1. Introduction

The Intimate Guide ("TIG," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit theintimateguide.com (the "Site").

By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

2. Who We Are

The Intimate Guide is an independent sexual wellness education and product review publication serving readers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and globally. Our editorial team is led by Morgan Ellis (Editorial Lead).

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Site, we automatically collect:

• IP address and approximate location (country/city level)
• Browser type, version, and language
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and referring URL
• Anonymized clickstream and scroll behavior

3.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies. See our Cookie Policy for full details.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use information for the following purposes:

• Operating, maintaining, and improving the Site
• Sending newsletter content if you opted in
• Responding to your inquiries via the contact form
• Analyzing aggregate traffic patterns and content performance
• Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Complying with legal obligations
• Personalizing content and (where applicable) advertising

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, our legal bases for processing your personal data are:

• Consent — for newsletter signup and non-essential cookies
• Legitimate interests — for analytics, security, and editorial improvement
• Legal obligation — where required by applicable law

You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing.

6. Sharing Your Information

We share information only as described below:

6.1 Service Providers

6.2 Affiliate and Advertising Partners

When you click affiliate links or interact with advertisements, third parties (such as Lovehoney, LELO, We-Vibe, Adam & Eve, Dame, Womanizer, Satisfyer, Lovense, Google AdSense, or Ezoic) may collect information through their own cookies and tracking. Their privacy policies govern that collection.

6.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect rights, property, or safety.

6.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred. You will be notified before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

7. Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 GDPR (EEA/UK Users)

7.2 CCPA (California Users)

7.3 How to Exercise Your Rights

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as needed for the purposes described:

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including HTTPS encryption, restricted admin access, and regular security updates. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

The Site is for adults aged 18 or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, contact us immediately at contact@theintimateguide.com and we will delete it.

See our 18+ Notice for additional details.

11. International Data Transfers

The Site is hosted via Hostinger's global infrastructure. If you access the Site from outside the hosting region, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries with different data protection laws. We use standard contractual clauses where required.

12. Third-Party Links

The Site contains links to third-party websites, including affiliate partners. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies before sharing information.

13. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers transmit "Do Not Track" signals. We currently do not respond to these signals due to lack of an industry standard, but we honor cookie preferences set through our cookie consent banner.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The "Last Updated" date will reflect any changes. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information: