This privacy policy describes how datashanks.com ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit our website at datashanks.com.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
We do not require you to create an account or provide any personal information to read articles on datashanks.com. If you subscribe to our newsletter, your email address is stored in our own database hosted on AWS (Amazon DynamoDB, us-east-1) and delivered via Amazon Simple Email Service (SES). We control this data directly. After subscribing, a confirmation email is sent to you — your subscription is only activated when you click the confirmation link in that email (double opt-in).
Automatically collected information
We use Google Analytics 4 to collect anonymised usage data including pages visited, time on page, referral source, browser type, and approximate geographic location (country/region level). This data is collected via cookies set by Google. It is used solely to understand how readers use the site and to improve content. Google's data collection is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
Client-side storage (localStorage)
datashanks.com stores read/unread article status in your browser's
localStorage using keys in the format ds_read_{article-slug}.
This data never leaves your device and is not transmitted to any server. It is used only
to display which articles you have already read. You can clear this data at any time by
clearing your browser's local storage.
Cookies
We use the following cookies:
- Google Analytics cookies (
_ga,_ga_*): Used to distinguish unique visitors and track sessions. These are analytics cookies placed by Google Analytics 4. - Advertising cookies: When display advertising is active on this site, our advertising partners (such as Google AdSense) may place cookies on your device to deliver relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness. You can opt out via Google Ads Settings or the NAI opt-out tool.
Advertising
datashanks.com may display advertisements served by third-party ad networks including Google AdSense. These networks may use cookies and web beacons to display ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. Our advertising partners' use of cookies is governed by their own privacy policies.
We participate in the Google AdSense programme. Google uses the DART cookie to serve ads based on a user's visit to our site and other sites on the internet. You can opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.
Affiliate Links
Some articles on datashanks.com may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe are relevant and useful to our readers. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content. Affiliate links are labelled or noted where applicable.
We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services:
- Google Analytics 4 — analytics and usage tracking (Privacy Policy)
- Google AdSense — display advertising (when active)
- Amazon Associates — affiliate programme
- Amazon SES — newsletter email delivery
- Amazon DynamoDB — newsletter subscriber storage (AWS us-east-1)
- AWS S3 / CloudFront — website hosting and content delivery
Each of these services has its own privacy policy governing the data they collect.
Data Retention
Analytics data is retained in Google Analytics for 26 months (the default retention period). Newsletter subscriber data is stored in our own AWS infrastructure (DynamoDB, us-east-1) and is deleted when you click the unsubscribe link in any email we send you, or by emailing contact@datashanks.com.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights under GDPR (if you are in the EU/EEA) or CCPA (if you are in California) to access, correct, or delete your personal data. As we collect minimal personal data, requests should be directed to the relevant third-party service (e.g., Google Analytics). To unsubscribe from our newsletter, click the unsubscribe link in any newsletter email. To request deletion of your subscriber record, email contact@datashanks.com.
Children's Privacy
datashanks.com is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be noted by updating the "last updated" date above. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, use the button below to reach us. We aim to respond within 48 hours.