Effective date: October 20, 2025
Website: kwentongbuhay.com
Kwentong Buhay (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy. This Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the choices and rights available to you. We aim to comply with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) and applicable regulations, and—where relevant—the EU GDPR and California CCPA/CPRA.
If you have questions, contact contactkwentongbuhay@gmail.com.
1) Who we are (Data Controller)
Kwentong Buhay Team
Email: contactkwentongbuhay@gmail.com
2) What data we collect
A. Information you provide
- Story submissions: name or pen name, email, story title, category, the story content itself, and any media (images/audio).
- Consent/attestations: confirmation that you have permission when your story identifies other people.
- Newsletter sign‑up: email address.
B. Information collected automatically
- Usage data: IP address, device/browser details, pages viewed, timestamps, referring URL.
- Cookies and similar technologies: for analytics, performance, and (if enabled) personalization.
C. Information from third parties (if/when used)
- Web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics or equivalent), email service providers, social media embeds/share tools.
Sensitive information: We strongly encourage the use of pen names and removal of identifying details (full names, exact addresses, ID numbers) in stories you submit.
3) How and why we use your data
- Publishing stories you voluntarily submit, including media you choose to share (we may lightly edit for clarity/length per our guidelines).
- Moderation and safety: to prevent spam, abuse, and legal violations.
- Analytics and improvement: to understand what content readers find valuable and improve site performance.
- Communications: responding to your emails, sending submission updates, and newsletters if you subscribe.
Legal bases (where GDPR applies):
- Consent (e.g., newsletter, publishing a story you submit).
- Legitimate interests (site analytics, security, platform operation).
- Legal obligation (complying with applicable law and lawful requests).
4) When we share data
We share data only with:
- Service providers (processors) such as web hosting, analytics, email newsletter services, and content delivery. They are bound by contracts to protect your data and act only on our instructions.
- Legal/safety: where required by law, court order, or to protect rights, property, and the safety of our community.
- Public: the story you choose to publish (including your pen name/name if you choose) becomes public on the Website and may be shared on our social channels.
We do not sell personal data. For California residents, we also do not “share” personal information for cross‑context behavioral advertising as defined by the CPRA, unless explicitly stated and consented to in a separate notice.
5) Cookies and analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies for:
- Essential operations (site functionality and security),
- Performance/analytics (aggregate usage metrics), and
- Preference/personalization (if enabled).
Your choices: You can manage cookies through your browser settings. If we use third‑party analytics that set cookies (e.g., Google Analytics), we will provide a banner/controls where required. Blocking some cookies may impact site features.
6) User‑generated content and takedown requests
By submitting content, you acknowledge that publication makes the content publicly accessible. If your story includes identifiable details of other persons, ensure you have their permission or anonymize details.
If you need to update, correct, or request removal of a published story, email contactkwentongbuhay@gmail.com with the story URL and your request. We will review and respond in a reasonable timeframe, subject to editorial, legal, and technical constraints.
7) Data retention
- Submissions (drafts/unpublished): retained while under review and for a reasonable period thereafter.
- Published stories: retained as part of the site archive unless you request removal or we remove them per our policies.
- Newsletter data: retained until you unsubscribe or we delete inactive lists.
- Analytics logs: retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes.
We may anonymize data for analytics and keep anonymized statistics indefinitely.
8) International transfers
Our servers or service providers may be located outside your country. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards (contractual clauses, security controls) to protect your information.
9) Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures (e.g., encryption in transit, access controls) to protect data. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; risks remain. Please use pen names and avoid including sensitive personal information in stories.
10) Your rights
Under Philippine law (RA 10173), you may have rights to be informed, to object, to access, to rectify, to erase/block, and to data portability, subject to limitations in law.
Under GDPR (if applicable): rights to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, portability, and the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing.
Under CCPA/CPRA (if applicable): rights to know, delete, correct, and to opt‑out of sale/sharing, and rights against discrimination for exercising these rights.
To exercise rights, email contactkwentongbuhay@gmail.com. We may need to verify your identity.
11) Children’s privacy
This Website is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, contact us to delete it.
12) Third‑party links and embeds
Our site may link to or embed third‑party services (e.g., social media, audio players). Their data practices are governed by their own policies. Review those policies before using such services.
13) Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with the Effective date at the top. If changes materially affect your rights, we will provide additional notice (e.g., a banner or email, where appropriate).
14) Contact us
For privacy inquiries, requests, or concerns, contact:
contactkwentongbuhay@gmail.com
[Optional: Data Protection Officer name/email if designated]
15) Quick summary (plain English)
- You control what you submit; use a pen name if you like.
- We publish only what you send and lightly edit; your published story is public.
- We use cookies for essential functions and analytics; you can control them.
- We don’t sell your data.
- Email us to access/correct/delete data or request story takedowns.
This Policy is provided for transparency and does not constitute legal advice. Consider consulting counsel for your specific situation.