Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to i3atlas.com ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website dedicated to tracking and providing information about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• •Newsletter Subscription: Email address when you subscribe to our updates
• •Contact Forms: Email address and message content when you contact us
• •User Contributions: Any photos, observations, or content you submit

Automatically Collected Information

• •Analytics Data: Page views, referral sources, and engagement metrics via Simple Analytics (privacy-focused, no cookies, no personal data)
• •Technical Data: Browser type, device information, IP address (anonymized)
• •Cookies and Tracking: We use minimal cookies for essential functionality and advertising purposes (see Advertising section below)

How We Use Your Information

• •Send you updates about 3I/ATLAS events and observations
• •Respond to your inquiries and provide support
• •Improve our website content and user experience
• •Send newsletters with your explicit consent
• •Display personalized advertisements and measure their effectiveness
• •Generate revenue through affiliate partnerships for astronomy-related products
• •Comply with legal obligations

Data Protection & Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, or unauthorized disclosure.

• •SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• •Regular security audits and updates
• •Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• •No sale or rent of personal information to third parties

Third-Party Services

We may use the following third-party services that have their own privacy policies:

• •Newsletter Service: For email distribution
• •Simple Analytics: Privacy-focused, cookie-free analytics. No personal data collected, GDPR/CCPA compliant. View their privacy policy
• •Content Delivery: Railway for hosting and performance
• •Embedded Content: YouTube videos and social media posts
• •Google AdSense: Displays targeted advertisements based on your browsing behavior. Uses cookies for ad personalization and measurement. View Google's privacy policy
• •Amazon Associates: Affiliate program that tracks purchases made through our links to provide commission. View Amazon's privacy policy

Advertising and Cookies

We use advertising services to support our free content and affiliate programs to recommend astronomy equipment. This section explains how these services work and what data they collect.

Google AdSense

• •Purpose: Display relevant advertisements to help support our website
• •Data Collected: Browsing behavior, device information, demographics (anonymous)
• •Cookies Used: DoubleClick, Google Analytics, and other advertising cookies
• •Control: You can opt out via Google Ads Settings or use browser ad blockers

Affiliate Marketing

• •Amazon Associates: We earn commission on qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links
• •Other Retailers: B&H Photo, astronomy equipment manufacturers, and educational platforms
• •Disclosure: All affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed on relevant pages
• •Your Cost: Affiliate commissions do not affect the price you pay for products

Cookie Management

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• •Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• •Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• •Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• •Opt-out: Unsubscribe from newsletters at any time
• •Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format

Children's Privacy

Our website is intended for general audiences interested in astronomy and space science. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated revision date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through the contact form available on our website.