Privacy Policy & Cookie Consent

Last updated: May 2026

Overview

The Scented Compass ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws.

1. Who We Are

The Scented Compass is an English-language wellness publication covering aromatherapy, TCM seasonal living, and nutrition. Our website is located at www.scented-compass.com.

Data Controller:
Daphne Lee
Email: daphne@scented-compass.com

2. What Personal Data We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Newsletter Signup: When you subscribe to our seasonal digest, we collect your email address.
• Comments: If you comment on articles, we collect your name, email, and comment content.
• Contact Forms: If you contact us, we collect your name, email, and message.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Analytics Data: Google Analytics 4 collects:
  • Pages visited, time spent on site, scroll depth
  • Device type, browser, operating system
  • Approximate location (country/city level)
  • Traffic source (referrer)
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 4).

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

1. Consent – For newsletter subscriptions and non-essential cookies
2. Legitimate Interest – For analytics to improve our website experience
3. Legal Obligation – To comply with laws and regulations

4. Cookies & Tracking

4.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These are necessary for the website to function:

• Session management
• Security tokens
• User preferences (e.g., language)

These do NOT require consent.

4.2 Analytics Cookies (Requires Consent)

We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use our website:

• Measurement ID: G-RVB3E8MRLD
• Tracks page views, user behavior, traffic patterns
• Data is anonymized and aggregated

You can opt-out: See "Your Rights" section below.

4.3 Functional Cookies (Requires Consent)

• Remember user preferences
• Improve site performance
• Load balancing

5. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for:

6. Who We Share Your Data With

6.1 Service Providers

We share data with:

• Ghost Pro (Content management platform)
  • Stores your newsletter subscription
  • Privacy: https://ghost.org/privacy/
• Google Analytics
  • Analytics data
  • Privacy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Search Console
  • Search performance data
  • Privacy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

6.2 Data Transfers

Ghost Pro and Google services may transfer data outside the EU/EEA. They are certified under appropriate frameworks (Google uses EU-US Data Privacy Framework).

6.3 We Do NOT Share Data With

• Advertisers or marketing agencies
• Third-party retailers
• Brokers or data sellers

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

1. Access – Request a copy of your data
2. Rectification – Correct inaccurate data
3. Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten") – Request we delete your data
4. Restrict Processing – Limit how we use your data
5. Data Portability – Receive your data in a structured format
6. Withdraw Consent – Unsubscribe from newsletters anytime
7. Object – Opt-out of analytics tracking

To exercise these rights, email: daphne@scented-compass.com
Response time: 30 days (GDPR requirement)

8. Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner with options:

• Accept All – Accept all cookies including analytics
• Reject All – Decline non-essential cookies
• Preferences – Choose which cookies to accept

You can change your cookie settings anytime in your browser or contact us.

9. How to Manage Cookies

Browser Settings

You can disable cookies in your browser:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Privacy, Search, and Services → Clear browsing data

Google Analytics Opt-Out

Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Extension

Newsletter Unsubscribe

Every newsletter contains an unsubscribe link. You can also manage your subscription in your Ghost member account.

10. Data Retention

11. Data Security

We take security seriously:

• Encrypted transmission (HTTPS/SSL)
• Secure servers (Ghost Pro infrastructure)
• Access controls (Limited staff access)
• Regular backups (Data recovery measures)

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Use strong passwords and keep your account secure.

12. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it immediately.

13. Third-Party Links

Our website contains links to third-party sites (Instagram, Pinterest, etc.). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before sharing data.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in law, our practices, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending email notification if required

Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

Questions about our privacy practices?

Email: daphne@scented-compass.com
Website: www.scented-compass.com

Supervisory Authority (Data Protection Officer):
If you're in the EU/EEA and believe your rights have been violated, you can lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority:

• EU: European Data Protection Board
• UK: ICO (Information Commissioner's Office)
• Switzerland: Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner

16. Cookie List

Thank you for visiting The Scented Compass. We respect your privacy and are committed to transparency.