Privacy Policy – Mediterranean Bites

Last Updated: August 5, 2026

Introduction

Welcome to Mediterranean Bites (“Website,” “we,” “us,” “our”). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit and interact with our website at https://mediterraneanbites.blog/ (the “Website”).

By accessing or using this Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our privacy practices, please discontinue use of the Website.

1. Who We Are

Website Name: Mediterranean Bites

Website URL: https://mediterraneanbites.blog/

Description: Mediterranean Bites is a food and recipe blog dedicated to sharing easy, authentic Mediterranean recipes inspired by cuisines from Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, and the Middle East. We provide cooking tips, nutritional information, and recipes for individuals interested in Mediterranean cuisine and the Mediterranean diet.

Contact: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you interact with our Website, including:

• Name — If you subscribe to our newsletter or contact us
• Email Address — For newsletters, contact forms, or account communications
• Phone Number — If you contact us directly (optional)
• Message Content — If you send us a contact form or email

We only collect personal information when you explicitly provide it. You are not required to provide personal information to browse our recipes.

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit the Website, we and our service providers automatically collect certain non-personal information, including:

• IP Address — Your internet protocol address
• Browser Type & Version — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.
• Device Information — Device type, operating system, mobile device identifiers
• Pages Visited — Which pages you view, in what order, and for how long
• Referring URL — The website or source that directed you to our Website
• Click Data — Links you click and content you interact with
• Timestamps — When you visit and how long you stay
• Scroll Depth — How far down pages you scroll
• Geographic Location — Approximate location based on IP address (city/country level)

This information is collected through:

• Server logs and website analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Third-party analytics and advertising partners

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

3.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, phone, tablet) that contain information about your browsing activity. They help us remember your preferences and improve your experience.

3.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies — Necessary for website functionality:

• Site navigation and basic functions
• Security and fraud prevention

Analytical Cookies — Help us understand visitor behavior:

• Google Analytics (see Section 4)
• Page views, time on site, traffic sources

Advertising Cookies — Used by ad partners to serve relevant ads:

• Google AdSense (see Section 5)
• Display network partners
• Retargeting and interest-based advertising

Preference Cookies — Remember your settings:

• Language preferences
• Theme preferences
• Cookie consent choices

3.3 Managing Cookies

Your Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to control or disable cookies. To manage cookies:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data

Important: Disabling cookies may affect Website functionality and user experience.

Google Ads Cookie Settings: You can manage your Google ad preferences at: https://adssettings.google.com/

Global Cookie Opt-Out: For industry-wide opt-outs, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/

4. Google Analytics

4.1 What is Google Analytics?

This Website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC (“Google”). Google Analytics helps us understand how visitors interact with our Website and identify trends.

4.2 Data Collected by Google Analytics

Google Analytics collects and processes:

• IP address (anonymized)
• Browser and device information
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referral source (how you arrived at our Website)
• User actions and interactions
• Geographic location (country/city level)
• Device categories and screen resolution

4.3 How Google Uses Your Data

Google processes this data to:

• Provide analytics reports to Website owners
• Improve Google services
• Create aggregated, anonymized reports
• Detect and prevent fraud

Google may also combine this information with other Google services and may process data on servers located outside your country of residence.

Google Analytics Data Retention: Analytics data is automatically retained for 26 months by default. Older data is automatically deleted.

4.4 Opting Out of Google Analytics

Install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Extension: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

This extension prevents Google Analytics from sending your data to Google.

Important: Even if you opt out of Google Analytics, basic server logs and other analytics methods may still collect data.

4.5 Google Analytics Privacy Policy

For detailed information about Google’s data practices:

• Google Analytics Terms of Service: https://marketingplatform.google.com/about/analytics/terms/us/
• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• How Google uses data: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245

5. Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising

5.1 What is Google AdSense?

This Website uses Google AdSense and other third-party advertising networks to display advertisements. These services allow us to monetize the Website while providing free content to visitors.

5.2 How Ads Are Served

Ad networks use cookies and tracking technologies to:

• Serve ads based on your interests and browsing history
• Track which ads you view and click
• Measure advertising effectiveness
• Display personalized or contextual ads

5.3 Google AdSense Cookie Practices

Google and its partners use cookies to:

• Recognize repeat visitors
• Show ads relevant to your interests
• Measure campaign performance
• Avoid showing duplicate ads

Ad Technologies Used:

• DoubleClick cookies
• Google Analytics cookies
• Other Google partner cookies

5.4 Managing Ad Preferences

Google Ad Settings: Manage your ad interests and personalization: https://adssettings.google.com/

You can:

• View ads based on your interests
• Add or remove interests
• Turn off personalized ads
• Check which websites shared your information with Google

Opt Out of Interest-Based Advertising: https://optout.aboutads.info/

Google Policy Opt-Out: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

5.5 Other Ad Partners

This Website may display ads from:

• Google Display Network
• Google partners and networks
• Third-party advertisers
• Contextual advertising networks

Each partner has its own privacy policy. We do not control which ads appear or how partners use your data.

5.6 Important Note About Ad Targeting

Your data is NOT shared directly with us by ad partners. Ad partners collect and use data independently to improve their services. We only see aggregated, anonymous reports.

6. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

6.1 Website Operation & Maintenance

• Providing and maintaining the Website
• Fixing technical issues and bugs
• Improving Website functionality and performance
• Monitoring site security and preventing fraud

6.2 User Experience & Content Improvement

• Understanding how visitors use the Website
• Analyzing traffic patterns and user behavior
• Personalizing content recommendations
• Optimizing recipes and articles based on reader interest
• Creating reports about Website performance

6.3 Communications

• Responding to inquiries submitted via contact forms
• Sending newsletters (only with your consent)
• Providing updates about new recipes or content
• Sending administrative notifications

6.4 Marketing & Advertising

• Displaying targeted advertisements
• Creating marketing analytics reports
• Measuring advertising campaign effectiveness
• Understanding audience demographics

6.5 Legal Compliance

• Complying with legal obligations
• Enforcing Terms & Conditions
• Protecting against legal claims
• Maintaining audit trails for security

6.6 Business Analytics

• Analyzing Website performance metrics
• Understanding audience interests
• Planning future content
• Monetization analysis

7. Information Sharing & Disclosure

7.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

Mediterranean Bites does NOT:

• Sell your personal information
• Trade your data for compensation
• Share personal information with unrelated third parties for marketing

7.2 Information Shared With Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist with:

• Analytics: Google Analytics
• Advertising: Google AdSense, ad networks
• Hosting: Web hosting providers
• Email: Mailing list services (if applicable)
• Security: Security and fraud prevention services

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.

7.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, including:

• Court orders or legal process
• Government requests
• Protecting our legal rights
• Preventing fraud or security breaches
• Protecting public safety

7.4 Business Transfers

If Mediterranean Bites is sold, merged, or transferred, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified of any such change.

8. Data Security

8.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• HTTPS/SSL encryption for data in transit
• Secure hosting with access controls
• Regular security updates and patches
• Monitoring for suspicious activity
• Firewalls and intrusion detection

8.2 No Guarantee of Security

While we implement security measures, no internet transmission is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. Use of the Website is at your own risk.

8.3 Your Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining confidentiality of login credentials (if applicable)
• Securing your device against malware
• Reviewing your browser security settings

9. GDPR Compliance (European Union Residents)

If you are located in the European Union, United Kingdom, or European Economic Area, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies. You have additional rights:

9.1 Your GDPR Rights

You have the right to:

• Access — Obtain a copy of your personal data
• Rectification — Correct inaccurate data
• Erasure — Request deletion of your data (“Right to be Forgotten”)
• Restrict Processing — Limit how we use your data
• Data Portability — Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Object — Oppose processing for marketing or analytics
• Withdraw Consent — Withdraw consent for optional data processing

9.2 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information based on:

• Consent — You agree to our practices
• Contractual Necessity — Required for Website functionality
• Legal Obligation — Required by law
• Legitimate Interests — Our reasonable business interests (analytics, fraud prevention)

9.3 International Data Transfers

Some data may be transferred outside the EU (e.g., to Google’s US servers). Google is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. For more information: https://policies.google.com/privacy/frameworks

9.4 Exercising Your GDPR Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at: Email: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog

We will respond to your request within 30 days (or the timeframe required by law).

9.5 Data Protection Officer

If you have concerns about GDPR compliance, you may also lodge a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority.

10. CCPA Compliance (California Residents)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with additional rights:

10.1 Your CCPA Rights

You have the right to:

• Know — Request what personal information we collect about you
• Delete — Request deletion of personal information (with limited exceptions)
• Opt-Out — Opt out of any “sale” or “sharing” of personal information
• Non-Discrimination — Receive equal service and pricing, regardless of exercising your rights

10.2 What We Collect

Categories of personal information we collect:

• Identifiers (name, email, IP address)
• Commercial information (if you make purchases)
• Internet/electronic activity (pages visited, clicks, timestamps)
• Location data (approximate geographic location)
• Professional information (if you’re a content creator)

10.3 Do We Sell Data?

No. Mediterranean Bites does not sell personal information in the traditional sense. However, our use of cookies for interest-based advertising may constitute “sharing” under CCPA. You can opt out of this through Google Ad Settings: https://adssettings.google.com/

10.4 Exercising Your CCPA Rights

To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us at: Email: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog

Your request must include:

• Clear statement of your request
• Sufficient information to verify you
• Signature (if submitted by mail)

We will respond within 45 days (or the timeframe required by law).

11. CPRA Compliance (California Residents – Advanced)

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) provides additional protections:

11.1 Sensitive Personal Information

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information such as:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account information
• Precise geolocation
• Biometric data
• Health information

11.2 Automated Decision-Making

We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal effects about you, except for:

• Ad targeting (managed through Google)
• Content recommendations based on interests

11.3 Correction Rights

You have the right to correct inaccurate personal information. Contact us at contact@mediterraneanbites.blog to request corrections.

12. Data Retention

12.1 How Long We Keep Data

We retain personal information based on the purposes for which it was collected:

Email Addresses (Newsletter):

• Retained while subscribed
• Deleted upon unsubscribe
• May be retained in backup systems for 90 days

Contact Form Submissions:

• Retained for 2 years for reference
• Deleted upon request

Analytics Data:

• Google Analytics data: 26 months (default retention)
• Server logs: 90 days

Advertising Cookies:

• Retained per ad partner policies (typically 12-24 months)
• Can be deleted anytime through ad settings

12.2 Requesting Data Deletion

To request deletion of your personal information, contact us at: Email: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog

Important: Some data may be retained for:

• Legal compliance
• Fraud prevention
• Backup systems
• Archived records

13. Children’s Privacy

13.1 Age Restrictions

This Website is not intended for individuals under 13 years old (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction).

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we’ve collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

13.2 Parental Responsibility

Parents and guardians should supervise their children’s internet use and can contact us to request removal of children’s information.

14. Third-Party Websites & Links

This Website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)
• Recipe sites and food blogs
• Affiliate partner websites
• Ad partner websites

We are not responsible for:

• Content on third-party websites
• Privacy practices of linked websites
• Products or services offered by external sites

Recommendation: Review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

15. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature. Our Website does not respond to DNT signals at this time. We process data as described in this Privacy Policy regardless of DNT preferences.

16. Your Privacy Choices & Opt-Outs

16.1 Email Communications

To unsubscribe from our newsletter:

• Click “Unsubscribe” link in any email
• Email us at: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog
• Update preferences in your account (if applicable)

16.2 Advertising

To opt out of interest-based advertising:

• Google Ad Settings: https://adssettings.google.com/
• Network Advertising Initiative: https://optout.aboutads.info/
• Your browser’s cookie settings

16.3 Analytics

To opt out of Google Analytics:

• Install Google Analytics Opt-Out Extension: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

17. Updates to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements.

17.1 How We Notify Changes

• We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page
• For significant changes, we may:
  • Post a notice on the Website
  • Send an email notification
  • Require your consent

Your continued use of the Website after changes signifies your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

17.2 Review Policy Regularly

We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices.

18. Contact Information & Privacy Requests

18.1 How to Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy, to make privacy requests, or to report privacy concerns:

Email: contact@mediterraneanbites.blog

Response Time: We will respond to inquiries within 30 days.

18.2 Privacy Requests Include

• Request access to your data
• Request data deletion
• Request data correction
• Opt-out requests
• Withdraw consent
• Exercise GDPR/CCPA/CPRA rights

19. Legal Compliance & Dispute Resolution

19.1 Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of [Your Country/State], without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

19.2 Contact Competent Authorities

For GDPR Issues (EU/UK/EEA):

• Contact your local Data Protection Authority
• Example (Germany): https://www.bfdi.bund.de/

For CCPA Issues (California):

• California Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/

20. Acknowledgment

By accessing and using Mediterranean Bites, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with our privacy practices, please discontinue use of the Website.

Last Updated: August 5, 2026
Next Review: February 5, 2027

Mediterranean Bites
Your Source for Easy, Authentic Mediterranean Recipes
https://mediterraneanbites.blog/
contact@mediterraneanbites.blog