Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

At Water Bender (accessible via https://waterbender.org), the privacy, autonomy, and security of our readers are fundamental principles. This Privacy Policy documents the types of information collected and recorded by Water Bender Media Group LLC ("we", "our", "us") and how we utilize it in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Google AdSense partner policies.

2. Information We Collect

We minimize data collection to only what is strictly necessary to deliver an exceptional reading experience:

• Voluntary Reader Correspondence: When you subscribe to our Sunday newsletter or contact our editorial desk, we collect your email address and name.
• Log Files & Standard Server Telemetry: Like almost all professional web servers, Water Bender logs standard Internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, date/time stamps, and click metrics. These are not linked to personally identifiable information.
• Local Browser Storage: To enable features like our hands-free audio narration, dark/light reading preferences, and offline article bookmarking, we save small preferences directly in your browser's localStorage.

4. Cookies & Web Beacons

Water Bender uses cookies to store information about visitors' preferences, to record user-specific information on which pages the visitor accesses, and to customize content based on browser type. For detailed information and controls, please review our dedicated Cookie Policy.

5. GDPR Privacy Rights (European Visitors)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you are entitled to the following statutory rights:

• The right to access: You have the right to request copies of your personal data.
• The right to rectification: You have the right to request correction of inaccurate data.
• The right to erasure: You have the right to request that we erase your personal data ("Right to be Forgotten").
• The right to restrict processing: You have the right to request restriction of personal data processing under certain conditions.

To exercise any of these rights, please email our Data Privacy Officer at privacy@waterbender.org.

6. CCPA Privacy Rights (Do Not Sell My Personal Information)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California consumers have specific rights:

• The right to know what personal data a business has collected about them.
• The right to request the deletion of personal information.
• Non-Sale of Data: Water Bender does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or health inquiries to third-party data brokers.

7. Children's Information

Protecting children using the internet is especially paramount. Water Bender does not knowingly collect any Personal Identifiable Information from children under the age of 13. If you believe your child provided this information on our website, please contact us immediately for immediate removal.