Privacy & cookies

Last updated: October 2026

This is my personal blog, run by me, Swati Bhalla, from the Netherlands. This page explains, in plain words, what data this site collects, why, and what you can do about it. Questions? Email collabswithswati@gmail.com.

What I collect and why

Comments: when you leave a comment, the site stores your name, email address, comment and IP address, so the comment can be shown and spam can be filtered. Your email is never shown publicly. Spam filtering runs on this site itself (Antispam Bee); your comment is not sent to an outside spam service.
Emails you send me: if you email me, I keep your message so I can reply. I don’t add you to any list.
Site statistics: I use Jetpack Stats (by Automattic) and Google tools (Site Kit, Analytics, Search Console) to see which posts people read. These use cookies or similar technology and process data such as your IP address, browser and pages visited.
Advertising: this site may show ads through Google AdSense. Google and its partners use cookies to show ads, and, if you agree, to personalise them. You can choose in the cookie banner and change your choice at any time. More in Google’s advertising policy.
Embedded content: posts may include videos or posts from Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. These behave as if you visited those sites and may set their own cookies.
Purchases: my digital products are sold through Gumroad. Payment and order details are handled by Gumroad under their own privacy policy; I only see what Gumroad shares with sellers.
Affiliate links: some links go to partners (for example tour or eSIM providers). If you click and buy, the partner may use a cookie to know you came from my site. See my affiliate disclosure.

Who else processes data

The site is hosted by GoDaddy and connected to WordPress.com (Automattic) through Jetpack. Google (Analytics, AdSense), Gumroad and the embedded platforms above process data as described. Some of these companies are outside the EU; they use the safeguards required under EU law.

How long data is kept

Comments and their details are kept as long as the comment is on the site. Emails are kept as long as needed to reply and follow up. Statistics and advertising data are kept according to the providers’ settings.

Your rights

Under the GDPR you can ask to see, correct or delete the personal data I hold about you, object to its use, or withdraw your cookie consent. Email me and I’ll help. You can also complain to the Dutch data protection authority, the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens.