Privacy Policy | TCMGuide

Who we are

TCMGuide is an English-language educational website about Traditional Chinese Medicine. We do not provide medical services. For more context, see our About page and our Disclaimer.

Information we collect

Depending on how you use the Site, we or our service providers may process:

Usage and analytics data — For example, pages viewed, approximate location (region/city level), device type, browser, and referral information. This helps us understand readership and improve content.
Technical data — Such as IP address and timestamps may appear in server or CDN logs operated by our hosting provider when you request pages or assets.
Information you send us — If you contact us by email or a form (if offered), we receive whatever you choose to provide (for example, your email address and message content).

We do not require you to create an account to read public articles.

Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies where necessary for Site functionality and for analytics. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect how certain features work.

Analytics (Google Analytics)

We use Google Analytics 4 to measure traffic and usage trends. Google may collect information such as how often users visit the Site and which pages they visit. Google’s use of information is governed by Google’s policies. You can learn more about Google Analytics and opt-out options via Google’s documentation and the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on where available.

Fonts and third-party resources

The Site may load fonts or scripts from third parties (for example, Google Fonts or Google Tag Manager / analytics). Those providers may receive technical information such as your IP address when your browser requests those resources. Their use is subject to their respective privacy policies.

Advertising

If we display third-party advertising in the future, advertisers may use cookies or similar technologies to measure performance and personalize ads where permitted. We will update this policy if advertising practices change materially.

How we use information

We use the information described above to:

Operate, secure, and improve the Site
Understand aggregate readership and content performance
Respond to inquiries you send us
Comply with law and protect our rights

We do not sell your personal information as a standalone product.

Legal bases (where applicable)

If data protection laws such as the GDPR apply, we rely on legitimate interests (operating and improving the Site, security, analytics) and, where required, your consent for non-essential cookies or similar technologies, depending on your region and implementation.

Retention

We retain analytics and log information only as long as needed for the purposes above or as required by law. Retention periods depend on our tools and hosting configuration.

International transfers

Our hosting and analytics providers may process data in countries other than your own. Where required, appropriate safeguards may apply under applicable law.

Your choices and rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict certain processing of personal data, or to object to processing. To exercise rights, contact us using the details below. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in your jurisdiction.

Children

The Site is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children for targeted marketing.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests, please contact us at [email protected].