Privacy Policy & Data Protection (GDPR)

Effective date: 09/19/2025

1. Data Controller

The website China-sphere.com is published and managed by Sphere.
Contact: nathan@china-sphere.com

As the data controller, the Publisher is responsible for ensuring that personal data is collected, stored, and processed in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation, EU Regulation 2016/679).

2. Types of Personal Data Collected

We may collect the following personal data from users:

1. Data voluntarily provided by users:

   • Name, email address, and other contact information submitted via contact forms or newsletter subscriptions.

   • Comments or messages submitted through interactive features (blogs, forums, or feedback forms).

2. Automatically collected data:

   • IP addresses, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on pages, referring website, and other technical information collected via cookies, analytics, and server logs.

3. Cookies and tracking technologies:

   • Small text files stored on your device to improve website functionality, user experience, and analytics.

3. Purpose of Data Processing

Personal data is processed only for the following purposes:

• To respond to user inquiries, requests, or feedback.

• To send newsletters, promotional materials, or updates if users have opted in.

• To personalize the user experience and improve website content and navigation.

• To perform statistical analysis and measure website performance using analytics tools.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

The Publisher processes personal data under the following legal grounds:

• Consent: Users voluntarily provide their personal data (e.g., subscribing to a newsletter, filling a contact form).

• Legitimate interests: For operational purposes, security, and improving the website experience.

• Legal obligations: Where required by law or regulations.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

Personal data will not be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
Data may be shared with trusted service providers to ensure website functionality, including:

• Email service providers (for newsletter delivery)

• Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)

• Hosting services and security providers

All third parties are contractually required to protect personal data and comply with applicable data protection laws.

6. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations.

• Contact form and newsletter data: retained until unsubscribed or deleted on user request.

• Analytics and technical data: retained for 12 months in anonymized form for statistical purposes.

7. User Rights under GDPR

Users have the following rights regarding their personal data:

1. Access and correction: Request a copy of personal data or correct inaccurate data.

2. Deletion (Right to be forgotten): Request deletion of personal data when no longer necessary.

3. Restriction of processing: Request limiting how your data is processed.

4. Objection: Object to certain processing activities, including marketing.

5. Data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

6. Withdraw consent: Users can withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.

7. Complaints: Users may file a complaint with the supervisory authority in their country.

Requests can be sent to: nathan@china-sphere.com

8. Cookies & Tracking

The website uses cookies and tracking technologies to improve functionality and user experience.
Users can manage cookies via their browser settings.

• Necessary cookies: Required for the website to function.

• Analytics cookies: Help us understand website performance.

• Marketing cookies: Used only if users give consent.

For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against:

• Unauthorized access

• Accidental loss, destruction, or alteration

• Unlawful processing

Examples include SSL encryption, secure servers, access restrictions, and regular security audits.

10. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for the content or data protection practices of these external websites. Users should review their privacy policies independently.

11. Updates to this Policy

The Publisher reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time.
Users are encouraged to review this page regularly.
Last updated: 09/19/2025

12. Contact

For any questions regarding personal data or this Privacy Policy, please contact: nathan@china-sphere.com