Last updated: October 8, 2026
Smashology Media LLC (“Smashology Media”, “we”, “us” or “our”) operates smashologymedia.com. This Privacy Policy explains the personal information we collect, why we use it, who may receive it, and the choices and rights available to visitors.
1. Who controls your information
Smashology Media LLC, Sheridan, Wyoming, United States, is responsible for the personal information described in this policy. Privacy questions and requests can be sent to info@smash-ology.com with the subject line “Privacy Request.”
2. Information we collect
- Device and usage information: IP address, approximate location derived from IP, browser and device type, referring page, pages viewed, timestamps and similar technical logs.
- Analytics and advertising information: cookie identifiers, consent choices and information about interactions with pages or advertisements, where permitted by your choices and applicable law.
- Comments: information entered in the comment form, the visitor’s IP address and browser user-agent string for spam detection. An anonymised string created from an email address may be sent to Gravatar to determine whether a profile image is available.
- Information you provide: messages, tips, correction requests and other information sent through email or available contact methods.
- Reader accounts and notification preferences: If you create a Smashology reader account, we collect your email address, account username and the notification categories you choose. WordPress stores your password in a one-way protected form; we do not receive or read your password. We use this information to authenticate your account and send category email alerts you request. Creating an account does not automatically subscribe you to alerts. You can change preferences or request account deletion by emailing info@smash-ology.com.
Verification worksheet: The source-record builder in our viral-story guide runs in the page. It does not submit entered notes to Smashology or save them between visits. Copy the record into your own document if you want to keep it. Your browser may retain or restore form entries according to its own settings. This behavior is separate from ordinary page analytics and technical logs described above. Do not enter private personal information in the worksheet.
3. Why we use information and our legal bases
- To operate, secure and troubleshoot the website, prevent spam and abuse, and preserve editorial integrity. Where the GDPR applies, we rely on legitimate interests or legal obligations as appropriate.
- To respond to messages and requests. We rely on your request, our legitimate interests, or steps taken at your request.
- To measure readership and improve content. We use consent where required for non-essential analytics cookies.
- To display and measure advertising if advertising services are enabled. We use consent where required and honor applicable opt-out rights.
- To establish, exercise or defend legal claims and comply with law.
To operate reader accounts, authenticate sign-ins, maintain notification preferences and send requested category alerts. We rely on your request and consent for optional email alerts, and on our legitimate interests or legal obligations for account security and abuse prevention.
4. Cookies, analytics and advertising
We use necessary cookies for security, site operation, and consent preferences. Google Analytics is connected to help measure readership. The site provides a consent panel for optional analytics and advertising categories; verification of all consent integrations is ongoing. Google AdSense setup code is installed, but the site has not yet been approved to serve AdSense ads. Loading third-party code can involve requests to Google even when no advertisement is displayed. If Google AdSense or another advertising service is enabled, Google and participating partners may use cookies or similar technologies for ad delivery, measurement, and fraud prevention and—only where lawfully permitted—personalization. Required consent and opt-out signals must be in place before such processing is enabled.
You may accept, deny or choose categories in the banner and change or withdraw your choice at any time through Your Privacy Choices. Available cookie descriptions are provided in our Cookie Policy. Information about Google’s use of data on partner sites is available at Google’s partner-sites policy.
5. Sharing and service providers
We may disclose information to hosting, security, spam-prevention, analytics, advertising and technical service providers only as needed to provide their services, protect the site or comply with law. Google may act as an independent controller or processor for certain analytics and advertising activities under its own terms and privacy policies. We may also disclose information in connection with a legal requirement, corporate transaction or protection of rights and safety.
We do not sell personal information for money. Advertising and analytics disclosures may, however, be treated as a “sale” or “sharing” for cross-context behavioural advertising under some U.S. state privacy laws. Eligible visitors can opt out as explained below.
6. International transfers
Smashology Media is based in the United States, and some service providers may process information in the United States or other countries. Where GDPR or UK GDPR transfer rules apply, providers may rely on an adequacy decision, Standard Contractual Clauses, the UK addendum, or another legally recognized safeguard.
7. Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described above, including security, editorial records, legal obligations and dispute resolution. Comment data may remain with the related article unless the comment is removed. Consent choices are retained according to the periods listed in the Cookie Policy. Messages and privacy requests are retained for the time needed to answer and document the request.
8. Rights for EEA, UK and Swiss visitors
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction or portability of your personal information; object to processing based on legitimate interests; and withdraw consent at any time without affecting earlier lawful processing. You may also complain to your local data-protection authority. To exercise a right, email info@smash-ology.com. We may request information reasonably necessary to verify identity.
9. California and other U.S. privacy rights
Where the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the CPRA, or another applicable U.S. state privacy law applies, eligible residents may have rights to know or access information, delete information, correct inaccurate information, obtain a portable copy, opt out of sale or sharing for targeted advertising, limit certain uses of sensitive personal information, and receive equal service without discrimination for exercising privacy rights.
To opt out of advertising-related sale or sharing, use Your Privacy Choices, or email info@smash-ology.com with the subject “Do Not Sell or Share.” Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a browser-level opt-out signal. Automatic processing of GPC on this site is still being verified, so we cannot yet confirm that a browser signal has been applied. This does not limit applicable privacy rights; the contact and cookie-choice routes remain available. We do not knowingly use sensitive personal information for purposes that require a separate right to limit.
For requests to know, delete or correct, email the address above and describe your request. We may verify identity and, where permitted, require an authorised agent to provide proof of authority. We aim to acknowledge qualifying California requests within 10 business days and respond within 45 calendar days, subject to lawful extensions. We do not discriminate against anyone for exercising an applicable privacy right.
10. Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards designed to protect personal information. No transmission or storage system is completely secure.
11. Children
The site is a general-audience news publication and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so we can review and delete it where appropriate.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes in the site, service providers or law. We will post the revised version here and update the date above. Material changes may also be presented through the consent banner where appropriate.
13. Contact
Smashology Media LLC
Sheridan, Wyoming, United States
Email: info@smash-ology.com