Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 24, 2026.
1. What we collect
The Ribbon & Platen collects the minimum data required to operate as a reading site. Specifically:
- Standard web server logs (IP address, browser type, pages requested, referrer) retained for 30 days for security and diagnostic purposes.
- Anonymised, aggregated analytics on which articles are read and for how long. We do not associate this data with any individual reader.
- Email address and message content when you write to the editor. This is retained only as long as needed to respond and to preserve editorial correspondence.
2. What we do not collect
We do not require accounts, do not run comment systems that require personal data, and do not sell or rent any data to third parties.
3. Cookies
The Site uses a small number of strictly necessary cookies for basic site function (for example, remembering a light or dark theme preference if the reader sets one). We do not use session-recording tools.
If the Site displays advertisements served by Google (Google AdSense), Google may set cookies on your browser to serve personalised ads based on your browsing history. These advertising cookies are governed by Google's partner sites policy. You can opt out of Google's personalised advertising at any time by visiting Google Ad Settings — Personalisation Off.
4. Third-party services
- Google AdSense — may serve advertisements on the Site. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on visits to this and other websites. For details, see Google's partner sites policy and the opt-out link above.
- External image hosts — article images may be served from external hosts. When your browser loads an image, the hosting service will see standard request information. We have no control over the policies of these hosts.
5. Your rights
If you have written to the editor and would like your correspondence deleted, or would like to know what personal data (if any) we hold about you, please email us. We will respond within thirty days.
6. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, to request deletion of their personal information, to opt out of the sale of personal information, and to not be discriminated against for exercising these rights. We do not sell personal information. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via our Contact page.
7. Data protection basis (GDPR)
We aim to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as it applies to EU readers, and with equivalent frameworks in other jurisdictions where relevant. The legal basis for the limited data processing described above is legitimate interest in operating the Site. Where Google AdSense processes data for personalised advertising, the legal basis is your consent, which you may withdraw at any time using the opt-out link in Section 3.
8. Children's privacy
The Site is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
9. Data breach notification
In the event of a personal data breach that is likely to result in a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify affected individuals and the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours, as required by GDPR Article 33.
10. International data transfers
The Site is hosted on infrastructure that may process data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Where applicable, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful transfer mechanisms to ensure adequate protection of your data.
11. Contact
Privacy questions should be addressed to the editor via our Contact page.