Effective Date: 5 June 2025
1. Who We Are
“The Ethical A.I. Guy” (“we,” “our,” “us”) is a personal WordPress‑powered blog that explores the social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The site is operated by a single author and hosted in the European Union. For questions about this policy, email [email protected].
2. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies when you visit https://ethicalaiguy.com (the “Site”) or interact with us in any other way linked to the Site.
3. What Data We Collect
3.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily
- Comments. When you leave a comment, WordPress stores the name, email address, website URL (optional), IP address, and the comment itself.
- Contact Forms & Email. You may provide a name, email address, and any information you choose to include in your message.
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Log Files. The web server and WordPress record IP address, browser type, referring pages, date/time stamps, and error logs.
- Cookies and Similar Technologies. We and selected third parties (Google and Cloudflare) place cookies and similar files on your device; see Section 4.
4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store information. Some are strictly necessary; others are optional and require consent where applicable.
4.1 WordPress First‑Party Cookies (Functional)
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
comment_author_{hash} | Remembers your name when you comment again | 347 days |
wp-settings-* | Saves UI preferences for logged‑in users (admin only) | 12 months |
4.2 Google Cookies (Analytics, Embedded Media & Ads)
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
_ga, _gid, _gat_* | Google Analytics site usage statistics | 1 minute – 24 months |
NID, DV | Google services preference data | up to 6 months |
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC | YouTube embedded‑video analytics | session – 8 months |
Opt‑Out: You can block Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt‑out Browser Add‑on.
4.3 Cloudflare Cookies (Security & Performance)
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
__cf_bm | Distinguishes humans from bots to mitigate abuse | 30 minutes |
cf_clearance | Remembers CAPTCHA success to avoid repeated challenges | up to 24 hours |
Cloudflare is certified under the EU–US Data Privacy Framework and implements appropriate safeguards when transferring data to the United States.
4.4 Managing Cookies
Most browsers let you delete or block cookies and set Do Not Track (DNT) signals. If you disable cookies, some parts of the Site may not function as intended.
5. How We Use Your Data
| Purpose | Legal Basis (GDPR) |
| Display and maintain the Site | Legitimate interests |
| Analyze traffic & improve content | Consent (analytics cookies) |
| Secure the Site & mitigate abuse | Legitimate interests |
| Respond to comments or inquiries | Consent / Contract |
| Comply with legal obligations | Legal obligation |
6. Data Sharing & Third‑Party Processing
We never sell personal data. We share data only with:
- Google LLC – analytics, fonts, and embedded content.
- Cloudflare, Inc. – content‑delivery network (CDN) and web‑application firewall.
Both companies may process data in the United States and other jurisdictions; they are certified under the Data Privacy Framework or rely on Standard Contractual Clauses.
Additional plugins or embedded content (e.g., Twitter/X posts, GitHub gists) may load third‑party resources that set their own cookies. Such providers act as independent controllers; review their privacy notices.
7. International Data Transfers
If we transfer personal data outside the European Economic Area, we do so only where we have ensured an adequate level of protection (e.g., EU Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions).
8. Data Retention
- Comments & metadata: retained indefinitely so follow‑up comments can be recognized and approved automatically.
- Server logs: retained for up to 12 months for security and troubleshooting.
- Analytics data: retained 14 months (Google Analytics setting). We may keep data longer if required to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.
9. Your Rights
If you are in the EEA/UK, you have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, and port your data, and to withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing. To exercise these rights, email [email protected].
California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)
California residents may request to know, delete, or correct personal data and to opt out of “sharing” for cross‑context behavioral advertising (we do not sell data). To submit a request, email [email protected].
10. Security
We use HTTPS encryption, Cloudflare WAF, regular WordPress and plugin updates, and secure server configurations. No internet transmission is 100 % secure; therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11. Links to Other Websites
The Site may link to external sites not operated by us. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
12. Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, contact us to delete it.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy periodically. We will post the new version with a revised “Effective Date.” Continued use of the Site after changes signifies acceptance.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, contact:
Email: [email protected]