Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Scorched Metal Media LLC ("Scorched Metal," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you visit scorchedmetal.com and related pages (the "Site"). By using the Site, you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, discontinue use of the Site.

1. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data processed through the Site is Scorched Metal Media LLC, Suite 410, 2200 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, United States. For privacy-specific requests, email privacy@scorchedmetal.com.

2. Scope and Children

The Site is not directed to individuals under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, contact us and we will delete it promptly where required by law.

3. Categories of Data We Collect

Depending on how you interact with the Site, we may collect the following categories of information:

  • Identifiers: name, email address, or similar contact data you voluntarily submit through forms.
  • Internet or network activity: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, referring URLs, and pages viewed.
  • Geolocation data: general location derived from IP address.
  • Inferences: aggregated analytics used to improve content performance.

4. Sources of Data

We collect data directly from you when you submit forms, subscribe to newsletters, or contact us. We also collect data automatically through cookies, pixels, and server logs. Where we use third-party analytics such as Google Analytics, those providers may collect data according to their own policies.

5. Purposes of Processing

We use personal data to respond to inquiries, operate and secure the Site, send newsletters you opt into, comply with law, enforce our terms, and understand aggregate readership patterns. We do not sell your personal information as that term is defined under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the CPRA.

6. Legal Bases (EEA, UK, Switzerland)

If you are in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland, we rely on the following legal bases under the GDPR: (a) consent, where we request it, such as for non-essential cookies; (b) legitimate interests in operating a secure, well-performing website and understanding aggregate usage, balanced against your rights; and (c) legal obligations.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use essential cookies required for basic Site functions. With your consent, we may use analytics cookies to measure traffic. You can manage preferences through our cookie banner and browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.

8. Third-Party Services

We may use service providers for hosting, email delivery, security, and analytics. Google Analytics may process usage data. When you click outbound links to helplines or social networks, those sites govern their own data practices. We encourage you to read their policies.

9. Retention

We retain contact form submissions and newsletter subscriptions only as long as needed to fulfill the purpose for which they were collected, unless a longer period is required by law. Server logs are retained on a rolling basis consistent with security monitoring needs.

10. International Transfers

If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other countries where we or our processors operate. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

11. Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. No method of transmission over the Internet is fully secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data, to data portability, and to object to certain processing. You may withdraw consent where processing is consent-based. You may lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

13. California Residents

California residents may request access to and deletion of personal information, and may limit use of sensitive personal information where applicable. We will not discriminate against you for exercising CCPA rights. Authorized agents may submit requests with verifiable authorization.

14. Changes

We may update this Policy to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. We will revise the "Last updated" date and, where appropriate, provide additional notice.

15. Contact

For privacy requests, email privacy@scorchedmetal.com or write to the postal address above. Include enough detail for us to verify and respond within applicable timelines.