Your data

Privacy Policy

How Waqya collects, uses, and protects personal information — including cookies, analytics, and email subscriptions.

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Last updated: May 2026. This policy explains how Waqya (“we”, “us”) handles personal data when you visit waqya.com or subscribe to our weekly digest. We aim to meet UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and common US state privacy expectations (including CCPA/CPRA where applicable).

Not legal advice

This page is our operational privacy notice. For jurisdiction-specific advice, consult qualified counsel.

Who we are

Data controller: Waqya (waqya.com). Contact: hello@waqya.com · Contact page.

What we collect

  • Usage data (analytics) — only if you accept analytics cookies: pages viewed, approximate location (country/region), device/browser type, referrer, and engagement metrics. Processed via Google Analytics (Site Kit) and/or Plausible Analytics.
  • Email subscriptions — if you opt in to the weekly digest: email address, consent record, optional section preferences, and subscription status.
  • Technical logs — our host and security systems may process IP addresses and request metadata to deliver the site and prevent abuse (server logs).
  • Correspondence — if you email us, we process the content of your message and your email address to respond.

Cookies & similar technologies

We use a consent banner before loading non-essential tracking. You can change your choice anytime via Cookie settings in the footer.

Strictly necessary

  • Consent preference storage (localStorage key waqya_consent_v1) — remembers your cookie choice.
  • Subscribe modal dismissal (localStorage) — avoids showing the digest signup on every visit for 30 days.
  • WordPress / hosting session and security cookies required to operate the site.

Analytics (optional — only with consent)

  • Google Analytics (via Google Site Kit) — measurement cookies/storage when you accept analytics. Google may process data in the US; we use Google Consent Mode with analytics denied until you opt in.
  • Plausible Analytics — privacy-oriented analytics when enabled; configured without advertising cookies. Loaded only after consent.

WooCommerce

If shop features are enabled on this site, WooCommerce may set cookies for cart/session functionality. We do not use WooCommerce for the news desk unless clearly stated on a shop page.

Lawful bases (UK/EU GDPR)

  • Consent — analytics cookies; weekly digest emails (double opt-in).
  • Legitimate interests — site security, fraud prevention, aggregated editorial analytics after consent, and improving our journalism product.
  • Contract — responding to messages you send us.

How long we keep data

  • Analytics: per provider defaults (typically 14–26 months) or until you withdraw consent.
  • Subscribers: until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete your record; consent timestamps retained for compliance.
  • Emails to hello@waqya.com: as long as needed to handle your request, then deleted unless legally required to retain.

Who we share data with

  • Hosting — Hostinger (site delivery).
  • Analytics providers — Google (if you consent), Plausible (if you consent).
  • Email delivery — our SMTP provider to send digest and confirmation emails.

We do not sell personal information. We do not share subscriber lists with advertisers.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing, and to data portability. You may withdraw consent for analytics or email at any time.

  • Email digest: use the unsubscribe link in any email, or email hello@waqya.com.
  • Analytics: use Cookie settings in the footer or reject non-essential cookies in the banner.
  • California (CCPA/CPRA): you may request access, deletion, and correction; we do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioural advertising. Contact hello@waqya.com with “Privacy request”.

You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (e.g. ICO in the UK).

International transfers

Our hosting and analytics providers may process data outside your country (including the US). Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses offered by vendors.

Children

Waqya is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect their personal data.

Changes

We will update this policy when our practices change. Material changes will be reflected on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

Contact

Privacy questions: hello@waqya.com (subject: Privacy).