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Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 23, 2025

Website address: https://shawnhymel.com. This site is operated by Shawn Hymel to share blog content, educational resources, and updates.

What Personal Data We Collect and Why

Comments

When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect the data shown in the comments form, the visitor’s IP address, and browser user agent string to help detect spam.

An anonymized hash of your email may be shared with the Gravatar service. View their privacy policy here: https://automattic.com/privacy/.

Contact Forms

If you contact us via our contact form (powered by Contact Form 7), your name, email, and message are collected solely for the purpose of replying to your inquiry.

Newsletter Sign-Up

When you sign up for our newsletter, your name and email are stored and used only to send you periodic updates. We will never share or sell your contact information.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in each email.

Cookies

We use cookies for:

  • Saving comment form details (name, email, website) for future convenience
  • User login functionality (if applicable)
  • Tracking via Google Analytics and Meta Pixel
  • Embeds (e.g., YouTube) that may set third-party cookies

You will be notified of tracking cookies and may opt in or out via our cookie consent banner (powered by Complianz).

Embedded Content

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, images). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the originating site and may collect data, use cookies, and track your interaction.

Analytics and Tracking

We use the following third-party services to analyze visitor behavior and improve our content:

  • Google Analytics: Tracks usage and browsing behavior. Data is anonymized where possible.
  • Meta Pixel: Helps us understand interactions and potential interest in our content.

Both services may use cookies and similar technologies to collect user data. We rely on your consent (via our cookie banner) before activating any non-essential tracking.

Legal Basis for Processing

Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent (newsletter, tracking cookies)
  • Legitimate interests (replying to inquiries, preventing spam)

Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell or trade your data. Some data (e.g., analytics, contact forms) may be processed by trusted third-party services such as:

  • Google LLC (Analytics)
  • Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta Pixel)
  • Akismet/Jetpack (spam protection)
  • Mailchimp/ConvertKit (email marketing, if used)

How Long We Retain Your Data

  • Comments and metadata: Indefinitely
  • Newsletter and contact form entries: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion

Your Rights Over Your Data

If you reside in the EU/EEA or UK, you have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccuracies
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Lodge a complaint with your data protection authority

To exercise your rights, fill out a contact request.

Where Your Data Is Sent

Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service. Analytics and marketing data may be processed outside the EU, including in the United States, by companies with appropriate data protection agreements in place.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Please check back for updates.