Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 2, 2025
Website: https://gardeningwithbilal.org

1. Introduction

Welcome to gardeningwithbilal.org (“we,” “our,” or “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, or interact with our content. By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how your data is handled, especially when it involves advertising, analytics, and affiliate marketing programs like Google AdSense and Amazon Associates.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Personal Information: Name, email address, and any details you provide when subscribing to our newsletter, leaving comments, or contacting us.
  • Non-Personal Information: Browser type, IP address, device type, pages visited, time spent on site, and other analytics data collected through cookies and third-party tracking tools.
  • Affiliate & Advertising Data: When you click on affiliate links (Amazon Associates or other partners) or view ads (Google AdSense), tracking technologies may collect information about your activity.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

If you are located in the European Union (EU), we process your data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent: When you opt in to our newsletter or accept cookies.
  • Contractual Necessity: To provide services or information you request.
  • Legitimate Interests: To improve website performance, track analytics, and show relevant ads.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with laws or government requests.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Send newsletters, updates, and gardening tips (with your consent).
  • Display personalized and non-personalized ads via Google AdSense.
  • Track affiliate link performance and generate earnings through Amazon Associates and other programs.
  • Improve website content, functionality, and user experience.
  • Respond to your inquiries and support requests.
  • Comply with legal obligations.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

  • Website Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics track visitor behavior.
  • Advertising: Google AdSense and other third-party ad networks use cookies to serve ads based on your interests.
  • Affiliate Links: Amazon Associates and other programs may use cookies to track purchases made through our links.

Google AdSense Disclosure

  • Google uses cookies to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to our site and other websites.
  • Google’s use of the DoubleClick DART cookie allows it and its partners to serve ads based on your browsing history.
  • Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

Amazon Associates Disclosure

  • gardeningwithbilal.org participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share information with:

  • Service Providers: Email marketing tools, hosting services, analytics providers.
  • Advertising & Affiliate Partners: Google AdSense, Amazon Associates, and other networks may collect data through their cookies.
  • Legal Compliance: If required by law or government authorities.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for:

  • Providing requested services (e.g., newsletters).
  • Fulfilling affiliate and advertising obligations.
  • Legal compliance and record-keeping.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access and request a copy of your personal data.
  • Request correction or deletion of your data.
  • Object to data processing for marketing purposes.
  • Opt out of cookies via your browser settings.
  • Unsubscribe from emails anytime using the “unsubscribe” link.

GDPR Rights (EU Users)

  • Right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data.
  • Right to data portability.
  • Right to object to processing or withdraw consent.

CCPA Rights (California Residents)

  • Right to know what personal data we collect.
  • Right to request deletion of your personal data.
  • Right to opt out of the sale of your data.
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

9. Data Security

We use reasonable safeguards such as SSL encryption, secure servers, and limited access controls to protect your information. However, no method of online transmission is 100% secure.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from them.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with the new Effective Date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

📧 Email: contact@gardeningwithbilal.org
🌐 Website: https://gardeningwithbilal.org