GDPR Privacy Policy

At Carsinfo.ng, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable laws. If you have questions, please contact us at info@carsinfo.ng.

Who We Are

Carsinfo.ng is an automotive blog providing car reviews, buying guides, and tips for Nigerian and global readers. Our website address is www.carsinfo.ng, and we are the Data Controller responsible for your personal data under GDPR.

Contact Information
Email: info@carsinfo.ng
Subject Line: “Privacy Policy Inquiry”
We aim to respond within 5-7 business days.

What Data We Collect

We collect limited data to improve your experience on Carsinfo.ng. Depending on how you interact with our site, we may collect:

• Personal Data:
  • Contact Information: Name and email address if you send us a message via our contact form or email info@carsinfo.ng.
  • Guest Post/Advertising Inquiries: Name, email, and other details you provide when submitting requests.
• Non-Personal Data:
  • Usage Data: Information about how you use our website, such as pages visited, time spent, and referral sources.
  • Device Data: IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.
  • Cookies and Tracking: Data collected via cookies or similar technologies (e.g., Google Analytics, Google AdSense) to analyze trends and serve ads.

We do not collect sensitive data (e.g., race, religion, health) unless voluntarily provided, and we encourage you not to share such details.

How We Collect Data

We collect data in the following ways:

• Directly From You: When you email us, submit a contact form, or request guest post/advertising opportunities.
• Automatically: Through cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools when you browse Carsinfo.ng.
• Third Parties: From services like Google Analytics (for site performance) and Google AdSense (for ads), subject to their privacy policies.

How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

• Provide and improve Carsinfo.ng’s content and user experience.
• Respond to your inquiries, guest post requests, or advertising submissions sent to info@carsinfo.ng.
• Analyze website performance and visitor trends via Google Analytics.
• Deliver personalized and non-personalized ads through Google AdSense.
• Communicate updates or respond to your feedback.
• Comply with legal obligations, such as GDPR or DMCA requests.

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR):

• Consent: For cookies, personalized ads, and contact form submissions.
• Legitimate Interests: For analytics, site improvement, and non-personalized ads.
• Contractual Necessity: To process guest post or advertising inquiries.
• Legal Obligation: To comply with laws or respond to authorities.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Carsinfo.ng uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze traffic, and serve ads via Google AdSense. Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit our site.

Types of Cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality (e.g., navigation).
• Analytics Cookies: Track usage patterns via Google Analytics.
• Advertising Cookies: Enable personalized and non-personalized ads through Google AdSense.

Google AdSense Compliance:

• We use Google AdSense to display ads, which may collect data like IP addresses and browsing behavior to serve relevant ads.
• Personalized Ads: Based on your interests, shown only with your consent (via our cookie banner).
• Non-Personalized Ads: Shown if you opt out of personalized ads, based on general context.
• Google AdSense may use cookies like DoubleClick or other identifiers, subject to Google’s Privacy Policy.

Cookie Consent:

• When you first visit Carsinfo.ng, we display a cookie banner requesting your consent for non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising).
• You can accept, decline, or customize your preferences.
• You may withdraw consent at any time by updating your settings (via the cookie banner link) or clearing your browser cookies.

Managing Cookies:

• Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies.
• Opt out of personalized ads via Google’s Ad Settings or the Network Advertising Initiative.
• Note: Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

How We Share Your Data

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data in these cases:

• Third-Party Services:
  • Google Analytics: For site performance insights, governed by Google’s Privacy Policy.
  • Google AdSense: For ad delivery, as described above.
  • Hosting Providers: To store and manage our website securely.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as responding to court orders or authorities.
• Business Transfers: In the unlikely event of a merger or sale, data may be transferred with strict confidentiality.

All third parties are GDPR-compliant and bound by data protection agreements.

Data Storage and Security

• Storage: Data is stored on secure servers managed by our hosting provider, with encryption where applicable.
• Retention:
  • Contact form or email data: Kept for 12 months or as needed to resolve your inquiry.
  • Analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default).
  • AdSense data: Managed per Google’s retention policies.
  • Guest post/advertising data: Kept for 24 months unless you request deletion.
• Security: We use technical measures (e.g., SSL, firewalls) and organizational safeguards to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we encourage you to use strong passwords and secure connections.

Your GDPR Rights

As a visitor to Carsinfo.ng, you have the following rights under GDPR:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate data.
• Erasure: Ask us to delete your data (“right to be forgotten”).
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data.
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Objection: Object to data processing for legitimate interests (e.g., analytics) or direct marketing.
• Withdraw Consent: Opt out of cookies or personalized ads at any time.
• Complain: Contact a supervisory authority (e.g., Nigeria Data Protection Commission or EU authorities) if you’re unsatisfied.

How to Exercise Your Rights:

• Email info@carsinfo.ng with “GDPR Request” in the subject line.
• Provide your name, email, and details of your request.
• We’ll respond within 30 days, free of charge, unless the request is complex or repetitive.

International Data Transfers

Carsinfo.ng is based in Nigeria, but we use third-party services (e.g., Google) that may process data outside the European Economic Area (EEA). For GDPR compliance:

• We ensure third parties use Standard Contractual Clauses or other safeguards.
• Google AdSense and Analytics comply with EU-US data transfer frameworks.
• You may request details by emailing info@carsinfo.ng.

Children’s Privacy

Carsinfo.ng is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we discover such data, we will delete it immediately. Contact us at info@carsinfo.ng if you believe we’ve collected data from a child.

Third-Party Links

Our website may link to external sites (e.g., advertiser websites, social media). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing data.

Google AdSense Specifics

To comply with Google AdSense requirements:

• We notify you about the use of cookies and tracking for ads.
• We provide options to manage personalized ads via our cookie banner.
• We link to Google’s Privacy Policy for transparency.
• We disclose that Google and its partners may use data for ad personalization, measurement, and fraud prevention.
• Users in the EEA/UK see a GDPR-compliant consent prompt before personalized ads are shown.

For more details, visit Google AdSense Privacy FAQs.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal changes, new features, or improved practices. Significant updates will be announced on Carsinfo.ng or via email (if applicable). The latest version is always available here, with the effective date below.

Effective Date: April 15, 2025

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or GDPR requests, reach out to us:

• Email: info@carsinfo.ng
• Subject Line: “Privacy Policy Inquiry” or “GDPR Request”

Thank you for trusting Carsinfo.ng. We’re here to keep your data safe and your car journey informed!