Effective date: May 26 , 2025
1. Who we are
SharpAF Media (“SharpAFmedia.com,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is an independent publisher based in Hawaiʻi covering photography news and camera gear. For any privacy questions, email hello@sharpafmedia.com .
2. Scope
This Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your information whenever you:
- visit SharpAFmedia.com or any sub‑domain
- subscribe to our newsletters or podcasts
- purchase products or services through our site or affiliate links
- comment, upload content, enter contests, or otherwise interact with us
It covers applicable privacy laws including the EU / UK GDPR, CCPA / CPRA, Virginia CDPA, Colorado CPA, Quebec Law 25, and others.
3. Information we collect
Data you provide directly
• Contact details (name, email, postal address, phone)
• Account credentials (username, password*)
• Payment and billing info (processed by Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Comments, forum posts, photo submissions, contest entries
• Marketing preferences (newsletter opt‑ins, survey answers)
Data collected automatically
• IP address, browser, device type, operating system
• Pages viewed, referring/exit pages, clicks, scrolls, session length
• Approximate location (country/city) derived from IP or, if you allow, GPS
• Cookie identifiers, advertising IDs, affiliate click IDs
• Log files and diagnostic information
Sensitive categories (collected only if you choose to provide them)
Payment‑card data, precise geolocation, or any legally defined “sensitive personal information” under CCPA/CPRA or GDPR.
4. Why we use your data
- To operate, maintain, and improve the site and services
- To process orders, memberships, and affiliate commissions
- To send newsletters, deal alerts, and sponsored content you request
- To personalise content and ads and measure their performance
- To analyse traffic, troubleshoot, and prevent fraud or abuse
- To respond to comments, questions, and support inquiries
- To meet legal, tax, and regulatory obligations
5. Legal bases under GDPR
Performance of a contract – user accounts, purchases, affiliate payouts
Consent – newsletters, non‑essential cookies, location sharing
Legitimate interests – analytics, on‑site advertising, security
Legal obligation – tax records, consumer‑protection laws
6. Cookies and similar tech
We use first‑ and third‑party cookies, pixels, local storage, and beacons for: essential site functions, analytics (Google Analytics 4, Matomo), advertising (Google Ad Manager, Freestar, Meta Pixel, Amazon Associates, B&H, CJ, Impact, ShareASale), and social embeds (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok).
EU/UK visitors see a consent banner. You can adjust preferences anytime via our Cookie Settings tool or your browser. Californians and certain U.S. states may opt out of “sale / share” via the Do Not Sell or Share My Info link.
7. How we share information
We do not sell your email list or direct identifiers. We may share limited data with:
- trusted service providers (hosting, email, payment processors, fulfillment)
- advertising and affiliate partners to credit clicks or sales
- analytics vendors that help us understand site performance
- authorities or legal counsel when required to comply with the law or protect rights
- a successor entity in case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale (you will be notified)
All vendors are bound by contracts that meet GDPR Article 28 or equivalent clauses. International transfers rely on EU Standard Contractual Clauses or another lawful mechanism.
8. Data retention
- Billing and tax records – 7 years (IRS / Hawaiʻi compliance)
- Newsletter consent logs – until you unsubscribe + 3 years
- Analytics and ad logs – 26 months (Google default) unless we need longer for security or disputes
- User‑generated content – until you delete it or ask us to erase it
- Back‑ups – retained briefly, then purged on a rolling basis
9. Security
We enforce HTTPS site‑wide, encrypt data in transit and (where supported) at rest, use firewalls, intrusion detection, least‑privilege access, 2‑factor authentication for staff, and regular audits. If you believe your data may be at risk, contact hello@sharpafmedia.com.
10. Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:
- access the personal data we hold about you
- correct inaccuracies
- erase or anonymise your data
- restrict or object to processing
- receive a portable copy of your data
- opt out of targeted advertising, profiling, or the sale / sharing of data
- withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing
- lodge a complaint with your Supervisory Authority or state Attorney General
To exercise any right, email hello@sharpafmedia.com. We’ll respond within the legally required timeframe (typically 30–45 days) and may verify your identity first.
11. Marketing choices and opt‑outs
- Emails – click “Unsubscribe” in any email or contact us.
- Browser push notifications – disable them in your browser settings.
- Cookies/ads – use our Cookie Settings, browser controls, or the NAI/DAA opt‑out pages.
- Google Analytics – install Google’s opt‑out browser add‑on.
12. Children’s privacy
SharpAFmedia.com is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their data. If you believe a child has provided information, email us so we can delete it.
13. Third‑party links and embeds
External sites and services (e.g., YouTube, Amazon) follow their own privacy practices. We encourage you to review their policies, as we are not responsible for them.
14. International users
Our servers and many vendors are located in the United States. By using the site, you consent to your data being transferred to and processed in the U.S. and other countries where our partners operate. We apply the safeguards described in Section 7.
15. Changes to this Policy
We may update this document periodically. Material changes will be announced via a site banner, email, or similar notice 30 days before taking effect. The “Effective date” at the top shows the latest revision.
16. Contact us
Email: hello@sharpafmedia.com