Privacy policy

This Privacy Policy explains how NC County Map ("we", "us", "our", or the "Site") collects, uses, and safeguards information when you visit nccountymap.com. By using the Site you agree to the practices described below. We are committed to transparency and to handling visitor data responsibly.

1. Information we collect

NC County Map does not require an account, login, or any personal registration to read or use the maps. The information we may receive falls into two categories:

• Information you provide voluntarily. If you contact us through the contact form or by email (corrections, story tips, accessibility feedback, partnership inquiries), we receive your name, email address, and the contents of your message.
• Information collected automatically. Standard server logs and analytics tools may record your IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type, referring URL, pages viewed, time on page, and timestamps. This information is used in aggregate to understand site performance and improve content.

2. How we use information

• To operate, maintain, and improve the Site and its interactive maps.
• To respond to your inquiries, corrections, and feedback.
• To analyze traffic patterns and the popularity of pages and features.
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, abuse, or security incidents.
• To comply with applicable laws and lawful requests.

3. Cookies and similar technologies

NC County Map and our third-party partners may use cookies, web beacons, local storage, and similar technologies to remember preferences, measure traffic, and deliver advertising. You can control cookies through your browser settings and most devices. Disabling cookies may affect some interactive features of the Site.

4. Advertising and Google AdSense

We may display third-party advertising, including ads served by Google AdSense. Google is a third-party vendor that uses cookies (including the DART cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to this Site and other websites on the internet.

• Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our Site and/or other sites on the Internet.
• You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
• You can also opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting aboutads.info or youronlinechoices.com.

Third-party ad networks have their own privacy policies governing how they collect and use information. We do not control these third parties and encourage you to review their policies.

5. Analytics

We may use privacy-respecting analytics tools (such as Google Analytics or equivalent) to understand how visitors use the Site. These tools may set cookies and collect information about your browser and device. Analytics data is reviewed in aggregate and is not used to identify individual visitors.

6. Information sharing

We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share information with trusted service providers who help operate the Site (hosting, analytics, ad serving, email delivery), with legal authorities when required by law, or in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

7. Data retention and security

We retain contact-form submissions and server logs only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described above. We use commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information, but no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

8. Children's privacy

The Site is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. Your rights and choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights under laws such as the GDPR (EU/UK) or the CCPA/CPRA (California), including the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal information, and the right to opt out of targeted advertising. To exercise these rights, contact us via the contact page.

10. International visitors

The Site is operated from the United States. By using the Site you understand that information may be processed in the U.S., which may have different data protection rules than your country of residence.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Updated" date at the top of the page indicates when the policy was last revised. Material changes will be highlighted on the Site.

12. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent through our contact page.