GDPR/CCPA Compliance Notice

Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Last Updated: August 1, 2024

1. Introduction

At ThePositiveReview.com, we value your privacy and data security. As part of our commitment to transparency, we comply with:

✔ General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Protects the rights of individuals in the European Union (EU).
✔ California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – Ensures privacy rights for California residents.
✔ California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) – Expands CCPA protections.
✔ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Privacy Regulations – Sets standards for data protection and transparency in the United States.

This GDPR/CCPA Compliance Notice explains:
✅ What personal data we collect.
✅ How we use, store, and protect your data.
✅ Your rights to access, modify, or delete your data.

2. What Data We Collect & How We Use It

2.1. Personal Information We Collect

We collect the following types of data when you visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, or interact with our services:

✔ Basic Identifiers (Name, email address, contact details).
✔ Device & Browsing Data (IP address, browser type, time spent on pages).
✔ Cookies & Tracking Data (Collected for analytics and ad personalization).
✔ User-Submitted Content (Comments, feedback, survey responses).

2.2. Why We Collect Your Data

We collect your data for the following purposes:

  • ✅ Service Delivery: To provide relevant business reviews, blog content, and personalized recommendations.
  • ✅ Advertising & Monetization: To support our affiliate programs and sponsored content (see our Affiliate Disclosure Policy).
  • ✅ Analytics & Performance Tracking: To improve website functionality and user experience.
  • ✅ Legal Compliance: To adhere to GDPR, CCPA, and FTC privacy laws.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. However, we may share limited, anonymized data with trusted partners for advertising or analytics purposes.

3. Your Data Rights Under GDPR & CCPA

Both GDPR (EU) and CCPA (California, USA) provide specific rights to users regarding their personal data.

3.1. Your Rights Under GDPR (European Union Users)

If you are an EU resident, you have the right to:

✔ Access Your Data: Request a copy of the personal data we have about you.
✔ Correct Inaccurate Information: Update or modify incorrect details.
✔ Request Data Deletion ("Right to Be Forgotten"): Ask us to delete your data.
✔ Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data.
✔ Object to Data Use: Opt out of marketing communications.
✔ Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

How to Exercise Your GDPR Rights:

  • Send an email to info@thepositivereview.com with the subject "GDPR Data Request."
  • We will process your request within 30 days, as required by GDPR law.

3.2. Your Rights Under CCPA (California Users)

Under CCPA & CPRA, California residents have the right to:

✔ Know What Personal Information We Collect and how we use it.
✔ Opt-Out of Data Sales & Sharing for Targeted Advertising.
✔ Request Deletion of Personal Data.
✔ Correct Inaccurate Information.
✔ Access and Download Your Data in a Portable Format.

How to Exercise Your CCPA Rights:

  • Visit our "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" page (if applicable).
  • Email us at info@thepositivereview.com with the subject "CCPA Data Request."
  • We will respond within 45 days as required by California law.

4. How We Store & Protect Your Data

4.1. Data Storage & Security Measures

We implement strict security protocols to safeguard your data:

✅ Encryption: Personal data is encrypted during transmission and storage.
✅ Limited Access: Only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
✅ Firewall Protection: We use advanced firewalls and malware detection systems.
✅ Regular Security Audits: We conduct routine security checks to prevent data breaches.

4.2. Data Retention Policy

  • We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose.
  • If you request data deletion, we will erase your information unless we need it for legal compliance (e.g., tax records, fraud prevention).

5. Third-Party Data Sharing & Cookies

5.1. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and tracking tools to:
✔ Improve site performance and user experience.
✔ Serve personalized ads via Google Ads & affiliate networks.
✔ Conduct website analytics using Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and other tools.

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via your browser settings.

5.2. Third-Party Services We Use

We partner with trusted third-party companies that provide analytics, advertising, and affiliate marketing services. These include:

✔ Google Analytics & Google Ads – For website traffic and ad personalization.
✔ Meta (Facebook & Instagram Ads) – For targeted marketing campaigns.
✔ Affiliate Marketing Platforms – Such as Amazon Associates, Awin, and CJ Affiliate.

6. International Data Transfers

Because ThePositiveReview.com has a global audience, your data may be stored and processed in different countries, including the United States and the European Union.

To ensure GDPR compliance, we follow:
✔ Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for data transfers outside the EU.
✔ Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with third-party service providers.

7. Opting Out & Managing Your Preferences

7.1. How to Opt Out of Data Collection

  • Email us at info@thepositivereview.com with the subject "Opt-Out Request."
  • Adjust your browser settings to disable cookies and tracking scripts.
  • Use opt-out tools from the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) and Google Ad Settings.

7.2. How to Stop Marketing Emails

8. Compliance with Other Privacy Laws

This policy is designed to comply with privacy laws worldwide, including:

✔ GDPR (EU/EEA) – Data privacy for European users.
✔ CCPA/CPRA (California, USA) – Consumer rights & opt-outs.
✔ PIPEDA (Canada) – Digital privacy standards.
✔ CNIL (France) – Data protection and cookie regulations.
✔ ePrivacy Directive – Covers cookies and electronic marketing in the EU.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in privacy laws, technology, or business practices. We encourage users to review this page regularly for updates.

✔ Major changes will be announced via email or site notification.
✔ The latest update date will always be visible at the top of this policy.

10. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries, please contact:

📍 Service Address:
1330 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10019

📧 Email: info@thepositivereview.com

📞 Contact Person: Ben Chaudes