Privacy Policy

Last updated: 16.07.2025

Who we are

This website is operated by John Dalbey.

Contact information:

The simple version

We believe in keeping things simple and transparent. Here’s what we do with your information:

  • We collect very little data - just basic website usage statistics and your email if you sign up for our newsletter
  • We don’t use tracking cookies - no Facebook pixels, Google tracking or other invasive technologies
  • We don’t sell your data - never have, never will
  • You’re in control - you can ask us to delete your information anytime

What information we collect

When you visit our website

  • Your IP address - this helps us understand which country visitors come from
  • Basic usage data - which pages you visit, when you visit, and what device/browser you use
  • No cookies - we don’t store tracking cookies on your device

We collect this through Umami Analytics, a privacy-focused analytics service that doesn’t track individuals.

When you sign up for our newsletter

  • Your email address - so we can send you our newsletter
  • The date you subscribed - to keep track of when you joined

We use Buttondown for our newsletter, which doesn’t use tracking pixels or monitor when you open emails.

  • Affiliate links - some links on our site may earn us a commission if you make a purchase
  • Social media links - we link to Ko-fi, Mastodon and Bluesky, but these are just normal links that don’t track you

Why we collect this information

We collect information for these reasons:

  • To improve our website - understanding which content is popular helps us create better content
  • To send you our newsletter - if you’ve subscribed, we need your email to send it
  • To comply with German law - we’re required to keep some basic records
  • To earn affiliate commissions - we may earn money if you buy products through our links

Your rights (what you can do)

Under German and EU law, you have these rights:

  • See your data - ask us what information we have about you
  • Fix wrong information - tell us if something is incorrect
  • Delete your data - ask us to remove your information (we’ll keep what’s legally required)
  • Stop processing - ask us to stop using your data for certain purposes
  • Get your data - receive a copy of your information in a common format
  • Object - say no to us using your data for marketing or other purposes
  • Withdraw consent - change your mind about giving us permission to use your data

To exercise these rights, email us at contact-me@degoogle-your-life.com.

How we protect your information

  • Limited data collection - we only collect what we actually need
  • Secure services - we use reputable providers (Umami, Buttondown) that take security seriously
  • No unnecessary sharing - we don’t share your data with advertisers or data brokers
  • German hosting - our website is hosted in Germany under strict EU data protection laws

How long we keep your information

  • Website analytics - we keep anonymous usage statistics for up to 2 years
  • Newsletter subscribers - we keep your email until you unsubscribe
  • Contact emails - we keep emails you send us for up to 3 years for business records

Third-party services we use

Umami Analytics - Privacy-focused website analytics that doesn’t track individuals or use cookies.

Buttondown - Newsletter service that doesn’t use tracking pixels or monitor email opens.

Affiliate networks - We’re currently evaluating which affiliate programs to join. We’ll update this policy when we make decisions.

International visitors

If you’re visiting from outside the EU, your data may be processed in Germany under EU data protection laws, which provide strong privacy protections.

Children’s privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16. We don’t knowingly collect information from children.

Changes to this policy

We’ll update this policy if we make significant changes to how we handle your data. We’ll notify newsletter subscribers of major changes.

Contact us

Questions about this privacy policy? Email us at contact-me@degoogle-your-life.com.

If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the German data protection authority (Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit).

This privacy policy is written in plain language because we believe you shouldn’t need a law degree to understand your rights.