Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to my personal website and portfolio. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your information when you visit ericksonreyes.com. I am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about my data practices.

2. Information I Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Contact Form: Name, email address, and message when you contact me
• Voluntary Information: Any additional information you choose to share

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

With your consent, I may collect:

• Website usage and interaction data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• IP address (anonymized)
• Pages visited and time spent

3. How I Use Your Information

3.1 Contact Form Submissions

• To respond to your inquiries
• To discuss potential projects or collaborations
• To provide information about my services

3.2 Analytics Data (With Consent)

• To understand how visitors use my website
• To improve user experience and website performance
• To optimize content and design

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 Essential Cookies

My website uses essential cookies that are necessary for basic functionality and security:

• Session Cookie (ci_session): Required for contact form protection, rate limiting, and security features. This cookie expires automatically when you close your browser and contains no personal information.
• Security Features: Prevents spam, abuse, and protects against automated attacks
• User Preferences: Stores your cookie consent choice (analytics acceptance/rejection)

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and do not require your consent under GDPR.

4.2 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

With your explicit consent, I may use Google Analytics to:

• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Identify popular content and areas for improvement
• All data is anonymized and aggregated

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Cookie Consent

You have full control over cookies on my website:

• Accept: Allow all cookies including analytics (Google Analytics)
• Reject: Use only essential cookies (session cookie for security)
• Change Mind: Update your preferences anytime using the cookie banner or by clearing your browser cookies

Important: The essential session cookie (ci_session) is required for security and will always be used, but it contains no personal information and expires when you close your browser.

5.2 Data Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your information
• Object to processing of your data
• Withdraw consent at any time

6. Data Security

I take data security seriously and implement appropriate measures to protect your information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure hosting environment
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited data collection and retention
• Anonymized analytics data

7. Data Retention

I retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Contact inquiries: Up to 2 years or until resolved
• Analytics data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Session cookie (ci_session): Until you close your browser (automatically deleted)
• Cookie preferences: Until you clear your browser or change preferences

8. Third-Party Services

8.1 Google Analytics (Optional)

If you consent, I use Google Analytics with privacy-enhanced features:

• IP addresses are anonymized
• No cross-device tracking
• Data processing agreement with Google
• Compliance with GDPR and other privacy regulations

8.2 Content Delivery Networks

I use CDN services for performance:

• Bootstrap (CSS framework)
• jQuery (JavaScript library)
• Font Awesome (icons)
• Google Fonts (web fonts)

9. International Data Transfers

My website is hosted and may transfer data to servers located in:

• Philippines (primary location)
• United States (CDN and analytics services)
• All transfers include appropriate safeguards

10. Children's Privacy

My website is not directed to children under 13. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If I become aware of such collection, I will take immediate steps to delete the information.

11. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. I will notify users of significant changes by:

• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Posting a notice on the website
• Emailing active users (for major changes)

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data rights, please contact me:

• Email: workwithme@ericksonreyes.com
• Website: ericksonreyes.com
• Response Time: I'll respond within 30 days

13. Legal Basis for Processing

Under GDPR, I process your information based on:

• Consent: When you accept cookies or submit contact forms
• Legitimate Interest: To respond to inquiries and improve my website
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws