Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy – Masq’ay
At Masq’ay, we care deeply about your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data when you visit our website or interact with our content. Masq’ay is a digital literary travel magazine, focused on deep storytelling, culture, and adventure.
1. Who we are
Masq’ay is an independent online publication operated by Masq’ay Storytelling.
We operate from the Netherlands and Ecuador, and follow the rules of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
2. What data we collect
We only collect personal data that you voluntarily provide, or data that is collected automatically to improve your user experience.
We may collect:
Name and email address – for newsletter sign-ups or contact forms.
IP address and browser data – collected via analytics tools (anonymized where possible).
Interactions on the site – such as pages visited and time spent, for website improvements.
3. Why we collect your data
We only use your data for the following purposes:
To send you our newsletter (with your consent).
To respond to your messages or questions.
To analyze and improve the performance of the website.
To ensure website security and prevent spam or abuse.
4. How long we keep your data
We retain your data only as long as necessary:
Newsletter subscribers – until you unsubscribe.
Contact forms – up to 6 months after last contact.
Analytics data – as per the standard retention settings in Google Analytics (26 months or less).
You can request deletion of your data at any time (see section 7).
5. Third-party processors
We do not sell or share your data with advertisers or unknown third parties. We only use trusted tools that help us operate the website, such as:
Newsletter software – such as ConvertKit or Mailchimp.
Analytics tools – like Google Analytics (with IP anonymization enabled).
Embedded media – such as YouTube or Instagram, which may place their own cookies.
These parties have their own privacy policies and are GDPR-compliant to the best of our knowledge.
6. Cookies
Masq’ay uses cookies to offer a smooth user experience and analyze how the site is used.
Types of cookies we use:
Functional cookies – to ensure basic features work (e.g., forms).
Analytics cookies – to understand website traffic.
Optional third-party cookies – only with your consent.
You’ll be shown a cookie banner when you first visit, where you can choose what you allow.
7. Your rights under GDPR
As a visitor to this site, you have the right to:
Access your personal data we’ve collected.
Correct or update your data.
Request that your data be deleted.
Withdraw your consent at any time.
File a complaint with your local data protection authority.
To exercise these rights, contact us here.
8. Security
We take security seriously. We use encryption (SSL), secure password management, and limit access to your data.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of storage is 100 percent secure. We do our best to protect your data but cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be published on this page.
10. Questions?
For any questions, concerns, or requests, please contact us.
