Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 26, 2026

At TechBookshelf (techbookshelf.com), we write about privacy, so we take yours seriously. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and the choices you have. If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].

By using this website, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information we collect

Information you give us

  • Newsletter and membership sign-up: when you subscribe or create a free account, we collect your email address and, optionally, your name.
  • Messages: when you email us, we receive your email address and whatever you include in your message.
  • Comments: if comments are enabled and you post one, your name and comment are shown publicly.

Information collected automatically

  • Log and device information: like most websites, our servers may record your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring page, pages visited and the date and time of your visit.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: see Section 3 below.

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information, and we never ask for passwords, bank details or government ID numbers.

2. How we use your information

  • To operate, maintain and improve the website and our guides.
  • To send newsletters or updates you have subscribed to (you can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email).
  • To respond to your messages, corrections and requests.
  • To understand which content is useful, using aggregated statistics.
  • To protect the site against spam, abuse and security threats.
  • To comply with legal obligations.

3. Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

  • Essential cookies – for example, to keep you signed in to your member account.
  • Analytics cookies – to measure visits and popular pages in aggregate.
  • Advertising cookies – if we display ads, third-party vendors (such as Google) may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. You can opt out of personalised advertising at Google Ads Settings or www.aboutads.info.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Some parts of the site, such as signing in, may not work properly without them.

4. Third-party services

We rely on trusted providers to run this site, which may process limited data on our behalf – for example, our publishing platform (Ghost), email delivery for newsletters, website hosting, analytics and advertising partners. If we offer paid memberships, payments are processed by a payment provider such as Stripe; we never see or store your full card details. These providers have their own privacy policies.

Some guides contain links to other websites, including affiliate links. When you click them, the other site may collect information according to its own privacy policy. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external websites.

6. How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We only share it:

  • with service providers who help us operate the site, under appropriate confidentiality obligations;
  • when required by law, legal process or a valid government request;
  • to protect the rights, safety and security of TechBookshelf, our readers or the public;
  • with your consent.

7. Data retention and security

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes above – for example, until you unsubscribe or delete your account. We use reasonable technical and organisational measures, including HTTPS encryption, to protect your data, but no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

8. Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR in the EU/UK or the CCPA/CPRA in California), you may have the right to access, correct, delete or export your personal data, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent. You can unsubscribe from emails at any time, manage your account from the member portal, or email [email protected] with the subject line "Privacy Request". We will respond within the time required by applicable law.

9. Children's privacy

TechBookshelf publishes online-safety guides for families, but the site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. International visitors

Our service providers may store and process information in countries other than your own. By using the site, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in those countries.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new "Last updated" date. Significant changes may also be announced on the site or by email.

12. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected] or through our Contact page.