Privacy Policy
Last updated: 2026-03-30
We respect your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and what we do with it.
Short version: We collect very little personal data. We use analytics to understand site usage. Some content pages may display ads served by Google AdSense. We don't sell your data directly.
What Data We Collect
AudiobookSoul collects minimal data to operate the site and improve user experience.
1. Analytics Data (Anonymized)
We use Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled to understand how people use our site:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Browser type and device information
- Approximate location (city-level, not precise)
- How you found our site (referral source)
This helps us understand which reviews are popular, where our readers come from, and how to improve the site.
2. Affiliate Tracking
When you click on Amazon or Audible links, affiliate tracking parameters are added to the URL. This tells Amazon/Audible you came from AudiobookSoul so we can earn a commission if you make a purchase.
We don't see your purchase details. We only know that someone made a purchase through our link - we don't know who or what they bought.
3. Cookies
We use cookies for:
- Session management (when user accounts are added in the future)
- Remembering your preferences (like theme settings, if implemented)
- Analytics (via Google Analytics)
- Advertising (via Google AdSense â see below)
4. Advertising
AudiobookSoul displays ads through Google AdSense on some pages (primarily audiobook reviews and blog posts). To serve, limit, measure, and in some cases personalize ads, Google and its partners may:
- Use cookies or similar storage technologies on supported pages
- Measure ad performance and limit how often the same ad is shown
- Use information about prior visits to this site or other websites where permitted by law
You can manage ad preferences by visiting Google Ad Settings. You may also opt out of third-party vendor cookies at the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page. Ad availability and personalization may also depend on your browser settings, location, and any consent choices presented to you.
Your Privacy Rights
Google AdSense may use cookies and similar technologies to personalize ads. You can manage ad personalization settings or opt out at any time by visiting Google Ad Settings or the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page. For California residents, Google may engage in restricted data processing as described in Google's advertising privacy policy.
5. Data We Don't Collect
Currently, AudiobookSoul does NOT collect:
- Email addresses
- Account information (no user accounts yet)
- Payment information (we don't sell anything directly)
- User-generated content (no comments yet)
- Precise location data
How We Use Your Data
We use the data we collect to:
- Improve site content and user experience
- Understand which reviews are most helpful
- Fix technical issues and bugs
- Measure site performance
- Track affiliate referrals (to earn commissions)
- Display ads on selected content pages (via Google AdSense)
We do NOT:
- Sell your personal data directly to third parties
- Share your data with publishers or authors
- Send marketing emails (we don't have your email)
- Build our own advertising profiles about you
Third-Party Services
AudiobookSoul uses these third-party services:
Google Analytics
Analytics with IP anonymization. Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
Google AdSense
Advertising on selected review and blog pages. Google and its partners may use cookies or similar technologies to deliver, measure, and in some cases personalize ads. Google's advertising privacy policy: policies.google.com/technologies/ads
Amazon Associates / Audible Affiliate
Affiliate tracking for commission earnings. When you click our links and purchase, Amazon/Audible may set cookies. Their privacy policies: Amazon Privacy Notice
These services have their own privacy policies. When you interact with them (e.g., clicking affiliate links), their policies apply.
Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)
If you're in the EU (GDPR) or California (CCPA), you have rights regarding your data:
Access & Deletion
You can request to:
- See what data we have about you (spoiler: probably just anonymized analytics)
- Delete your data from our systems
- Export your data (if applicable)
Opt-Out Options
You can:
- Disable analytics tracking: Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger
- Block cookies: Configure your browser to block third-party cookies
- Opt out of Google Analytics: Install Google's opt-out browser add-on: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Manage Google ad preferences: Visit Google Ad Settings or the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out
To exercise these rights, contact us.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your data:
- HTTPS encryption for all site traffic
- Regular security updates
- Minimal data collection reduces risk
- No payment processing (we don't handle credit cards)
That said, no website is 100% secure. We do our best, but we can't guarantee absolute security.
Children's Privacy
AudiobookSoul is not directed at children under 13. We don't knowingly collect data from children.
If you're a parent and believe your child has provided us with data, contact us and we'll delete it.
Future Changes (User Accounts, Comments)
If we add user accounts or comments in the future, we'll collect:
- Email addresses (for account creation and password resets)
- Usernames and profile information (if you provide it)
- User-generated content (reviews, comments, ratings)
We'll update this Privacy Policy before implementing those features and notify users of changes.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. When we do:
- We'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top
- Major changes will be noted on the site
- Continued use of the site means you accept the new policy
We'll never make retroactive changes that reduce your privacy protections without explicit consent.
Contact Us About Privacy
Questions about this Privacy Policy? Want to exercise your data rights?
Contact us and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
By using AudiobookSoul, you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service.