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Privacy Policy

Effective date: 12/06/2026 Last updated: 12/06/2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Arhan Akbaş ("I", "me", "my") collects, uses, and protects information when you visit https://arhan-akbas.com (the "Site"). I am the data controller responsible for your personal data on this Site.

For privacy questions, contact me at arhan@arhan-akbas.com.

1. Summary

This is a personal website. I do not sell your data and I do not run targeted advertising. The only systematic data collection happens through Google Analytics, which I use to understand aggregate visitor trends (how many people visit, which pages are popular, roughly where visitors come from). Analytics is connected to this Site through the Site Kit by Google plugin for WordPress.

2. Information collected

2.1 Google Analytics (GA4)

When you visit the Site, Google Analytics 4 collects information about your interaction with it. This typically includes:

  • Pages you view and the order you view them in
  • Time spent on the Site and on individual pages
  • The website or source that referred you (e.g. a search engine or link)
  • Device, browser, operating system, and screen resolution
  • Approximate geographic location (city/region level), derived from your IP address

Google Analytics 4 uses your IP address to estimate your location but does not log or store individual IP addresses. Data is collected through a tracking script and cookies (see Section 4).

2.2 Site Kit by Google

Site Kit is the WordPress plugin that connects this Site to Google services. For visitors, its practical effect is that it places the Google Analytics tracking code on the Site. Site Kit may also connect Google Search Console, which provides me with aggregate, anonymized data about which search queries lead to the Site — this does not identify individual visitors.

2.3 Server logs

My web host automatically records standard server log data when the Site is accessed, which may include your IP address, browser type, and the time of access. This is a normal function of operating a website and is used for security and troubleshooting.

3. How information is used

I use the information described above to:

  • Understand how visitors use the Site and improve its content and structure
  • Monitor traffic levels and the performance of pages
  • Maintain the security and proper functioning of the Site
  • Respond to messages you send me

I do not use this data to identify individual visitors, build advertising profiles, or sell information to third parties.

4. Cookies

Google Analytics sets cookies in your browser to distinguish visitors and remember session information. The main cookies are:

Cookie Purpose Typical duration
_ga Distinguishes unique users 2 years
_ga_<container-id> Maintains session state for GA4 2 years

You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies will not prevent you from using the Site, though some analytics functionality will no longer record your visit.

Under the GDPR (for visitors in the EU/EEA), processing relies on:

  • Your consent, where a cookie consent mechanism is used; or
  • My legitimate interest in understanding and improving the Site, balanced against your rights.

Under the KVKK (Law No. 6698, for processing in Türkiye), personal data is processed on the basis of your explicit consent and/or the legitimate interests recognized under Article 5, in a manner proportionate to the purpose.

6. Data sharing and third parties

The only third party that systematically receives data through this Site is Google, which operates Analytics and Site Kit. Google processes this data in accordance with its own policies:

I do not share your data with any other third parties except where required by law.

7. International data transfers

Google processes analytics data on servers that may be located outside Türkiye and the EU/EEA, including in the United States. Google relies on its own safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) for these transfers. By using the Site, your data may be transferred and processed in those locations.

8. Data retention

Google Analytics data associated with cookies and identifiers is retained for [2 / 14] months, after which it is automatically deleted (this is configurable in the GA4 settings). Aggregate, non-identifying reports may be retained longer. Server logs are kept according to my host's standard retention period.

9. Your rights

Depending on your location, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data held about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent

EU/EEA visitors hold these rights under the GDPR. Visitors in Türkiye hold the corresponding rights under Article 11 of the KVKK. To exercise any of these rights, contact me at arhan@arhan-akbas.com. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (in Türkiye, the Kişisel Verileri Koruma Kurumu (KVKK); in the EU/EEA, your national data protection authority).

You can also opt out of Google Analytics across all sites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

10. Children's privacy

This Site is not directed at children and does not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact me and I will delete it.

11. Security

I take reasonable technical measures to protect the Site, but no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. I cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted to the Site.

12. Changes to this policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Significant changes may be highlighted on the Site.

13. Contact

Arhan Akbaş
Email: arhan@arhan-akbas.com
Website: https://arhan-akbas.com