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Christina VandePol

Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 28, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information I collect through christinavandepol.com (the “Site”), why I collect it, who I share it with, and the choices and rights you have. I aim to collect as little information as possible.

1. Who is responsible for your data

The data controller is Christina VandePol, P.O. Box 204, Pocopson, PA 19366. You can reach me at info@christinavandepol.com.

2. Information I collect

  • Contact form. If you use the contact form, I collect your name, email address, and the message you write. Messages are sent to me by email.
  • Newsletter. If you subscribe to “The Last Word,” I collect your email address and name. My email service provider, MailerLite, also records subscription details and how you interact with emails (such as whether you open them or click links).
  • Analytics. I use an analytics provider, currently Google Analytics, to understand how the Site is used. It collects information such as your IP address (which may be shortened or anonymized), device and browser type, approximate location, pages viewed, and the site that referred you.
  • Hosting logs. My hosting provider, GoDaddy, automatically records technical information such as IP address, browser type, and the date and time of visits, for security and to operate the Site.

I do not currently sell products through the Site, so I do not collect payment information. I do not use advertising or retargeting pixels. If this changes, I will update this policy first.

3. How I use your information and my legal bases

If you are in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, the legal bases for my processing are as follows.

PurposeInformation usedLegal basis
Replying to your messagesName, email, messageLegitimate interests (responding to people who contact me)
Sending the newsletterEmail address, name, email engagement dataConsent (you can withdraw it at any time by unsubscribing)
Understanding Site usage and improving the SiteAnalytics data, cookiesConsent (through the cookie banner)
Keeping the Site secure and runningHosting logs, IP addressLegitimate interests
Meeting legal obligations and handling legal claimsAny of the above as neededLegal obligation; legitimate interests

4. Cookies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. The Site uses:

  • Essential cookies needed for the Site to function and stay secure; and
  • Analytics cookies, which are used only if you accept them where consent is required (for example, if you are in the EU or UK).

You can change or withdraw your cookie choice at any time through the cookie settings link on the Site or your browser settings. Blocking cookies will not prevent you from reading the Site.

Essential

Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

NameDescriptionDuration
wpconsent_preferencesThis cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.30 days

Comments

These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.

NameDescriptionDuration
comment_author_emailUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session
comment_author_urlUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session
comment_authorUsed to track the user across multiple sessions.Session

Statistics

Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.

Learn more
NameDescriptionDuration
_gidID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity24 hours
_gatUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager1 minute
__utmcUsed only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.End of session (browser)
__utmzContains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server6 months after last activity
__utmvContains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.2 years after last activity
__utmxUsed to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.18 months
_gaID used to identify users2 years
_galiUsed by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked30 seconds
_ga_ID used to identify users2 years
_gac_Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.90 days
__utmaID used to identify users and sessions2 years after last activity
__utmtUsed to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests10 minutes
__utmbUsed to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.30 minutes after last activity

5. Who I share information with

I do not sell your personal information, and I do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising. I share information only with service providers who process it on my behalf, and only as needed to run the Site:

  • MailerLite – email newsletter delivery and subscriber management;
  • GoDaddy – website hosting;
  • Google Analytics provider – Site analytics;
  • WPForms / WordPress – the contact form on the Site.

I may also disclose information if required by law, to protect rights or safety, or in connection with a sale or transfer of my business or its assets.

6. International transfers

I am based in the United States, and my service providers may process data in the United States and other countries. If you are in the EEA or UK, your information will be transferred outside your region. Where required, these transfers rely on safeguards such as the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses or the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework. Contact me if you would like more information.

7. How long I keep information

  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe, after which I keep only a minimal record needed to honor your opt-out.
  • Contact messages: up to 24 months, unless I need to keep them longer to resolve an issue or meet a legal obligation.
  • Analytics data: 14 months, or the retention period set in your analytics account.
  • Hosting logs: according to my hosting provider’s standard retention period.

8. Your rights

Everyone may ask me to tell you what personal information I hold about you, correct it, or delete it. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time using the link in any email.

If you are in the EEA or UK, you also have the right to receive a copy of your data in a portable format, to restrict or object to certain processing, and to withdraw consent at any time (withdrawal does not affect processing that already took place). You may also complain to your local data protection authority, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK.

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information I collect and use, to request deletion or correction of it, to opt out of any sale or sharing of personal information (I do not sell or share it), and to not be discriminated against for exercising these rights. You may use an authorized agent to make a request.

To exercise any right, email info@christinavandepol.com. I may need to verify your identity first. I will respond within one month (EEA/UK) or 45 days (California), and I do not charge a fee unless a request is clearly excessive.

9. Security

I use reasonable measures to protect your information, including reputable hosting and email providers. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so I cannot guarantee absolute security. Please avoid sending sensitive information through the contact form or email.

10. Children

The Site is not directed to children under 16, and I do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has provided me with personal information, please contact me and I will delete it.

11. Links to other sites

The Site may link to third-party websites. I am not responsible for their privacy practices, so please review their policies.

12. Changes to this policy

I may update this policy as the Site changes. The “Last updated” date shows the most recent revision. If I make material changes, I will post a notice on the Site or, for newsletter subscribers, in an email.

13. Contact

Christina VandePol, P.O. Box 204, Pocopson, PA, 19366, info@christinavandepol.com

Christina VandePol is a writer, physician, and former coroner. Her award-winning memoir/true crime book, Madam Coroner, is forthcoming in early 2027. 

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