Privacy Policy - Monarch Media

Privacy Policy for Monarch Media

Effective Date: December 3, 2025

Last Updated: December 3, 2025

Version: 2.0

At Monarch Media (accessible from https://monarchmediatc.com), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we handle your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your rights under applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU residents, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA) for California residents, and other global privacy regulations.

This policy applies to all users of our website, including visitors, newsletter subscribers, and those interacting with our affiliate links or forms. By using our site, you consent to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

1. Information We Collect

We collect two types of information: personal data (that identifies you) and non-personal data (aggregated or anonymized).

Personal Information

We collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it, such as:

  • Name and Email Address: When you subscribe to our newsletter, fill out a contact form, or comment on content.
  • Other Contact Details: Such as phone number, if provided in inquiries.
  • Affiliate Interactions: Click data from affiliate links (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Awin) to track commissions, but only hashed identifiers for analytics (no full personal details).

Non-Personal Information

We automatically collect anonymized data to improve our site:

  • Device and Browser Info: IP address (anonymized), browser type, operating system, device type, and screen resolution.
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, referral sources, and interaction patterns (via Google Analytics).
  • Location Data: Approximate location from IP address (not precise geolocation).

User-Provided Data for Google Services

For enhanced measurement in Google Analytics and AdSense (used for site analytics and advertising), we may collect hashed user-provided identifiers (e.g., email addresses) to improve conversion tracking and personalization. This is done only with your consent (via cookie banner) and in a privacy-safe manner. We do not use this for sensitive categories like healthcare or finance, and data is not sold or shared beyond Google's ecosystem. You can opt out via the cookie settings or Google's controls.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information solely for legitimate business purposes:

  • Site Improvement: Analyzing usage trends to enhance content and user experience.
  • Communication: Sending newsletters, responding to inquiries, or updates about our services.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Tracking clicks and commissions through affiliate networks (e.g., Amazon, eBay, Awin). We earn commissions on qualifying purchases, but this does not affect your pricing.
  • Personalized Advertising: Delivering relevant ads via Google AdSense (based on anonymized data).
  • Analytics: Measuring site performance with Google Analytics.
  • Security and Compliance: Preventing fraud and complying with legal obligations.

We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling that significantly affects you.

3. Affiliate Disclosure

FTC Compliance Notice: Monarch Media participates in affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Associates, eBay Partner Network (EPN), Awin, Google AdSense, and Ezoic. This means we may earn commissions if you click our links and make purchases. These commissions help support the site at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in, and disclosures appear near relevant links (e.g., "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases"). For full details, see our Affiliate Disclosure Policy.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., pixels, local storage) to enhance functionality and analyze usage. Cookies are small files stored on your device.

Cookie Types

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for site operation (e.g., session management). No consent required.
  • Analytics Cookies: From Google Analytics to track anonymized visitor stats (e.g., page views, bounce rates).
  • Advertising Cookies: From Google AdSense and affiliates to show relevant ads and track conversions (hashed data only).

You can manage cookies via our cookie consent banner (first visit) or browser settings:

  • Opt-Out: Visit Google Analytics Opt-Out or Google Ads Settings.
  • Browser Controls: Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Cookies; Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security.
  • Do Not Track (DNT): We honor DNT signals where supported.

Disabling cookies may limit site features. For more, see our Cookie Policy.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information (as defined under CCPA). Sharing is limited to:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., Google for Analytics/AdSense, email providers like Mailchimp) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality. They are contractually bound to GDPR/CCPA compliance.
  • Affiliate Networks: Hashed click data to Amazon, eBay, Awin, etc., for commission tracking (no identifiable info shared).
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect rights/safety (e.g., fraud prevention).
  • Business Transfers: In a merger/acquisition, with notice to you.

No sharing with unaffiliated third parties for their marketing without consent.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have control over your data. Depending on your location, rights include:

GDPR (EU/EEA) Rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your data.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate data.
  • Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Delete your data (subject to legal obligations).
  • Restriction: Limit processing in disputes.
  • Portability: Receive data in a structured format.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or marketing.

CCPA/CPRA (California) Rights:

  • Access/Sale Opt-Out: We do not sell data; opt-out of sharing for targeted ads.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of personal info.
  • Correct/Non-Discrimination: No retaliation for exercising rights.

How to Exercise Rights: Email tmartin@monarchmediatc.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject. We'll respond within 45 days (GDPR) or 30 days (CCPA). For California, verify via email/phone.

Authorized Agents: Provide proof of authorization. Appeals: Reply to our response email.

7. Children's Privacy

Our site is not intended for children under 13 (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we discover such data, we'll delete it promptly. Parents/guardians: Contact us to review/delete child data.

8. Data Security

We use industry-standard security (e.g., SSL encryption, access controls) to protect data. However, no system is 100% secure—contact us for breaches at tmartin@monarchmediatc.com.

9. International Data Transfers

Data may be transferred to the US (our servers) or affiliates in compliant countries. We use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for GDPR adequacy.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy. Significant changes will be emailed to subscribers and posted here with a 30-day notice. Continued use after changes means acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions, rights requests, or concerns: Email tmartin@monarchmediatc.com or write to: Monarch Media, [Your Address], [City, State, ZIP]. Response within 1–3 business days.

Questions? We're here to help.