Privacy Policy for BluesPress.com

BluesPress.com (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a community-powered blues portal. We care about privacy, and we aim to collect only what we need to run the site, publish community content, and stay in contact with contributors.

This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and what choices you have.

1. Who We Are (Controller)

BluesPress.com is operated by the BluesPress team (Hjalti Freyr Kristinsson and collaborators).
Contact: contact@bluespress.com

If you need to reach us about privacy, email us with the subject line: Privacy Request.

2. What Data We Collect

Depending on how you use the site, we may collect:

• Contact details (e.g., name, email address) when you contact us or submit forms.
• Artist / band information you choose to submit (bio, photos, press links, social links, country/city, booking/contact info).
• Submissions (event listings, gig reports, reviews, photos, new releases, workshop announcements).
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, device info, and basic usage data (via cookies or analytics tools, if enabled).
• Uploaded media (photos/images) you provide.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data. Please do not submit sensitive information (health data, private ID numbers, etc.).

3. Why We Collect Data (Purposes)

We use your information to:

• Publish and manage artist profiles, event listings, articles, and community submissions
• Communicate with you about submissions, edits, corrections, and publishing
• Improve the website experience and understand what content is most useful
• Prevent spam, misuse, and security issues
• Manage ads and sponsorship inquiries (if you contact us for that)

4. Legal Bases (GDPR)

When GDPR applies, we process data under these legal bases:

• Consent (e.g., when you submit a form or opt in to communications)
• Legitimate interests (e.g., running and improving the site, preventing abuse, replying to messages)
• Contract / pre-contract steps (e.g., if you request sponsorship/advertising info or collaboration)

You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

5. Cookies & Analytics

BluesPress.com may use cookies to support basic site functionality and to understand how the site is used.

• If we use analytics, it is to measure site performance (e.g., page visits, popular content).
• You can control cookies through your browser settings.
• If we implement a cookie banner/consent tool, you will be able to manage your preferences there.

6. How We Share Data

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share limited data only when necessary with:

• Service providers that help operate the site (hosting, email, forms, analytics, spam protection)
• Legal authorities if required by law or to protect rights/safety

If we publish an artist profile or event listing, the information you submitted for public display will be visible to site visitors. Please submit only what you are comfortable sharing publicly.

7. Data Retention

We keep data only as long as needed:

• Messages and submissions may be retained to maintain publishing records and communication history.
• Public-facing content (artist profiles, articles, event posts) may remain published until you request removal or we remove it for editorial reasons.
• You can request deletion at any time (see Section 9).

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure. Please avoid sending highly sensitive information through website forms.

9. Your Rights (GDPR)

If GDPR applies, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
• Restrict or object to certain processing
• Request data portability (where applicable)
• Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)

To request any of the above, contact us at: [insert contact email].

10. Children’s Privacy

BluesPress.com is not intended for children under 13 (or under the applicable age in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

11. International Visitors

BluesPress.com may be accessed globally. Data may be processed in countries where our service providers operate. We aim to work with reputable providers and apply appropriate safeguards where required.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as the platform evolves. The “Last Updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the site after an update indicates acceptance of the revised policy.