Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 5, 2026  ·  Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information you voluntarily submit, including:

• Name and email address (when subscribing to our newsletter or leaving comments)
• Comments or messages submitted via contact forms
• Any other information you choose to provide

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information is collected automatically by us and our third-party service providers, including:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring URLs
• Device identifiers
• Cookie data and similar tracking technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve SimmeringTea
• Respond to comments and inquiries
• Send newsletters or updates (only with your consent)
• Display relevant advertisements through Google AdSense
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior via Google Analytics
• Comply with legal obligations
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies — small text files stored on your device — and similar technologies (web beacons, pixel tags) to enhance your experience and serve relevant advertising.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., session management).
• Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site.
• Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense and other ad networks to deliver personalized ads based on your interests and browsing history.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences such as language or display settings.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some features of the website. For more information on managing cookies, visit aboutcookies.org.

4. Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising

SimmeringTea participates in the Google AdSense program. Google uses cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other sites on the internet.

• Google may use your browsing data to show personalized advertisements.
• Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to our website or other websites.
• The DoubleClick cookie enables Google and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the Internet.
• Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
• You can also opt out via the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

We do not control the content of advertisements served by Google AdSense. Google's use of advertising cookies is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

5. Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze traffic patterns and improve our content. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit our site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our site.

Google Analytics collects only the IP address assigned to you on the date you visit, rather than your name or other identifying information. We do not combine the information collected through Google Analytics with personally identifiable information.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

6. Affiliate Links

SimmeringTea participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we may earn a commission if you click on links to products or services and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you.

We only recommend products we believe provide value to our readers. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content.

7. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party services that help us operate the website (e.g., hosting providers, email services).
• Advertising Partners: Google AdSense and related ad partners for advertising purposes, as described above.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Data Portability: Request a portable copy of your data.
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing of your data.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below. We will respond within 30 days.

California Residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information is collected, to opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information), and to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

EU/EEA Residents (GDPR): Our lawful basis for processing your data includes your consent, our legitimate interests in operating this website, and compliance with legal obligations. You may withdraw consent at any time.

9. Children's Privacy

SimmeringTea is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

10. Data Security

We implement commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.