Privacy policy.

Introduction

I take your privacy seriously. This privacy policy outlines how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit www.carlymerrett.com or use any of my services.

This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG).

Data I Collect

I may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Contact Information: Your name, email address, and phone number (when you contact me directly or sign up for my newsletter).

  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, duration of visits, and other similar technical data collected through cookies and tracking technologies.

  • Cookies: I use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze site performance. You can read more in my Cookie Policy.

Legal Basis for Processing

I process your personal data based on the following legal grounds under Article 6 of the GDPR:

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) — for example, when you subscribe to my newsletter.

  • Contract (Art. 6(1)(b)) — when processing is necessary to respond to an inquiry or fulfill a service you’ve requested.

  • Legitimate Interest (Art. 6(1)(f)) — for website analytics and improving performance, where such interests are not overridden by your data protection rights.

How I Use Your Data

I use your personal data for the following purposes:

  • Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide support.

  • Marketing: To send you newsletters, updates, or information (only if you’ve opted in).

  • Website Improvement: To understand how visitors use the website and improve its functionality and design.

How I Share Your Data

I do not sell or rent your data. I may share it only in these cases:

  • Service Providers: I use trusted, GDPR-compliant partners for hosting and analytics, such as:

    • Squarespace, Inc. (Website hosting)

    • Substack

  • Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect my legal rights.

Data Retention

I retain personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Contact form submissions: up to 12 months.

  • Newsletter subscription data: until you unsubscribe.

  • Analytics data: typically anonymized and retained for up to 26 months.

Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access your data (Art. 15 GDPR)

  • Rectify inaccuracies (Art. 16 GDPR)

  • Erase your data (“right to be forgotten”, Art. 17 GDPR)

  • Restrict processing (Art. 18 GDPR)

  • Data Portability (Art. 20 GDPR)

  • Object to processing, especially for direct marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)

To exercise these rights, contact me at hello@carlymerrett.com.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority:

Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit
Friedrichstraße 219, 10969 Berlin
https://www.datenschutz-berlin.de

Cookies

This website uses cookies to improve your experience and analyze usage. On your first visit, you’ll see a cookie banner where you can manage your preferences. You can also disable cookies in your browser settings.

Security

I take appropriate technical and organizational measures to secure your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. This website uses SSL encryption for secure communication.

Third-Party Links

My website may contain links to third-party sites. I am not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their policies before providing any personal data.

Updates to This Policy

I may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be published here with an updated “Last Updated” date.

Contact

If you have any questions about how I handle personal data, contact me at:
📧 hello@carlymerrett.com
🌐 www.carlymerrett.com

Data Controller:
Carly Merrett
Berlin, Germany
Email: hello@carlymerrett.com
Website: www.carlymerrett.com

IMPRESSUM

Impressum (Legal Disclosure)
Pursuant to § 5 TMG (German Telemedia Act)

Responsible for Content
Carly Merrett
Rollbergstraße, Berlin-Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
Email: hello@carlymerrett.com
Website: www.carlymerrett.com

VAT ID: DE 363532946

Disclaimer:
Despite careful content control, I assume no liability for the content of external links. The operators of linked sites are solely responsible for their content.

Copyright Notice:
All text, images, and design elements on this website are protected by copyright. Any reproduction, distribution, or use outside the limits of copyright law requires prior written permission.