Legal
Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Thai Temple Archive ("we", "us", "our") operates the website located at thaitemplearchive.org (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have in relation to it.
We are a non-commercial, non-profit archival project. We do not sell products, run advertising, or monetize user data in any form. Our sole purpose is the free preservation and public sharing of Thailand's Buddhist temple heritage.
We collect the absolute minimum data necessary to operate the Site. Specifically, this means anonymous analytics data (via Google Analytics) and contact information that you choose to provide voluntarily when reaching out to us. Nothing else.
By using the Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect only two categories of data. Nothing more.
2.1 Analytics Data (Google Analytics)
We use Google Analytics to understand how people use the Site — which pages are visited, how long people stay, and where visitors come from geographically. This data is anonymous and aggregated. We cannot identify individual visitors from this data.
Google Analytics may collect:
- — Anonymized IP address
- — Browser type and version
- — Operating system
- — Referring URL
- — Pages visited and time spent on the Site
- — Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
This data is processed by Google in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy. We use it solely to improve the Site's content and structure.
2.2 Contact Information You Provide Voluntarily
The only personal data we collect is information that you choose to give us — specifically when you reach out to offer help, propose collaboration, or get in touch about the project. This may include:
- — Your name
- — Your email address
- — Your message, area of expertise, or how you'd like to get involved
We do not collect this information unless you actively submit it. There are no hidden forms, no registration requirements, and no mandatory account creation on this Site.
2.3 Cookies
The Site uses cookies placed by Google Analytics to measure traffic. We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting cookies, or any cookies that track you across other websites.
You can disable or delete cookies in your browser settings at any time.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for two purposes only:
- — Analytics data — to understand how the Site is used and improve its content, navigation, and structure
- — Contact information — to respond to your message and, if relevant, follow up about your offer to help or collaborate
We do not use your information for advertising, profiling, marketing, or any commercial purpose. We do not send unsolicited emails. We do not add you to any mailing list without your explicit request.
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- — Consent — when you voluntarily submit a form or subscribe to updates
- — Legitimate interests — for basic analytics and Site security, where those interests are not overridden by your rights
- — Legal obligation — where required by applicable law
5. Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics (provided by Google LLC) to collect anonymous data about how visitors use the Site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect this information and report website usage statistics without identifying individual visitors.
Google may transfer analytics data to servers in the United States or other countries. You can learn more about how Google uses data at google.com/policies/privacy/partners.
To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
We have enabled IP anonymization in Google Analytics, meaning your full IP address is never stored.
6. Third-Party Services
Beyond Google Analytics, the Site uses only essential third-party services:
- — Hosting provider — to serve the Site's content
- — Map provider — to display temple locations (we use OpenStreetMap where possible, which does not track users)
- — Email — when you contact us, your message is received via standard email
We do not use advertising networks, affiliate tracking, social media pixels, or any third-party service that profiles users for commercial purposes.
7. Data Retention
- — Analytics data — retained by Google Analytics per their standard retention settings (26 months by default); aggregated and anonymous
- — Contact messages — we retain your email and message for as long as necessary to respond and follow up, typically no longer than 24 months
You may request deletion of your contact data at any time by emailing us (see Section 14).
8. Data Security
We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These include HTTPS encryption, access controls, and regular security reviews.
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security and encourage you not to share sensitive information through web forms.
9. Children's Privacy
The Site is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
10. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- — Access — request a copy of the data we hold about you
- — Correction — request correction of inaccurate data
- — Deletion — request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- — Objection — object to certain types of processing
- — Portability — request your data in a portable format
- — Withdrawal of consent — withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the address below. We will respond within 30 days.
11. International Transfers
Thai Temple Archive is operated from Thailand. If you are visiting from the European Union, United Kingdom, or other regions with data protection laws, please note that your data may be transferred to and processed in Thailand, which may not have data protection laws equivalent to those in your country.
By using the Site, you consent to this transfer. Where required by law, we apply appropriate safeguards.
12. Links to Other Websites
The Site may contain links to external websites (for example, partner organizations or referenced sources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to read their privacy policies.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
For significant changes, we will post a notice on the Site.
14. Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:
Thai Temple Archive