Cookie & Privacy Policy

Introduction

This Cookie & Privacy Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on this website (“Site”), and how they relate to the limited personal data we collect through analytics.

By “we”, “our” or “us”, we mean the operators of this Site. If you have any questions, you can contact us at connect(@)sacredearthmagazine.org.

What are cookies and similar technologies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. Local storage and similar technologies allow us to store small pieces of information in your browser.

These tools help the Site function properly, remember your preferences, and help us understand how visitors use the Site. We use them in a measured and minimal way.

Types of cookies we use

(a) Essential / strictly necessary cookies

These cookies (or equivalent local storage entries) are required for the Site to function and cannot be switched off via our cookie banner. They:

• Enable basic page loading and navigation.
• Maintain security and prevent abuse.
• Remember your cookie choices (Accept / Reject / temporary dismiss).

We do not use essential cookies to track you across other websites.

(b) Analytics & performance cookies (Google Analytics 4)

With your consent, we use Google Analytics 4 (“GA4”) to understand how visitors use our Site so we can improve content and usability.

• We use Google’s Consent Mode. By default, analytics storage is set to “denied”.
• If you click “Accept” in our cookie banner, analytics cookies and related storage may be enabled.
• If you click “Reject”, analytics remain disabled.
• If you dismiss the banner with the close (×) icon, we temporarily hide it and ask again later.

Google Analytics may process information such as pages visited, time spent, links clicked, approximate location (city/country), device and browser type, and technical identifiers. We configure GA4 in line with our consent choices and do not use it to personally identify you.

For more details on how Google processes data, please refer to Google’s own Privacy Policy and documentation.

How our cookie banner & choices work

When you visit the Site:

• You see a cookie banner explaining our use of cookies.
• Accept — we store your consent and enable analytics cookies (and update Consent Mode to “granted”).
• Reject — we store your preference and keep analytics disabled (Consent Mode remains “denied”).
• Close (×) — we temporarily hide the banner without recording a final choice; it may reappear later.

Your choices are stored in your browser (for example in local storage) so we can respect them on future visits from the same device and browser. If you clear your browser data, we may ask again because we no longer know your choice.

You can also manage cookies directly via your browser settings at any time.

Data sharing & third parties

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share limited information with:

• Service providers such as Google Analytics, only to provide analytics services as described in this policy.

These providers operate under their own privacy policies and applicable data protection laws.

Legal basis & your rights

Where required by applicable law (for example the GDPR/ePrivacy framework), we rely on your consent for the use of non-essential cookies such as analytics cookies.

Your rights under local data protection laws (such as the right to access, rectify, erase or restrict processing) remain unaffected. You can exercise these rights by contacting us at the address below.

Retention

Cookie and consent preferences are stored for a reasonable period (for example up to 12 months), after which we may ask you to confirm your choices again.

Aggregated analytics data may be retained in Google Analytics according to our configuration there and is used to understand usage trends, not to track identifiable individuals.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Cookie & Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page, and where appropriate, notify you via the Site.

Contact

If you have any questions or requests about cookies, analytics or your personal data, please contact:

Sacred Earth Magazine
connect(@)sacredearthmagazine.org