Last updated: July 2026. This Privacy Policy explains how SepticJournal (“SepticJournal,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects the information of visitors to septicjournal.com (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information you provide directly
When you contact us via email or a form, subscribe to updates, or leave a comment, you may share your name, email address, and the content of your message. We only ask for what we need.
1.2 Information collected automatically
Like most websites, we automatically collect certain technical information when you visit, including:
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Browser type, operating system, and device type
- Pages viewed, time on page, and referring URL
- Interactions such as clicks and search terms used on the Site
1.3 Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep the Site working, remember your preferences, understand how the Site is used, and — through affiliate networks — attribute purchases you make to us. You can control cookies through your browser settings; blocking them may affect some site features.
2. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the Site
- Respond to questions, tips, corrections, and press inquiries
- Understand which content is useful to readers
- Attribute affiliate purchases and receive commissions
- Detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, or security incidents
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell your personal information.
3. Third-Party Services We Use
SepticJournal relies on the following third-party services, each of which has its own privacy policy:
- Google Analytics and Google Search Console — for site usage analytics. Data is aggregated and IP-anonymized where supported.
- Amazon Services LLC Associates Program — affiliate program that uses cookies to attribute qualifying purchases.
- ClickBank — affiliate marketplace with its own cookie-based attribution.
- Content delivery, caching, and image optimization providers — including our hosting provider, WP Rocket, and ShortPixel, which process technical logs to deliver Site content.
- Email service providers — for handling contact form submissions and any email correspondence.
We share information with these providers only to the extent necessary to operate the Site.
4. How We Share Information
We share information only in the following circumstances:
- Service providers that need access to operate the Site (hosting, analytics, email)
- Affiliate networks for the limited purpose of attributing purchases
- Legal requirements — if we are compelled by law, subpoena, or valid legal process
- Business transfers — if the Site is acquired or merged, information may transfer as part of that transaction, subject to the terms of this policy
- With your explicit permission
5. Data Retention
We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Email correspondence is typically retained for two years unless we need it longer for legal, audit, or record-keeping reasons. Analytics data is retained according to the defaults of our analytics providers.
6. Your Rights
6.1 Rights for all users
You can:
- Ask what personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of receiving communications
- Adjust or block cookies via your browser
To exercise these rights, email privacy@septicjournal.com from the address associated with your request.
6.2 Rights for California residents (CCPA)
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act, California residents have additional rights, including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights. We do not sell personal information as defined by the CCPA.
6.3 Rights for EU/UK residents (GDPR/UK GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to the processing of your personal information, and the right to data portability. Our lawful bases for processing include legitimate interests (operating and improving the Site), consent (for optional communications and non-essential cookies), and legal obligation.
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@septicjournal.com. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
7. Children's Privacy
SepticJournal is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us so we can remove it.
8. International Users
SepticJournal is operated from the United States. If you access the Site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored in, or processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
9. Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect the information we hold. No system is perfectly secure; if a breach affects your information, we will notify you and applicable authorities as required by law.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page shows when it was most recently revised. Material changes will be noted more prominently on the Site.
11. Contact
Privacy questions or requests: privacy@septicjournal.com.
General inquiries: see our contact page.
This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. If you have questions about how this policy applies to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.