Privacy & Cookies Policy

Last updated: October 09, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Alternatronics. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal data. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We also comply with applicable U.S. privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Who we are

Data Controller and contact details.

• Data Controller: Alternatronics
• Contact Email: info@alternatronics.com

Information we collect

We collect minimal personal data only when you register or voluntarily provide it. We also use analytics to understand website usage.

When you visit our website (non-registered users)

We do not directly collect personal information unless you provide it to us. We use Google Analytics with Consent Mode to understand website traffic and usage patterns. In regions such as the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, analytics cookies are only activated after you provide consent through our cookie banner. Visitors from other regions may receive full analytics functionality by default, while still being able to opt out at any time through the banner or browser settings.

When you register or interact with the site (if applicable)

If you choose to create an account, we collect the following:

• Username: This can be pseudonymous; do not include identifying information if you prefer privacy.
• E-mail: Used for account communication and optional updates; not made public.
• Description / bio: Optional, used to provide a reference to other users.
• Avatar: Optional.
• Comments in articles: Do not include information that can identify you. Comments are stored.

Legal basis for processing

We process data on the following legal bases:

• Consent — for analytics cookies and optional communications.
• Legitimate interest — for website security and functionality. For visitors in the United States, processing for analytics and advertising purposes is performed under legitimate interest or consent, as required by applicable state privacy laws (e.g., CCPA).

Third-Party Services

We use third-party services to provide certain functionalities on this site.

We use Mailtrap to send registration verification emails. When you register, your email address and the content of these emails are processed by Mailtrap, which acts as a data processor on our behalf. Mailtrap can access the full content of the emails to enable delivery and testing. Mailtrap Privacy Policy .

We use Google Analytics to collect anonymous or consent-based usage statistics. Google Analytics processes your data in accordance with their privacy policies and regional privacy laws. We use Consent Mode so data collection adjusts automatically based on user consent. Google Privacy Policy .

Cookies and Google Analytics

This website uses first-party cookies (to remember preferences) and third-party cookies from Google Analytics. In GDPR regions, analytics cookies are only placed after consent. In other regions, you can still disable them via the cookie banner or browser settings.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is provided by Google LLC (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA). It helps us understand how visitors use the site. Data collected may include anonymized IP addresses, browser type, device type, and pages visited. This information is stored on Google servers in the United States. We use Google Consent Mode, which adjusts data collection based on your cookie preferences. When consent is denied, only anonymous, cookieless pings are sent to measure aggregate traffic. If Google AdSense is enabled in the future, ads will respect the same consent preferences and privacy regulations.

More information: Google Privacy Policy

You can disable Google Analytics cookies at any time through our cookie banner or via your browser settings.

Data retention

Analytics data is retained for 14 months before automatic deletion. Account data is retained until you delete your account. Backups containing personal data are kept for a limited time for security purposes.

Sharing of data

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties, except for Google Analytics (for analytics purposes), Mailtrap (for mailing), and when required by law or to protect our legal rights. If required by U.S. privacy laws, we provide a “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link when advertising or personalization features are active.

Your rights under GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Request restriction of processing or object to processing
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@alternatronics.com. U.S. residents may also request to opt out of sale/sharing or targeted advertising using the same contact.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted here with an updated "Last updated" date.