Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Readthelocal.com ("The Local," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit readthelocal.com (the "Site") or purchase our digital itineraries. By using our Site, you agree to the practices described here.

1. Who we are

The Local is the data controller responsible for your personal information collected through this Site. If you have questions about this policy, you can reach our privacy contact at kelsey@readthelocal.com

2. Information we collect

We collect information in two ways: information you give us directly, and information collected automatically when you visit our Site.

Information you provide: Includes your name, email address, billing address, and payment information (processed via our third-party secure processors) when you purchase an itinerary. It also includes any details submitted through our contact forms.
Information collected automatically: Includes your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on the Site, and referring source. This is primarily collected via Squarespace and analytics tools.

3. Cookies

Our Site uses cookies — small text files placed on your device — to improve your experience and analyze our traffic.

Essential cookies: Required for the Site to function (e.g., keeping items in your shopping cart).
Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Site (e.g., Squarespace Analytics or Google Analytics).
Marketing cookies: Used to track the effectiveness of our advertising.

On your first visit, you will be shown a cookie consent banner. You can also manage cookies through your browser settings.

4. Commerce & Digital Purchase Data

When you make a purchase on The Local, we collect information to fulfill your order and provide the digital download link.

Payment Processing: We do not store your full credit card details. Payments are processed by secure third-party providers (like Stripe or PayPal) via Squarespace.
Download Links: We track when a digital itinerary link is accessed to help with technical support and to prevent unauthorized distribution.

5. How we use your data

We use your information to:

Fulfill your orders and deliver digital itineraries.
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
Analyze usage patterns to improve our itineraries and website.
Comply with legal and tax obligations (such as sales tax reporting).
Send marketing communications only if you have opted-in to our mailing list.

6. Legal basis for processing

We process your data based on:

Contractual Necessity: To deliver the product you purchased.
Consent: For marketing emails and non-essential cookies.
Legitimate Interests: For site security and analytics.
Legal Obligation: For tax and accounting purposes.

7. Sharing your data

We do not sell your personal data. We share it only with:

Service Providers: Such as Squarespace (our hosting/commerce platform), email service providers, and payment processors.
Legal Compliance: If required by law or to protect our legal rights.
Business Transfers: If The Local is involved in a merger or sale.

8. Data retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary. Order information is kept to comply with tax laws and to allow you to re-access your downloads if needed. Typically, non-essential data is not kept longer than 2 years.

9. Your rights

Depending on your location (such as the UK, EEA, or California), you may have the right to:

Access the data we hold about you.
Request the deletion of your data.
Correct inaccurate information.
Withdraw consent for marketing at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us at kelsey@readthelocal.com

10. Security

We use SSL encryption and the secure infrastructure provided by Squarespace to protect your data. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Please contact us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account or data.

11. Third-party links

Our itineraries and Site may contain links to third-party websites (like Google Maps or local business sites). We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "last updated" date at the top of this page.

13. Contact us

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

Company: The Local (Readthelocal.com)

Address:

Email: kelsey@readthelocal.com