Privacy Policy

Welcome to The Perineal, operated by News Cosmos, LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us when using our website.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit The Perineal (the “Website”). It also outlines your rights regarding your data under applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with our privacy practices, you should discontinue using the Website immediately.

By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy, consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information as described in this Policy, and know that we may use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve user experience and display personalized advertisements.

We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our data practices, legal requirements, or business operations. We will post the revised Policy on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. We may notify users via email or a Website notice if significant changes are made. Your continued use of the Website after posted updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

If you disagree with the updated Privacy Policy, stop using the Website immediately and request data deletion, if applicable.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Personal Information Collected

We collect the following personally identifiable information (PII) when users voluntarily provide it through account registration, newsletter sign-ups, or profile customization:

Username and Password: Users who create an account must provide a unique username and password for authentication and security purposes. This data is stored securely to manage user access and account-related services.

Email Address: Users who subscribe to our newsletter provide an email address. Emails are used only to send updates, news, and promotional content related to our Website. Users can unsubscribe anytime by following the opt-out instructions in our emails.

Optional Avatar Uploads: Users may upload an avatar image to personalize their accounts. If commenting features are enabled, avatars are publicly displayed with user profiles. However, users retain the right to remove or change their avatars at any time through their account settings.

1.2 Non-Personal Data Collected

We automatically collect certain non-personally identifiable information (non-PII) to improve the Website’s functionality and user experience. This includes:

IP Address, Browser Type, Device Information: We collect IP addresses, browser details, and device types to optimize website performance and security. This data helps us prevent fraudulent activities, analyze geographic traffic trends, and troubleshoot technical issues.

Website Usage Data: Wix Analytics collects anonymous user interactions, such as page visits, navigation behavior, and session duration. Google AdSense may collect behavioral data to display personalized advertisements based on user interests and browsing history.

1.3 Automatic Data Collection & Cookies

Our Website uses cookies and tracking technologies to enhance user experience and serve relevant ads.

Use of Tracking Technologies: Cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking tools help us understand user preferences, site performance, and engagement metrics. Third-party services like Google AdSense may use tracking technologies to provide targeted advertising.

Cookie Usage for Personalization & Ad Display: Our Website uses cookies to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and serve relevant advertisements. Essential cookies are required for core website operations, such as login authentication and storing user preferences. Analytics cookies help track user behavior, page visits, and navigation patterns to improve content and site performance. Advertising cookies, primarily used by Google AdSense, deliver personalized or non-personalized ads based on user activity and interactions.

Users can manage or disable cookies through their browser settings or adjust their preferences in Google’s Ad Settings to opt out of personalized advertising.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION 

2.1 Account Creation and Login Security: We use usernames and passwords to create and manage accounts, enabling registered users to access personalized features. We use authentication measures to secure accounts and prevent unauthorized access. If account security is compromised, we may use collected information to reset passwords and verify identity.

2.2 Newsletter Delivery and User Communications: Users’ email addresses are used exclusively for newsletters and occasional website-related announcements. Users may receive updates, editorial highlights, promotional messages, or important policy changes via email. They can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or adjusting their notification preferences.

2.3 Website Optimization and Performance Analytics: We use Wix Analytics and other tracking tools to monitor website performance and enhance user experience. This includes tracking how users navigate the Website to improve content and functionality, identifying technical issues, broken links, or slow-loading pages for optimization, and analyzing traffic sources and visitor behavior to make data-driven improvements. The data collected is aggregated and does not personally identify individual users.

2.4 Advertising and Marketing (Google AdSense): To support our Website, we display Google AdSense advertisements, which may include personalized ads tailored to users’ browsing history, location, and interests (if permitted), non-personalized ads based on general website content (if users opt-out), and the collection of ad performance data to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

2.5 Compliance with Legal Obligations: We may process and store your data as required by law, including but not limited to responding to legal requests from law enforcement agencies or regulatory authorities, preventing fraud, abuse, or security threats that could harm our Website or users, and ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable data protection laws.

We will never sell or share your personal data with third parties for profit. Any information shared with service providers is strictly to operate and maintain our Website.

3. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING PERSONAL DATA (GDPR COMPLIANCE)
 

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we must have a lawful basis for processing personal data. Depending on the nature of the interaction, News Cosmos, LLC processes personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

3.1 User Consent (Newsletter and Optional Account Data): We process personal data with the user’s explicit consent, including collecting and using email addresses for newsletter subscriptions, storing and displaying avatars as part of user profiles, requiring affirmative consent (e.g., checking a box or clicking “Agree”) before data collection, and allowing users to withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing from emails via the opt-out link or updating their avatar in their account settings.

3.2 Contractual Necessity (Account Management): We process certain personal data when necessary to fulfill a contract or service agreement with the user, including creating and maintaining user accounts by securely storing usernames and passwords, providing customer support for account access, security, or data management, and enforcing our Terms of Use, which form a binding agreement between the user and the Company, as this data is essential for providing account-based services to registered users.

3.3 Legitimate Interests (Website Analytics and Security): We may process non-personal user data based on our legitimate business interests, including analyzing website performance and usability through Wix Analytics, monitoring security threats to detect and prevent fraud, hacking attempts, and spam, and ensuring website stability and troubleshooting technical issues, though users have the right to object to this processing, recognizing that these activities are often essential for the security and functionality of the Website.

3.4 Compliance with Legal Obligations: We may process and store personal data when required by legal obligations under GDPR and other data protection laws. This includes responding to law enforcement requests or complying with legal requirements, investigating and preventing fraudulent activities, cyber threats, or abuse, and maintaining tax, regulatory, and compliance records as applicable laws require. We will ensure that personal data is retained only as long as necessary to meet these legal and regulatory requirements.

 

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

4.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We use third-party service providers to host our Website, display advertisements, and manage email communications. These providers process personal data strictly for operational purposes and in compliance with their privacy policies.

Wix (Hosting and Platform Services): Our Website is built on Wix, which provides hosting, security, and content management services. For performance analytics and security monitoring, Wix may collect technical data, including IP addresses, device information, and browsing behavior. For more details, users can review Wix’s Privacy Policy.

Google AdSense (Advertising and Tracking): We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Website. Google may use cookies and tracking technologies to serve personalized or non-personalized ads based on user interactions. Users can manage their Google Ad settings to opt out of personalized advertising. For more details, users can review Google’s Privacy Policy.

Email Marketing Services: If users subscribe to our newsletter, their email addresses will be processed through an email marketing service. Emails are sent only with user consent, and users can unsubscribe anytime via the email opt-out link. These third-party services are contractually obligated to protect user data and not use it for unauthorized purposes.
 

4.2 Legal Compliance and Law Enforcement Requests

We may disclose user information when law requires or to protect our legal interests. This includes responding to valid legal requests, such as subpoenas, court orders, or law enforcement investigations, preventing fraud, cyber threats, and unauthorized activities that violate our Terms of Use, and protecting the rights, property, and safety of News Cosmos, LLC, our users, and the public. We will only disclose user data when legally compelled to do so and notify affected users when possible unless prohibited by law.
 

4.3 Business Transfers (Mergers, Sales, or Acquisitions): If News Cosmos, LLC undergoes a merger, acquisition, asset sale, or restructuring, user information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. If ownership changes, we will notify users of any changes to data handling practices and provide an opt-out option where legally required. The new entity will be obligated to honor this Privacy Policy or issue a new policy with updated terms.
 

4.4 User Consent-Based Sharing: We will only share personal information with third parties for purposes other than those listed above if we obtain the user’s explicit consent. Examples include user requests to integrate their account with a third-party service and voluntary participation in promotions, surveys, or collaborations with partner brands. Users can opt in or out of additional data sharing at request time.

5. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

5.1 GDPR Rights (For EU Users)

If you are located in the EEA, you have the following rights under GDPR (Article 15-22) regarding your personal data:

Right to Access, Correct, or Delete Your Data: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you, correct inaccurate or incomplete data associated with your account, and request deletion of your personal data under certain conditions (e.g., if the data is no longer necessary for processing).

Right to Object to Processing: You can object to processing your personal data if it is based on our legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes. If you object to marketing emails, you can unsubscribe any time using the opt-out link in our emails.
 

Right to Data Portability: You have the right to request a machine-readable copy of the personal data you provided to us and to have it transferred to another service provider.
 

Right to Withdraw Consent: If we process your data based on your consent (e.g., newsletter subscriptions and optional account features), you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of data processing before the withdrawal.
 

5.2 CCPA Rights (For California Users)

As a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regarding how your data is handled.

Right to Know What Data is Collected: You have the right to request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you in the past 12 months.

Right to Request Data Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal data, subject to certain legal or operational exemptions (e.g., data required to fulfill contracts, legal compliance).

Right to Opt-Out of Data Sales (Google AdSense Considerations): We do not sell personal data. However, since Google AdSense may collect data for personalized ads, California users have the right to opt out. To opt out, visit Google’s Ad Preferences page or enable Global Privacy Control (GPC) in your browser.

6.  COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us remember user preferences and settings, improve Website performance and navigation, analyze visitor behavior to enhance content and features, and serve relevant advertisements through Google AdSense. Cookies do not store sensitive personal data, such as passwords or payment information.

6.1 Types of Cookies Used

Essential Cookies (Security and Functionality): These cookies are required for the website’s essential operation, ensuring critical functions such as login authentication, session management, and secure browsing. They enable core features that allow users to access their accounts safely and navigate the Website without disruption. Because they are critical to the Website’s functionality, they cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies (Performance and User Behavior): These cookies help us understand how users interact with the Website by tracking metrics such as page visits, time spent on pages, and navigation behavior. The data collected is anonymous and processed via Wix Analytics and other tools to enhance user experience and optimize Website performance.

Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense and Personalization): Google AdSense uses these cookies to deliver personalized or non-personalized advertisements based on user interactions. Personalized Ads are tailored to individual users by analyzing browsing history, location, and interests, while non-personalized ads are displayed based on general website content without utilizing personal data. Users can manage their ad preferences through Google’s settings.

For ad targeting, Google may collect device information, IP addresses, and browsing activity. Users can opt out of personalized ads

6.2 How Users Can Manage Cookies 

Cookie Consent Banner (GDPR/CCPA Compliance): To comply with GDPR and CCPA regulations, users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and California will see a cookie consent banner upon their first visit to the Website. This banner allows users to accept, reject, or customize cookie preferences according to their privacy choices. Users can withdraw or modify their consent anytime by accessing the Website’s cookie settings, ensuring complete control over how their data is collected and used.

Opting Out of Personalized Ads: Users can manage or disable personalized advertising through multiple opt-out mechanisms, including Google Ad Settings via Google Ad Preferences, the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Opt-Out Tool via NAI Consumer Choice, and their browser settings, where cookies can be blocked or deleted in browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Additionally, enabling Global Privacy Control (GPC) or activating “Do Not Track” (DNT) settings in supported browsers may further limit ad tracking and behavioral data collection.

7. DATA RETENTION AND SECURITY
 

7.1 How Long We Retain User Data

We retain user data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, and maintain security. User account information (including username, email, and avatar) is retained until the user deletes their account or requests removal. Newsletter subscription data is stored until the user unsubscribes from email communications. Website usage data, collected via Wix Analytics and Google AdSense, is retained for a maximum of 24 months, after which it is anonymized or deleted. Cookies and tracking data are retained based on browser settings and user consent preferences, allowing users to control how long such data remains active.

If law requires, we may retain certain data for compliance, legal claims, or fraud prevention. Once the data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
 

7.2 Security Measures to Protect User Information

We implement technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Encryption is used to secure sensitive data, such as login credentials, following industry-standard protocols. Access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access user data, and permissions are assigned based on their role. The Website is hosted on Wix, which provides secure hosting, security monitoring, and protection against cyber threats. Additionally, we conduct regular security audits to review our security practices, identify vulnerabilities, and implement necessary improvements to enhance data protection.

Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Users are encouraged to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (if available) for added protection.
 

8. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

At News Cosmos, LLC, we take children’s privacy seriously and are committed to complying with applicable data protection laws, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We recognize the importance of safeguarding children’s personal information and ensuring that our Website is a safe and appropriate space for all users.

In compliance with COPPA, our Website is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect, store, or process personal information from users below this age threshold. If we become aware that a child under 13 years old has provided us with personal data, we will take immediate action to delete the information and remove their account. If a parent or legal guardian believes that their child has submitted personal information without consent, they may contact us, and we will promptly investigate the matter and proceed with data removal as necessary. To ensure compliance with COPPA, we implement strict age verification measures to prevent unauthorized data collection from minors.

Users must be at least 13 years old to create an account on our website. This policy aligns with COPPA regulations and industry standards for online platforms. Users under 18 should obtain parental or guardian consent before using the Website. While we do not actively verify the ages of all users, we expect those under 18 to seek approval from a responsible adult.

By registering for an account, users confirm that they meet the minimum age requirement and acknowledge that providing false age information violates these Terms. If it is determined that a user has misrepresented their age when gaining access to the Website, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate their account without prior notice.

9. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

As News Cosmos, LLC operates in the United States, personal data collected from users outside the U.S. may be transferred, stored, and processed in the U.S. or other countries where our service providers operate. We are committed to ensuring that all international data transfers comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European Economic Area (EEA) users.

By using this website, non-U.S. users acknowledge that their data may be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States, where data protection laws may not offer the same level of protection as those in their home country. We transfer data in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, and by continuing to use the Website, you consent to the transfer of your data to the U.S. If you do not agree to this, you should stop using the Website and contact us at admin@theperineal.com to request data deletion.

We implement measures for EEA, UK, and Swiss users to ensure that all data transfers comply with GDPR. When working with service providers outside the EEA, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission, ensuring that personal data is handled securely and lawfully. Additionally, since our Website is hosted on Wix, all user data is subject to Wix’s GDPR-compliant data processing agreements, which include safeguards for data protection and security.

To uphold GDPR standards, we follow a data minimization approach, meaning we only collect the personal data necessary for Website functionality and user interactions. We also enforce user rights under GDPR, allowing individuals in the EEA to request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of their data anytime. Users who wish to exercise their rights or inquire about data transfers can contact us at [Company Contact Email].

10. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, products, or services not owned or controlled by News Cosmos, LLC. These external links are provided for convenience or advertising purposes, but we do not endorse, review, or verify the accuracy of their content. When users click on a third-party link, they leave our Website and are subject to the third-party site’s privacy policies and terms of use. News Cosmos, LLC is not responsible for any loss, damage, or privacy risks from interactions with external websites. Users should carefully review third-party websites’ privacy policies and security practices before sharing personal information.

Our Website displays advertisements through Google AdSense, which may use cookies and tracking technologies to deliver personalized or non-personalized ads. Personalized ads are tailored to users based on their browsing history, interests, and interactions, while non-personalized ads are displayed based on general website content rather than individual user activity.

Users who wish to manage their ad preferences or opt out of personalized advertising can do so through Google Ad Preferences or by using industry-wide opt-out tools such as the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Consumer Choice. We do not control how third-party advertisers collect, process, or use data. Users should review Google’s Privacy Policy to understand their rights and options regarding ad tracking.

If users engage with third-party advertisements, links, or services, they do so at their own risk. We are not liable for purchases, transactions, or issues from third-party websites. Users are responsible for reading and understanding third-party terms before sharing information or purchasing.

11. DO NOT TRACK (DNT) AND OPT-OUT MECHANISMS 

Do Not Track (DNT) is a privacy preference that users can enable in their web browser settings to signal that they do not wish to be tracked across websites. There is no universal standard for websites to follow regarding DNT signals, so our Website does not respond to DNT requests. However, users may still exercise privacy controls through other mechanisms, such as opting out of cookies, disabling tracking, or managing ad preferences. To learn more about Do Not Track settings, visit All About DNT.

Users can control how their data is used for personalized advertising through the following opt-out mechanisms:

Google AdSense Preferences: Since our Website uses Google AdSense, users can manage ad settings or opt out of personalized ads by visiting Google Ad Preferences: Google Ad Settings and Google Analytics Opt-Out: Google Analytics Opt-Out

Industry-Wide Opt-Out Tools: Users can opt out of behavioral advertising from multiple ad networks by utilizing industry-wide opt-out tools, including the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) Consumer Opt-Out, the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) WebChoices, and for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA) Your Online Choices platform. These tools allow users to manage their advertising preferences and reduce targeted ads across participating ad networks.

Users may also block or delete cookies manually through their browser settings, which may limit ad tracking. Steps to disable cookies vary by browser:

  • Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies & Site Data

  • Mozilla Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies & Tracking Protection

  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Block All Cookies

  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Site Permissions → Cookies & Site Data
     

Note: Opting out of personalized ads does not mean you will stop seeing ads—it only means that ads will no longer be tailored based on your browsing activity.

12. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in laws, business practices, or data collection policies. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page and provide a notification on our Website or via email (if applicable). Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed.

You acknowledge and accept the revised terms by continuing to use the website after updates to this Privacy Policy have been posted. If you disagree with the updated Privacy Policy, stop using the Website and request data deletion. Your continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms.

13. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please use the details below to contact us.

Users may contact us via email or postal mail to request access to, correction of, or deletion of their data. Requests may include requesting a copy of personal data we have collected (GDPR & CCPA users), correcting inaccurate information related to their accounts, deleting their accounts and associated personal data (subject to legal retention obligations), opting out of marketing communications, or modifying cookie preferences.

We may require users to confirm their identity before processing their request for verification purposes.

For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights under GDPR, CCPA, or other data protection laws, please contact:
 

Email: admin@theperineal.com

Mailing Address: 425 NW 10TH AVE STE 200, PORTLAND, OR 97209, USA

 

We strive to respond to privacy-related requests within 30 days or the legally required timeframe.