Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Faharas.net (“we”, “our”, or “us”) collects, uses, and protects personal information from readers, contributors, and visitors (“you”) when you use our website, newsletters, or related services.

By using Faharas.net, you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

Faharas.net operates as an independent, non-profit, volunteer-driven editorial platform. We collect only limited data necessary for website operation, reader engagement, and analytics.

2. Who We Are

Our website address is https://faharas.net. Faharas is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and operated by a verified editorial team listed on the Team Page.

For privacy questions, contact [email protected] or use our Contact Form.

3. Information We Collect

a) Information You Provide

We collect information you provide voluntarily when you:

  • Contact us via forms or email
  • Apply to become a contributor
  • Subscribe to newsletters
  • Submit correction, legal, or abuse reports

This may include:

  • Name and email address
  • Message content or submission details
  • Contributor information (if applicable)

b) Automatic Information

When you visit Faharas.net, basic technical information is collected automatically, including:

  • IP address, browser type, and device details
  • Date, time, and pages viewed
  • Referring website and interaction data (via Google Analytics)

This helps us improve performance and usability.

4. Comments

When visitors leave comments, we collect the data shown in the comment form, along with the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string for spam detection.

An anonymized hash of your email may be sent to the Gravatar service to check for profile images. Gravatar’s privacy policy is available at https://automattic.com/privacy/.

After approval, your profile image may appear publicly with your comment.

5. Media Uploads

If you upload images, please avoid adding files with embedded location data (EXIF GPS). Visitors to Faharas.net can download and extract location information from uploaded media.

6. Cookies

Faharas.net uses cookies for site functionality, login sessions, and analytics.

If you leave a comment, you may choose to save your name, email, and website in cookies for convenience. These last for one year.

When you log in, cookies are used to remember login details and display settings. Login cookies last two days; display cookies last one year. Selecting “Remember Me” keeps your login for two weeks. Logging out removes login cookies.

Additional cookies may be used for analytics and performance tracking (Google Analytics). See our Cookie Policy for full details.

7. Analytics

Faharas.net uses Google Analytics to understand site performance and visitor trends. This data is aggregated and does not identify individuals.

You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking by visiting https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. Google’s privacy policy is available at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

8. Caching and Performance

Faharas.net uses caching systems, including LiteSpeed Cache and QUIC.cloud, to improve page load times and performance. These services may temporarily store non-personal data, such as cached copies of public pages.

All cache files are temporary and never accessed by third parties except for technical support. For more information, see https://quic.cloud/privacy-policy/.

9. How We Use Your Information

Collected data is used to:

  • Respond to inquiries and correction requests
  • Manage contributor accounts and submissions
  • Send newsletters (only to opted-in users)
  • Monitor website performance and prevent misuse
  • Improve technical and editorial quality
  • Fulfill legal or compliance obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade user data.

10. Data Storage and Retention

Personal information is stored securely on encrypted servers or trusted cloud providers. Data is retained only for as long as necessary:

  • Contact messages: up to 12 months
  • Contributor records: while active plus 12 months
  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe
  • Comments: indefinitely for moderation and public record purposes

11. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We share data only with services required for site operation, including:

  • Email and form submission tools
  • Analytics services (Google Analytics)
  • Contributor ad networks (if enabled by individual authors)

Faharas.net does not share or sell personal data to unrelated advertisers or third parties.

12. Contributor and Author Data

Contributor profiles display only public information such as name, role, and published articles. Private contributor data (emails or ad account details) is not shared or made public.

For more details, see the Contributor Monetization Program.

13. Your Rights

Depending on your country, you may have the right to:

  • Access personal data we hold
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Withdraw consent for newsletters
  • Object to specific processing

To exercise your rights, email [email protected] or use the Contact Form. Verified requests are answered within 30 days.

14. Data Security

We use modern encryption, access control, and regular audits to protect stored data. Although reasonable steps are taken to safeguard data, no online service is completely secure.

Users share data at their own discretion.

15. International Access

Faharas.net is managed in the United Arab Emirates but can be accessed globally. By using the website, you consent to the processing of your information according to UAE law.

16. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in technology, law, or operations. The effective date above reflects the latest revision. Continued use of Faharas.net after updates means acceptance of the current policy.

17. Contact Information

For privacy or data-related inquiries, contact:

  • Effective date: 07 October 2025
  • Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Last updated: 07 October 2025