1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected when individuals visit and use the TheTopStickers website. The website offers neutral, informational content about Stocks and general capital market concepts and does not provide transactional features or personalized financial services. This document describes what categories of data may be processed, for which purposes, and on what legal bases, as well as the rights and choices that visitors may have. By accessing or using the website, visitors acknowledge that they have noted this Privacy Policy and understand that it applies to their use of the site.
2. Categories of Personal Data
The website may process limited categories of personal data. Technical data can include IP address, browser type and version, device type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and timestamps. Communication data can include the information submitted through the contact form or other communication channels, such as name, email address, subject line, and message content. Cookie and similar technology data can include identifiers associated with necessary, functional, and analytics cookies, as further described in the Cookie Policy. The website does not intentionally collect financial account details, payment information, government identification numbers, or sensitive categories of personal data. Visitors are asked not to include such information in any messages sent to the site.
3. Sources of Personal Data
Personal data may come from three main sources. First, visitors may provide data directly, for example when they submit a contact form or send an email. Second, data may be generated automatically by the website and related technical infrastructure, including server logs and security tools that operate in the background. Third, data may be created through cookies and similar technologies placed on the visitor’s device when accessing the site, subject to cookie preferences. The website does not purchase personal data from external vendors and does not rely on commercial data brokers. It also does not combine data from external sources to create comprehensive profiles about visitors.
4. Purposes of Processing
Personal data is processed for specific, limited purposes. One purpose is to review and respond to general inquiries submitted through the contact form or other communication channels. Another purpose is to operate, secure, and maintain the website, including monitoring for technical issues or misuse. A further purpose is to conduct aggregated and non-identifying analytics to understand general usage patterns and improve the structure and presentation of information. The website does not process personal data for targeted advertising, behavioral profiling, or automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects on individuals.
5. Legal Bases for Processing
Processing activities are based on applicable legal grounds. When visitors voluntarily provide data via the contact form and select the required consent checkbox, processing for the purpose of reviewing and responding to messages is based on consent. Visitors may withdraw this consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal. For technical data, security-related processing, and aggregated analytics that do not involve direct identification, the website may rely on legitimate interests in operating, protecting, and improving the site. These interests are balanced against the rights and expectations of visitors and are limited to what is necessary to achieve the stated purposes.
6. Data Retention
Personal data is stored only for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. Contact form submissions and related communication records are retained for a limited period that allows the website operator to review messages, manage follow-up correspondence, and maintain basic administrative records. Technical logs are retained for a reasonable duration to support security, troubleshooting, and fraud prevention measures. Aggregated analytics that do not identify individuals may be kept for longer periods. When data is no longer required, it is deleted or anonymized, subject to any applicable legal retention obligations.
7. Data Sharing and Service Providers
Personal data is not sold or shared in exchange for money or other valuable consideration. The website does not disclose personal data to third parties for their independent marketing or commercial purposes. The website does not sell or share personal information and does not use targeted advertising as defined under applicable U.S. state privacy laws. Certain external service providers, such as hosting, infrastructure, or security providers, may process personal data on behalf of the website operator as processors. These providers are permitted to process data only according to documented instructions and are required to implement appropriate safeguards to protect personal data.
8. International Data Transfers
Because technical infrastructure and service providers may be located in various countries, personal data may be transferred across national borders. Such transfers are conducted for purposes such as hosting, storage, security, or maintenance. The website operator seeks to apply reasonable measures to protect personal data during international transfers, in line with applicable data protection principles. These measures may include contractual commitments with service providers and technical safeguards that help maintain confidentiality and integrity. Visitors should be aware that data protection standards may differ between jurisdictions, but the website aims to handle data consistently with the principles described in this Privacy Policy.
9. Security Measures
The website operator implements technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure, or access. These measures may include secure connections, access controls, logging, and restricted administrative access based on roles and responsibilities. While no online system can be guaranteed to be completely secure, efforts are made to maintain an appropriate level of protection considering the nature, scope, and context of the processing. Visitors are encouraged to take their own precautions, such as using up-to-date software and avoiding the inclusion of unnecessary personal data in their messages.
10. User Rights and Choices
Depending on the jurisdiction and applicable law, visitors may have certain rights regarding their personal data. These rights can include the right to request access to personal data, the right to request correction of inaccurate information, and the right to request deletion of data in specific circumstances. Visitors may also have rights to request restriction of processing, to object to certain processing activities, or to request data portability where such rights are recognized. Where processing is based on consent, visitors may withdraw that consent at any time. Requests relating to these rights can be submitted using the contact details provided in this Privacy Policy, and they will be reviewed in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
11. Children’s Privacy
The website is intended for a general audience and is not directed toward children under the age of 16. Personal data relating to individuals under 16 is processed only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian where such consent is required by applicable law. The website does not knowingly collect personal data from children without appropriate authorization and does not use personal data of children for profiling or advertising. If information is received indicating that data from a child has been collected without the necessary consent, reasonable steps will be taken to delete that data as soon as practicable.
12. Financial Data and Transactions
The website does not offer payment services and does not request or process financial transaction data. Visitors should not submit payment card numbers, bank account details, or other financial credentials through the contact form or any other channel associated with the website. Any such information received unintentionally will be handled in a way that aims to minimize risk, including prompt deletion where appropriate. The absence of transactional features helps limit the categories of personal data processed and supports a minimized data environment.
13. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies and similar technologies may be used to support necessary technical functions, optional features, and aggregated analytics on the website. Necessary cookies are required to enable core functions, such as secure navigation and preference management. Functional cookies can store certain settings that make the site easier to use, while analytics cookies help understand general usage patterns in an aggregated form. The website does not use cookies for targeted advertising. Additional details about cookie types, purposes, storage periods, and user controls are provided in the Cookie Policy. Visitors can adjust their cookie preferences using the cookie banner or browser settings.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technical infrastructure, or website operations. When modifications are made, the “Last Updated” date at the beginning of this document will be revised. Visitors are encouraged to review this page periodically to remain informed about current practices. Continued use of the website after changes have been posted indicates that the updated Privacy Policy has been noted.
