Legal
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025
This Privacy Policy describes how Gautam Thapa ("I", "me", or "my") collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit gautamthapa.com (the "Website").
Information I Collect
Information You Provide
When you interact with this Website, I may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:
- Contact Form Submissions: Name, email address, and message content when you reach out through the contact form
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address if you subscribe to my newsletter
- Direct Outreach: Name, email address, and any details you provide when you contact me directly
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit the Website, certain information may be collected automatically:
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, referring website, browser type, device type, and operating system
- Analytics Data: Anonymized data about how visitors interact with the Website
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve your browsing experience
How I Use Your Information
I use the collected information to:
- Respond to your inquiries and messages
- Send newsletters and updates (only if you've subscribed)
- Improve the Website's content and user experience
- Analyze Website traffic and usage patterns
- Protect against spam and malicious activity
I will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
Third-Party Services
This Website may use the following third-party services:
Google Analytics
This Website uses Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand traffic and usage patterns. Google Analytics only loads after you explicitly accept analytics cookies through the cookie consent banner.
When enabled, Google Analytics collects anonymized data about your visit with IP anonymization enabled to protect your privacy. You can opt out at any time by clicking "Cookie Preferences" in the footer.
Hosting
The Website is hosted on Vercel. Their privacy policy applies to the hosting infrastructure.
Email Services
If you subscribe to my newsletter, your email may be processed through an email service provider (e.g., Resend, ConvertKit) to deliver content.
Embedded Content
The Website may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, social media posts). These platforms may collect data about your interaction with their content.
Cookies and Tracking
This Website uses cookies to improve your experience. When you first visit, you'll see a cookie consent banner that allows you to choose which cookies to accept.
Types of Cookies Used
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the Website to function properly and cannot be disabled:
- Theme Preference: Remembers your light/dark mode choice
- Cookie Consent: Stores your cookie preference choice (localStorage)
- Security: Protection against spam and malicious activity
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help me understand how visitors interact with the Website. They only load after you explicitly click "Accept Analytics" in the cookie banner.
What we track (when you accept analytics):
- Page views and navigation patterns
- Traffic sources (how you found the Website)
- Device type, browser, and operating system
- Time spent on pages
- Resume downloads and contact form submissions
What we DON'T track:
- Personal information or passwords
- Form data before submission
- Keystroke or mouse movement data
Analytics Service
This Website uses Google Analytics 4 (GA4) with IP anonymization enabled to protect your privacy. Google Analytics only loads after you explicitly accept analytics cookies.
Learn more about Google's Privacy Policy.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time:
- Click the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer of any page
- Clear your browser's localStorage and refresh the page to see the cookie banner again
- Use your browser settings to block all cookies (may affect Website functionality)
Note: If you reject analytics cookies, no tracking or analytics data will be collected during your visit.
Data Retention
I retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Contact form submissions: Retained until your inquiry is resolved, then deleted within a reasonable period, typically within 12 months
- Newsletter subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe
- Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal information I hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Unsubscribe: Opt out of newsletter communications at any time
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable
To exercise any of these rights, contact me at hello@gautamthapa.com.
Data Security
I implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
Children's Privacy
This Website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided me with personal information, please contact me immediately.
International Visitors
This Website is operated from India. If you are visiting from outside India, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in India where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using this Website, you consent to this transfer and processing.
Changes to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. I encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Me
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact me: