Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Introduction

Welcome to The Global Hearth Collective, LLC (“we,” “us,” “our”). We operate a network of 20 specialized baking and cooking recipe websites. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your information.

This Privacy Policy applies to all websites operated by The Global Hearth Collective, LLC, including but not limited to our Cake, Cookie, Candy, Pie, and Chocolate Guild sites.

Our Contact Information:
The Global Hearth Collective, LLC
30 N Gould St Ste R
Sheridan, WY 82801
United States
Email: privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com

Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide Directly

Email Newsletter Subscriptions
When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect:

  • Your email address
  • Date and time of subscription
  • IP address (for security and anti-spam purposes)
  • Subscription preferences

Contact Forms & Comments
When you contact us or leave comments, we collect:

  • Your name (if provided)
  • Your email address
  • Your message or comment content
  • IP address
  • Any information you voluntarily include

2. Information Collected Automatically

Cookies and Similar Technologies
We and our third-party partners use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar technologies to:

  • Deliver personalized advertising
  • Analyze site traffic and user behavior
  • Remember your preferences
  • Improve user experience
  • Measure advertising effectiveness

Log Files
Our web servers automatically collect:

  • IP addresses
  • Browser type and version
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Date and time stamps
  • Referring/exit pages
  • Number of clicks
  • Pages viewed
  • Time spent on pages

Device Information

  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • Operating system
  • Screen resolution
  • General geographic location (city/country level only)

3. Third-Party Services & Data Collection

We use multiple third-party services that collect information as described below:

Advertising & Monetization Partners

We partner with multiple advertising networks and technology providers to display advertisements on our sites. These partners use various technologies to collect information about your visits to our sites and other websites to provide targeted advertising.

Google AdSense

What They Collect:

  • Cookie data and advertising IDs
  • IP address and general location
  • Pages visited on our site
  • Ad interaction data
  • Device and browser information

Cookies Used:

  • DoubleClick DART Cookie: Used to serve targeted ads based on your browsing history
  • Google Analytics Cookies: Track user behavior for ad optimization

How to Opt-Out:

Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Ezoic

What They Collect:

  • Page view data and ad impressions
  • Click-through rates and engagement metrics
  • Device information and browser type
  • Geographic location (non-precise)
  • Cookie and advertising IDs

Purpose: Ezoic uses artificial intelligence to optimize ad placements, page load speed, and user experience. They test different ad configurations to maximize both user experience and revenue.

How to Opt-Out:

Mediavine

What They Collect:

  • IP address (anonymized after collection)
  • User agent and device information
  • Referring URL and page views
  • Geographic location (city-level)
  • Ad viewability and engagement metrics
  • Video player interactions

Wrapper Limited Disclosure: Mediavine programmatic advertising partner, Wrapper Limited, uses third-party ad exchanges and Supply Side Platforms to serve ads. These partners may use cookies and similar technologies.

How to Opt-Out:

Raptive (formerly AdThrive)

What They Collect:

  • Browsing behavior and page interactions
  • Device identifiers and IP addresses
  • Cookie data for ad targeting
  • Ad performance metrics
  • Time spent on pages

Purpose: Raptive manages premium advertising through multiple demand partners to optimize ad revenue while maintaining user experience.

How to Opt-Out:

Journey by Mediavine

What They Collect:

  • Session replay data (anonymized)
  • User interaction patterns
  • Page navigation flows
  • Device and browser information
  • Geographic location data

Purpose: Journey analyzes user behavior to optimize content layout, improve page speed, and enhance user experience.

Privacy: All data is anonymized and aggregated. No personally identifiable information is stored.

More Info: Journey Privacy Policy

HB Agency

What They Collect:

  • Ad performance data
  • Viewability metrics
  • Engagement statistics
  • Cookie and device data

Purpose: HB Agency manages header bidding solutions to maximize ad revenue through competitive real-time bidding.

Third-Party Advertising & Analytics

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our sites.

What They Collect:

  • Pages viewed and navigation paths
  • Time spent on site
  • Traffic sources
  • Device and browser information
  • Demographic data (age range, gender, interests)
  • Geographic location (country/city level)

How to Opt-Out:

ConvertKit (Email Marketing)

We use ConvertKit to manage email subscriptions and send newsletters.

What They Collect:

  • Email addresses
  • Subscription dates
  • Email open rates and click rates
  • Email preferences

Privacy: ConvertKit has access to subscriber email addresses solely for sending our emails.

More Info: ConvertKit Privacy Policy

Social Media Platforms

If you interact with us on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), those platforms collect data according to their own privacy policies.

Telegram & WhatsApp

If you join our Telegram channel or WhatsApp Business account:

  • We only see your username/number
  • We cannot access your personal information
  • Messages are governed by Telegram/WhatsApp privacy policies

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

✅ Deliver Content: Provide recipes, articles, and website functionality
✅ Send Newsletters: Deliver weekly recipe roundups (only to subscribers)
✅ Display Advertising: Show relevant ads to support free content
✅ Analyze Usage: Understand traffic patterns and improve user experience
✅ Respond to Inquiries: Answer questions and provide support
✅ Comply with Laws: Meet legal and regulatory requirements
✅ Prevent Fraud: Protect against spam, abuse, and security threats
✅ Optimize Revenue: Test ad configurations for best user experience and monetization

We Do NOT: ❌ Sell your personally identifiable information to third parties
❌ Share your email address with marketers (except our email provider, ConvertKit)
❌ Use your information for purposes not disclosed here
❌ Send spam or irrelevant communications

Affiliate Marketing & Commission Disclosure

We participate in affiliate marketing programs and may earn commissions when you click links or purchase products.

Amazon Associates Program

We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What This Means:

  • When you click an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission
  • You pay the same price – commissions don’t increase your costs
  • Prices on Amazon change frequently; we’re not responsible for price changes
  • Product availability may change

Other Affiliate Programs

We may participate in other affiliate networks including:

  • ShareASale
  • CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
  • Rakuten Advertising
  • Impact
  • Individual brand affiliate programs

Affiliate Link Tracking: Affiliate links contain tracking codes that identify traffic from our site. This is standard practice and required by affiliate programs.

Honest Recommendations: We only recommend products we genuinely use or believe would benefit our readers. Affiliate relationships never influence our honest opinions.

Email Marketing Compliance (CAN-SPAM Act)

Our email marketing practices comply with the CAN-SPAM Act:

✅ Clear Identification: All emails clearly identify The Global Hearth Collective as the sender
✅ Accurate Subject Lines: Subject lines accurately reflect email content
✅ Physical Address: Every email includes our physical mailing address
✅ Easy Unsubscribe: One-click unsubscribe link in every email
✅ Prompt Removal: Unsubscribe requests processed within 10 business days
✅ Monitoring: We monitor our email service provider’s compliance

Our Mailing Address:
The Global Hearth Collective, LLC
30 N Gould St Ste R
Sheridan, WY 82801
United States

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites remember information about your visit.

Types of Cookies We Use

1. Essential Cookies (Required)
Enable basic site functionality like page navigation and access to secure areas. Cannot be disabled.

2. Advertising Cookies (Third-Party)
Used by our advertising partners to deliver personalized ads based on your browsing history. Can be managed via opt-out tools.

3. Analytics Cookies (Performance)
Help us understand how visitors use our site. Can be disabled via browser settings or opt-out tools.

4. Preference Cookies (Functional)
Remember your settings and preferences for better user experience.

Web Beacons & Pixels

We and our partners use web beacons (also called pixels or clear GIFs) to:

  • Track ad impressions and engagement
  • Measure email open rates
  • Analyze user behavior
  • Optimize content delivery

How to Manage Cookies

Browser Settings:

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
  • Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

Third-Party Opt-Out Tools:

Note: Blocking cookies may affect site functionality and user experience. Some features may not work properly.

Do Not Track (DNT) Signals

Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals websites you don’t want to be tracked.

Our Response to DNT: Currently, there is no industry-wide standard for responding to DNT signals. Our third-party advertising and analytics partners may continue to collect information even if your browser sends a DNT signal. You can opt out of targeted advertising using the tools listed in the Cookies section above.

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your information includes:

Consent: When you:

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Submit a contact form
  • Accept cookies via cookie banner

Legitimate Interests: To:

  • Analyze site usage and improve services
  • Prevent fraud and ensure security
  • Display contextual (non-personalized) advertising

Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

You can withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing from emails, clearing cookies, or contacting us.

Your Privacy Rights

Rights for All Users

Unsubscribe from Emails
Click the unsubscribe link in any email to stop receiving newsletters immediately.

Access Your Information
Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com to request what information we have about you.

Delete Your Information
Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com to request deletion of your personal information.

Correct Inaccurate Information
Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com to update or correct your information.

Additional Rights for EEA Users (GDPR)

European users have additional rights under GDPR:

Right to Data Portability
Receive your personal data in a portable, machine-readable format.

Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests.

Right to Restrict Processing
Request limitation of how we process your data.

Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for processing at any time.

Right to Lodge a Complaint
File a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To Exercise Rights: Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com with your request.

Additional Rights for California Users (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

Right to Know
Know what personal information we collect, use, and share.

Right to Delete
Request deletion of personal information we’ve collected.

Right to Opt-Out of Sale
Opt-out of the “sale” of personal information. Note: We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense, but sharing data with ad partners may qualify as a “sale” under CCPA. You can opt out via NAI/DAA tools listed above.

Right to Non-Discrimination
Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

Right to Correct
Request correction of inaccurate personal information.

California Shine the Light Law:
California residents can request information about personal information disclosed to third parties for direct marketing purposes. Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com.

To Exercise Rights: Email privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com with your request and proof of California residency.

Additional Rights for Canadian Users (PIPEDA)

We comply with Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Canadian users can:

  • Access their personal information
  • Challenge the accuracy of their data
  • Withdraw consent for processing
  • File complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Security Measures: ✅ HTTPS Encryption: All data transmitted securely via SSL/TLS
✅ Access Controls: Limited employee/contractor access to personal information
✅ Regular Security Audits: Periodic reviews of security practices
✅ Third-Party Vetting: We work only with vetted service providers
✅ Password Protection: Sensitive systems protected by strong passwords
✅ Firewall Protection: Server-level firewall protection

Important Note: No internet transmission is 100% secure. While we use industry-standard security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Use our sites at your own risk.

Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that compromises your personal information:

What We Do:

  • Investigate the breach immediately
  • Notify affected users within 72 hours (GDPR requirement)
  • Report to relevant authorities as required by law
  • Take steps to prevent future breaches

What You’ll Receive:

  • Description of what happened
  • What information was affected
  • Steps we’re taking
  • Steps you should take
  • Contact information for questions

Data Retention

Newsletter Subscribers: Email addresses retained until you unsubscribe
Contact Form Submissions: Retained for 2 years, then deleted
Analytics Data: Retained per Google Analytics settings (26 months default)
Advertising Data: Retention varies by partner; typically 12-24 months
Cookies: Expire based on cookie type (session cookies deleted when browser closes; persistent cookies expire after set period, typically 30 days to 2 years)
Log Files: Retained for 90 days for security purposes

Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

Our sites are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If You Are a Parent: If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com and we will delete it promptly.

Children Under 16 (GDPR): For EEA users under 16, we require parental consent before processing personal data.

International Data Transfers

We are based in the United States. If you access our sites from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.

Data Protection:

  • For EEA users: We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses where required
  • The United States may not have the same data protection laws as your country
  • By using our sites, you consent to this transfer

Third-Party Links & Embedded Content

Our sites may contain:

Links to Third-Party Websites:

  • Ingredient suppliers
  • Kitchen equipment retailers
  • Recipe inspiration sources
  • Affiliate merchant sites

Embedded Content:

  • YouTube videos
  • Pinterest pins
  • Instagram posts
  • Social media feeds

Important: We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. Third-party sites have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to read their policies before providing any information.

Embedded Content Data Collection: Embedded content (like YouTube videos) may collect data about your interaction, even if you don’t click. This is controlled by the third party’s privacy policy.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

  • Changes in our practices
  • Changes in applicable laws
  • New features or services
  • Technology updates

How We Notify You:

  • Changes posted on this page with updated “Last Updated” date
  • For significant changes: Email notification to newsletter subscribers
  • Continued use of our sites after changes = acceptance of updated policy

Your Right to Opt-Out: If you disagree with changes, you can stop using our sites and unsubscribe from emails.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Email: privacy@TheGlobalHearth.com

Mail:
The Global Hearth Collective, LLC
Attn: Privacy Officer
30 N Gould St Ste R
Sheridan, WY 82801
United States

Response Time: We aim to respond to all privacy requests within 30 days.

For GDPR Requests: Include “GDPR Request” in subject line
For CCPA Requests: Include “CCPA Request” in subject line
For General Privacy Questions: Include “Privacy Inquiry” in subject line

Summary of Key Points

What We Collect:

  • Email addresses (if you subscribe)
  • Usage data via cookies and analytics
  • Information you provide in forms/comments

How We Use It:

  • Send newsletters (opt-in only)
  • Display advertising
  • Analyze traffic
  • Improve user experience

Your Rights:

  • Unsubscribe anytime
  • Access your data
  • Delete your data
  • Opt out of personalized ads

Third Parties:

  • Advertising partners (AdSense, Ezoic, Mediavine, Raptive, etc.)
  • Analytics (Google Analytics)
  • Email provider (ConvertKit)
  • Affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, etc.)

How to Opt-Out:

This Privacy Policy is part of our Terms of Service.

By using any Global Hearth Collective website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 2.0 (Monetization Enhanced)

The Global Hearth Collective, LLC is committed to transparency and protecting your privacy. This policy explains our practices in plain language. If anything is unclear, please contact us.

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