Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

BrainMatter ("we", "us", "our") operates brainmatter.com (the "Site"). This Policy explains what personal information we collect when you visit the Site, how we use it, and the choices you have. The data controller is BrainMatter Editorial. Contact: editorial@brainmatter.com.

2. Information we collect

• Information you provide: email address and message content when you contact us, subscribe, or submit a question via the "Ask BrainMatter" form.
• Automatically collected: IP address, browser and device type, referring URL, pages viewed, time on page, and approximate location derived from IP. Collected via server logs and analytics cookies.
• Cookies and similar technologies: see our Cookie Policy for the full list and your controls.

3. How we use information

• Operate, secure, and improve the Site.
• Respond to inquiries and editorial submissions.
• Measure aggregate readership and content performance.
• Serve and measure advertising (see Section 5).
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms.

4. Legal bases (GDPR / UK GDPR)

Where EEA, UK, or Swiss law applies we rely on: (a) consent for non-essential cookies and marketing communications; (b) legitimate interests for security, abuse prevention, and aggregated analytics; and (c) legal obligation to comply with applicable law.

5. Advertising and Google AdSense

BrainMatter uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google and its partners (third-party vendors) use cookies and similar identifiers to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this Site and other sites on the internet.

• Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
• You may also opt out of third-party vendor use of cookies for personalized advertising at aboutads.info or youronlinechoices.eu (EEA).
• For more information see How Google uses information from sites that use its services.

6. Sharing and disclosure

We do not sell personal information. We share data only with: hosting and CDN providers, analytics processors, advertising partners listed above, and where required by law or to protect our rights.

7. International transfers

Our processors may store data in the United States and other jurisdictions. Where required, transfers from the EEA, UK, or Switzerland rely on Standard Contractual Clauses and supplementary safeguards.

8. Retention

Server logs are retained up to 90 days. Aggregated analytics are retained up to 26 months. Email correspondence is retained while it remains operationally relevant and then deleted on request.

9. Your rights

Depending on your jurisdiction you may have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or port your personal data, and to object to processing or withdraw consent. EEA / UK residents may lodge a complaint with their supervisory authority. California residents (CPRA) may request disclosure of categories collected, deletion, correction, and may opt out of "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising. To exercise any right contact editorial@brainmatter.com.

10. Children

The Site is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in the EEA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Contact us if you believe a child has provided us data and we will delete it.

11. Security

We use HTTPS, hardened hosting, and access controls. No system is perfectly secure; you use the Site at your own risk.

12. Changes

We may update this Policy. Material changes will be indicated by updating the "Last updated" date above.

13. Contact

Email editorial@brainmatter.com for any privacy-related question or request.