Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how the Public Domain Literature Library (accessible at coalh.com) collects, uses, and shares information about visitors to its independent ebook catalogue. It applies to all users of the site, regardless of where they access it from.
Information We Collect
Routine Server Logs
When you visit the site, our servers automatically record certain technical information. This includes your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, the referring page, pages viewed, and the date and time of each request. We use this data to maintain the security and stability of the site, diagnose technical issues, and understand aggregate usage patterns.
Voluntary Information
If you contact us via the email address provided on the site (editor@coalh.com), we will receive the contents of your message and your email address. We use this only to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.
Site Preferences
We may store certain preferences you set while browsing, such as text size or display options, using cookies or similar local storage. This information stays on your device and is not sent to our servers unless you explicitly submit it.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
Essential Cookies
We use essential cookies to enable core site functionality, such as maintaining your session and remembering your cookie consent choice. These cookies do not track you across other sites.
Analytics (Where Enabled)
Where enabled, we use a third-party analytics service to collect aggregated, anonymised data about how visitors use the site. This service may set cookies that collect information such as the pages you visit, how long you stay, and how you arrived. We use this data to improve the catalogue’s content and usability. The analytics provider is contractually prohibited from using this data for its own purposes.
Advertising (Where Enabled)
Where advertising is displayed on the site, we may use Google AdSense or other advertising services. These services may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your previous visits to our site or other websites. The information collected includes your IP address, browser information, and the pages you viewed. You can learn more about Google’s advertising practices and opt out of personalised advertising at Google’s Ads Settings.
Third-Party Cookies
Some third-party services we use (such as analytics and advertising providers) may place their own cookies on your device. These cookies are subject to the respective third parties’ privacy policies. We do not control them and recommend reviewing those policies for more information.
Web Beacons
We may include web beacons (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs) in our communications or on the site to track the effectiveness of our content. Web beacons are small graphic images that allow us to collect information such as whether a page was visited or an email was opened. They are used in conjunction with cookies and do not give us access to your personal information beyond what you voluntarily provide.
Purposes of Processing
We process your data for the following purposes:
- To operate, maintain, and improve the site and its content.
- To monitor and analyse usage trends and preferences.
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats.
- To communicate with you if you contact us.
- To display advertising that may be relevant to you, where advertising is enabled.
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies.
Data Sharing and Service Providers
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your data with limited service providers who assist us in operating the site, such as hosting providers, analytics platforms, and advertising networks. These providers are authorised to use your data only as necessary to provide their services to us and are bound by confidentiality agreements.
Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law. Server logs are retained for a limited period and then deleted or anonymised. When you contact us, we retain your email and message for the duration needed to address your inquiry and for a reasonable period thereafter.
Your Choices and Controls
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Browser Controls: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Please consult your browser’s help documentation. Note that blocking essential cookies may impair site functionality.
- Consent Controls: Where we rely on your consent for analytics or advertising cookies, you may withdraw that consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences through the consent management tool available on the site.
- Opt-Out of Personalised Advertising: You can opt out of Google’s personalised advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. You can also opt out of many third-party advertising networks through the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
- Access and Correction: You may request access to or correction of the personal data we hold about you by contacting us at editor@coalh.com.
- Erasure and Restriction: You may request erasure of your data or restriction of processing, subject to our legal obligations.
- Data Portability: Where technically feasible, we can provide your data in a structured, commonly used format.
Children's Privacy
Our site is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.
External Links
The site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
International Access
Your information may be processed in any country where we or our service providers operate. By using the site, you consent to the transfer of your data to jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your own. We take steps to ensure adequate safeguards are in place.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review it periodically. Your continued use of the site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at editor@coalh.com.