Privacy Policy | Behind the Whistle

This Privacy Policy describes how Behind the Whistle ("we", "us", or "our"), operator of behindthewhistle.org, collects, uses, and protects information when you visit our website. By using this site, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide. When you use our contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the contents of your message. We use this information solely to respond to your enquiry.

Information collected automatically. Like most websites, we and our service providers automatically collect certain technical data, including your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referring URLs. This data is collected through cookies and similar technologies.

2. Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use them to remember your preferences (such as dark/light mode), analyse site traffic, and support advertising. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings; disabling cookies may affect some site functionality.

3. Advertising & Google AdSense

behindthewhistle.org displays advertising served by Google AdSense and other third-party vendors. Please note:

Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this website and other websites.
Google's use of advertising cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visits to this site and/or other sites on the Internet.
You may opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings or www.aboutads.info.

Advertising on this site is always clearly labelled and kept visually separate from editorial content.

4. Analytics

We use analytics tools (delivered via Google Tag Manager) to understand how visitors use the site — for example, which articles are read most. This data is aggregated and does not personally identify you.

5. How We Use Information

To operate, maintain, and improve the website;
To respond to messages sent through our contact form;
To measure content performance and audience engagement;
To display and measure advertising;
To comply with legal obligations.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with service providers that help us operate the site (hosting, analytics, advertising) under appropriate safeguards, or where required by law.

7. Data Retention & Security

Contact form submissions are retained only as long as necessary to handle your enquiry. We apply reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect data, though no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (including under the GDPR and CCPA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data, and to object to processing or request data portability. To exercise these rights, contact us at info@behindthewhistle.org.

9. Children's Privacy

This website is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact

Questions about this policy can be directed to P. BALCI, Behind the Whistle, at info@behindthewhistle.org.