Who We Are

Maier Files Publishing
Klei 153, 1745 Opwijk, Belgium
Contact: dataprotection@maier-files.com

How We Handle Your Data

We value your privacy and are committed to data minimization. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under EU (GDPR), TTDSG, and related privacy laws.

What We Collect and Why

• Browsing: Our website may set a functional cookie (episode0_sent) to provide persistent access to Episode 0 content after you submit an email form. Technical cookies may be set by Google reCAPTCHA to protect our forms from spam. We temporarily use Google Analytics to collect website usage data, which may include anonymized user behavior. Cookies may also be set if you click through to our merchandise partners (e.g., Spreadshirt, Printify).
• Analytics: We count how many times articles are read using WP Statistics, configured to anonymize IP addresses and avoid tracking or identifying individual visitors. No cookies are used for this purpose. Google Analytics may collect additional usage data (e.g., page views, sessions) until we complete its removal.
• Orders: If you purchase a printed Maier Files episode, we collect your name and shipping address solely to fulfill your order. Your payment is processed by our third-party partners; we do not receive or store your payment card information.
• Email Subscription: When you submit your email via our Episode 0 form, we collect your email address to send project information and grant access to the Episode 0 flipbook. This data is stored securely in our WordPress database using the Flamingo plugin.

Data Sharing and Processors

• We never sell your personal data, nor do we use it for marketing or profiling.
• Shipping data required for your order is securely shared with trusted providers (e.g., printers, Printify, Spreadshirt) solely for fulfillment.
• Email data from the Episode 0 form is stored in our WordPress database (Flamingo plugin) and not shared with third parties except as required for email delivery (e.g., via WordPress mail services).
• Google reCAPTCHA may process data to verify form submissions, as outlined in Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy).
• Google Analytics may process data to analyze website usage, as outlined in Google’s Privacy Policy (https://policies.google.com/privacy).

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

• Our website uses the CookieYes plugin to comply with EU cookie consent rules (GDPR, TTDSG). The following cookies may be set:
• Name: episode0_sent
  Category: Functional
  Purpose: Grants persistent access to the Episode 0 flipbook after form submission.
  Duration: 10 years
  Domain: maier-files.com
• Name: _GRECAPTCHA
  Category: Necessary
  Purpose: Protects our forms from spam via Google reCAPTCHA.
  Duration: Session or up to 6 months
  Domain: google.com or maier-files.com
• Name: _ga
  Category: Analytics
  Purpose: Used by Google Analytics to identify unique users and analyze website usage.
  Duration: 2 years
  Domain: maier-files.com
• Name: _gid
  Category: Analytics
  Purpose: Used by Google Analytics to store session information.
  Duration: 1 day
  Domain: maier-files.com
• Our merchandise storefronts (Spreadshirt, Printify, etc.) may set cookies when you click through. See their privacy/cookie policies for details.
• You can manage cookie preferences via the CookieYes banner or the “Zugriff widerrufen” button on the Episode 0 page, which deletes the episode0_sent cookie.

Legal Basis

• We process personal data to fulfill your order (contractual necessity), meet legal obligations, or with your explicit consent (e.g., email submission for Episode 0 access or cookie consent via CookieYes, including for Google Analytics).

How Long We Retain Your Data

• Shipping and order information is kept only as long as required to complete your purchase and meet legal/financial record-keeping requirements.
• Email addresses submitted via the Episode 0 form are retained in Flamingo until you request deletion.
• The episode0_sent cookie is stored for 10 years unless you revoke consent or delete it.
• Google Analytics data (_ga, _gid) is retained for up to 2 years by Google, as per their policies.

Your Privacy Rights

• You can request to access, correct, or delete your personal data, or object to further processing, by contacting dataprotection@maier-files.com.
• You have the right to withdraw consent for any non-essential data use (e.g., Episode 0 email storage, episode0_sent cookie, or Google Analytics) at any time via the CookieYes banner or form opt-out.
• If you feel your data protection rights are not respected, you may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (e.g., in Germany: Die Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit).

Changes to This Policy

• We will update this policy to reflect new laws or changes in our practices. Updates will be posted here with a new effective date. This policy temporarily includes Google Analytics disclosure until its removal.

Contact

For any questions about your personal data or how we protect your privacy, email: dataprotection@maier-files.com

Clarification for Visitors

• No tracking, profiling, or selling of personal data by us for marketing purposes. Google Analytics is temporarily active for usage analysis but will be removed to align with our no-tracking commitment.
• Our only use of your data is to fulfill orders, provide access to Episode 0, or count visits to our content (anonymously via WP Statistics).
• Cookies from third-party partners (e.g., reCAPTCHA, Spreadshirt, Printify) are out of our control; we recommend checking their privacy policies when you visit their services.

Effective Date: August 01, 2025