Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 27, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Marco Ruch's portfolio website ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website marcoruch.ch.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Automatically Collected Information

• Analytics Data: Through Google Analytics, we collect anonymous usage data including page views, session duration, browser type, device information, and general location (country/city level)
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and access times
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to enhance functionality

2.2 Information You Provide

• Contact Form: Name, email address, and message content when you contact us
• Voluntary Information: Any information you choose to share through our contact methods

3. How We Use Your Information

• Website Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our site and improve user experience
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries and provide requested information
• Technical Support: To maintain and improve website functionality
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Necessary Cookies: Essential for basic website functionality (cannot be disabled)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics for anonymous usage statistics (requires consent)
• Marketing Cookies: Currently not used but reserved for future features (requires consent)

4.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookie preferences through:

• Our consent banner that appears on first visit
• The privacy settings accessible via the shield icon
• Your browser settings

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website usage. Google Analytics:

• Collects anonymous, aggregated data about website usage
• Uses cookies to track user interactions
• Provides insights to improve our website
• Data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy

5.2 No Sale of Personal Data

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures including:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure hosting on Amazon Web Services
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to personal information

7. Your Rights (GDPR)

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access: Request information about personal data we hold
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Object: Object to processing of your personal data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for analytics at any time

8. Data Retention

• Analytics Data: Automatically deleted after 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Contact Form Data: Retained for 2 years or until you request deletion
• Consent Records: Maintained for legal compliance (3 years)

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside the EU/EEA, including the United States (Google Analytics, AWS hosting). These transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards including adequacy decisions and standard contractual clauses.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact:

• Email: marco_ruch@gmx.ch

13. Legal Basis for Processing

• Necessary Cookies: Legitimate interest (website functionality)
• Analytics: Consent
• Contact Forms: Legitimate interest (responding to inquiries)