Privacy Policy

Who we are

HobbyWaves operates the websites, newsletters, applications and related services at hobbywaves.com and its subdomains (collectively, the "Sites"). For privacy questions, contact us at hello@hobbywaves.com.

What information we collect

We collect information you provide directly and information collected automatically when you use the Sites.

• Information you provide. Email address, name, and any other information you submit when subscribing to newsletters, creating an account, submitting a news tip, contacting us, requesting advertising information, or otherwise communicating with HobbyWaves.
• Automatically collected information. IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, referring/exit pages, pages viewed, date/time stamps, clickstream data, and approximate location derived from IP address.
• Cookies and similar technologies. We and our service providers use cookies, web beacons, pixels, local storage, and similar technologies to operate the Sites, remember preferences, measure readership, and deliver relevant advertising. See the "Cookies and analytics" section below.

How we use your information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, maintain, and improve the Sites and our newsletters.
• Deliver the email digests and alerts you requested and manage your preferences.
• Respond to your inquiries, comments, tips, and submissions.
• Understand readership patterns and improve editorial coverage.
• Provide and measure advertising, including personalized or interest-based advertising where permitted.
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, security issues, and technical problems.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.

Legal bases for processing

We process personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds: your consent (for example, when you subscribe to a newsletter); the performance of a contract with you; our legitimate interests in operating a media business, securing our services, and understanding our audience; and compliance with applicable law.

Cookies and analytics

We use first-party and third-party cookies and similar technologies. Some are strictly necessary for the Sites to function (for example, authentication and saved-article state). Others help us analyze traffic and deliver advertising.

You can control cookies through your browser settings and through any cookie-consent banner we display. Blocking certain cookies may limit some features, but the core reading experience remains available.

We use privacy-respecting analytics to measure aggregate traffic. We do not attempt to re-identify anonymous analytics data.

Advertising and affiliate relationships

We display advertising and sponsored content, which may be served by third-party ad networks. These partners may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about your visits to our Sites and other websites to provide relevant advertisements. We do not sell your email address or personal information to advertisers.

Some outbound links to marketplaces, retailers, or products are affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, HobbyWaves may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial coverage. See our ethics policy.

How we share information

We share information only in limited circumstances:

• Service providers. With vendors and service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as email delivery, hosting, analytics, fraud prevention, and customer support. They are contractually obligated to use the information only for the services they provide to us.
• Advertising partners. With ad networks and exchanges as described in the "Advertising and affiliate relationships" section.
• Legal compliance and safety. When required by law, legal process, or government request; to enforce our Terms of Use or other agreements; or to protect the rights, property, or safety of HobbyWaves, our users, or the public.
• Business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, subject to confidentiality obligations.

Data retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which we collected it, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Newsletter subscriber emails are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion, after which we may retain a suppression record to prevent accidental re-contact.

Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International data transfers

HobbyWaves is based in the United States. If you access the Sites from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the Sites, you consent to such transfers.

Your choices and rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Accessing, correcting, or deleting the personal information we hold about you.
• Withdrawing consent where processing is based on consent.
• Objecting to or restricting certain processing activities.
• Requesting a portable copy of your data.
• Opting out of personalized advertising through your browser or device settings.

To exercise these rights, email hello@hobbywaves.com or use our contact form. We will respond within the time required by applicable law.

California privacy rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. HobbyWaves does not sell personal information for monetary consideration. To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@hobbywaves.com.

Children's privacy

The Sites are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.

Do Not Track

Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" signals. HobbyWaves does not currently respond to browser Do Not Track signals, but you can opt out of interest-based advertising through industry self-regulatory programs and your browser settings.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. Your continued use of the Sites after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at hello@hobbywaves.com or through our contact form.