Information We Collect

When you visit the Maritime Literature Archive, our servers automatically record routine log data. This may include your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the time and date of each request. This information is used to maintain and improve the service, diagnose technical issues, and monitor aggregate usage patterns.

If you voluntarily send us a message via the contact email (editor@qtoa.com), we receive the content of your message and the email address it was sent from. We use this solely to respond to your inquiry and do not add it to any marketing list.

We may store certain preferences in your browser, such as text size or display options, using local storage or cookies. These are strictly functional and are not used for tracking.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies where enabled. A cookie is a small text file stored by your browser. We use session cookies for the operation of the site and persistent cookies to remember your preferences. Where analytics or advertising services are enabled, third parties may place their own cookies on your device.

Analytics

We may use a web analytics service to collect anonymized data about how visitors use the site. This service sets cookies that track pages visited, time spent, and interactions. The data is aggregated and does not identify you personally. You can opt out of analytics cookies using the consent controls described below.

Advertising

Where advertising is displayed, we may use Google AdSense or other advertising networks. These services use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to this site and other websites. Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your browsing history. You can learn more about Google’s advertising practices and opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s Ads Settings. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user’s prior visits to this site.

Web Beacons

We may include web beacons (also known as pixel tags) in emails or pages. These are small graphic images that help us understand whether content has been opened or viewed. They are used only for operational and analytical purposes.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To operate and maintain the catalogue
• To improve the user experience and develop new features
• To communicate with you if you have contacted us
• To detect and prevent technical issues or abuse
• To comply with legal obligations

Sharing of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others. We may share aggregated, anonymized data with partners or the public. We may disclose information if required by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with legal process, protect our rights, or ensure the safety of users.

Where we use third-party service providers (such as hosting, analytics, or advertising partners), they have access to only the information necessary to perform their functions and are contractually bound to protect your data.

Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Log data is retained for a limited period and then deleted or anonymized.

Your Choices and Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Portability: You may request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: You may ask us to correct inaccurate information.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Objection and Restriction: You may object to or request restriction of processing.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at editor@qtoa.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Consent Controls

Where we rely on consent for processing (e.g., non-essential cookies), you may withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the cookie consent tool provided on the site.

Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Please refer to your browser’s help documentation for instructions. If you disable cookies, some features of the site may not function properly.

Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

External Links

Our catalogue may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

International Access

This site is hosted in the United States and is intended for a global audience. By using the site, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other countries where data protection laws may differ from those in your country of residence.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified on this page. Your continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact the editor at editor@qtoa.com.