.
- Technical information: automatically collected data such as IP address, browser user agent, operating system, and usage data (via cookies or similar technologies) to help operate and secure the site.
- Media uploads: if you upload images, avoid embedding location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors who download images could extract location metadata.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Provide, operate, and improve our website and services.
- Detect and prevent spam, fraud, and other abuse.
- Respond to inquiries and communicate about accounts, comments, or requests.
- Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and users.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
- We use cookies to remember preferences, enable login functionality, and analyze site traffic.
- Cookies may store login status, screen preferences, and session identifiers.
- You can disable cookies in your browser; some features may not work correctly if you do so.
4. Embedded Content and Third Parties
Our pages may include embedded content (e.g., videos, social embeds). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the third-party site directly. Those third parties may collect information, use cookies, embed tracking, and monitor your interaction. Please review the third party’s privacy policy for details.
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell personal data. We may share data only in the following limited cases:
- With trusted service providers who help operate the site (hosting, analytics, spam detection).
- When required to comply with law or respond to lawful requests.
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of Startupath and our users.
6. Data Retention
- Comments and associated metadata are retained indefinitely to help recognize and approve follow-ups.
- Registered users can view, edit, or delete their personal data from their account (except username changes where applicable).
- Site administrators may access and manage user data as needed to administer the service.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction (for example: EU/EEA, UK, California), you may have rights including:
- Access — request a copy of personal data we hold about you.
- Correction — request corrections to inaccurate data.
- Deletion — ask that we erase your personal data (subject to legal exceptions).
- Objection/Restriction — object to processing or ask for processing limits.
- Portability — request transfer of data to another provider where technically feasible.
To exercise these rights contact: [email protected].
8. Data Transfers
If you access our site from outside your home country, your information may be processed in other countries with different privacy laws. We use safeguards such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent protections where required.
9. Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. No system is completely secure; absolute guarantees cannot be made.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we make material changes we will revise the “Last Updated” date and — where appropriate — notify registered users.
Comments & Gravatar
When visitors leave comments we collect the data shown on the comment form, plus the commenter’s IP address and browser user agent, to help with spam detection. An anonymized hash of the commenter’s email may be sent to the Gravatar service to check for an associated avatar. Gravatar’s privacy policy: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After comment approval, the commenter’s profile picture may be visible publicly next to their comment.
Password Resets
If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email for security and logging purposes.
