Privacy Notice ExploringBBQ

EffectiveDate: 8/27/2025

Who we are 

Blended Spark LLC (“ExploringBBQ,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) operates ExploringBBQ.com, a Texas‑focused BBQ directory, recipe archive, and community. Contact: support@exploringbbq.com.
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What this Notice covers

This explains what personal information we collect, how we use and share it, the choices you have, and your rights. By using our services, you agree to this Notice.

Information we collect

  • Account & profile: first/last name, username, email, password (hashed), age confirmation (13+/16+ where required), profile photo (optional), bio (optional).
  • Content you submit: comments, reviews, ratings, photos, messages, report/appeal submissions.
  • Transactional: newsletter subscription status, consent records (checkboxes, timestamps, versions), purchases (if/when store launches), shipping info.
  • Device & usage: IP address, device/browser type, referral pages/UTM, pages viewed, time on page, interactions (e.g., likes, flags), approximate location derived from IP.
  • Cookies & similar tech: essential cookies (security, auth), analytics, and—if enabled—advertising/affiliate tags. See Cookie Policy.
  • From others: if you connect a third‑party account or if a business claims a listing, we may receive verification info (e.g., business email, phone confirmation).

How we use information (purposes)

  • Create and secure accounts; enable comments, reviews, and saved favorites.
  • Moderate content, prevent spam/fraud/abuse, and enforce Community Guidelines.
  • Operate and improve the site (analytics, debugging, performance).
  • Send service messages (verification, changes to terms, security alerts).
  • With separate consent: send newsletters, promotions, and product updates.
  • Comply with law, respond to legal requests, and protect our rights and users.

Legal bases (EU/UK visitors)

We process: (i) to perform a contract (account/services), (ii) with your consent (newsletter/cookies that are not strictly necessary), (iii) for legitimate interests (security, analytics, improving services) balanced against your rights, and (iv) to comply with legal obligations.

When we share information

  • Service providers/Processors: hosting, security, analytics, email, anti‑spam, payments/fulfillment (if store enabled). Bound by contract to use data only for our instructions.
  • Public content: your reviews, comments, ratings, display name, and profile photo (if added) are public.
  • Legal & safety: to comply with law or protect users, our community, or our rights.
  • Business transfers: in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, consistent with this Notice.

Advertising, analytics & affiliate disclosures

  • Analytics: we use aggregated/anonymous analytics to understand performance.
  • Advertising (if enabled): we may use contextual ads and, if you consent in regions requiring it, personalized ads via third‑party partners. Manage preferences via [Cookie Preferences].
  • Affiliate links: some product links may be affiliate links; cookies or other identifiers may track referrals so we can earn a commission. We do not receive your payment card data from affiliate partners.

“Sale”/”Sharing” of personal information

We do not sell personal information for money. If we engage in practices that could be considered a “sale” or “sharing” for cross‑context behavioral advertising under applicable law, we will update this Notice and provide a [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information] link and honor opt‑out signals where required.

Children

Our services are for individuals 13+ (or 16+ where required by local law). We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided data, contact support@exploringbbq.com and we will take appropriate steps.

Data retention

We keep account data while your account is active, then retain limited records for backups, fraud prevention, and legal compliance for up to 24 months (or longer if required by law). You can request deletion at any time.

Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export your data; object to or restrict certain processing; withdraw consent (e.g., newsletter/cookies); and lodge a complaint with your local authority. Use the in‑product Privacy & Data settings or contact support@exploringbbq.com. For opt‑outs related to cookies/ads, use Cookie Preferences and, where available, the region‑specific opt‑out links.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures: TLS in transit, password hashing, breach‑list checking for new passwords, 2FA/passkeys (optional), and role‑based access. No method is 100% secure.

International transfers

We may store or process data in the United States and other countries. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (e.g., standard contractual clauses).

Changes to this Notice

We may update this Notice. We’ll post the new date and, for material changes, notify you via email or in‑product notice.

Contact
Privacy questions or rights requests: support@exploringbbq.com
Data controller: Blended Spark LLC