Market Hitchhiker ("we", "us", or "I") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (markethitchhiker.com or any subdomains), subscribe to our newsletter, or interact with our content.

We are based in Hong Kong SAR and this policy is designed to comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) in Hong Kong, as well as applicable privacy laws in other jurisdictions (including GDPR for EU/EEA visitors and CCPA/CPRA for California residents where relevant).

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the minimum information necessary to operate the newsletter and website:

Information you provide directly:

• Email address (when you subscribe to the newsletter)
• Name or pseudonym (optional, if you provide it during sign-up or in comments/correspondence)
• Any information you voluntarily send us via email or contact forms (e.g., questions, feedback)

Information collected automatically:

• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages, time/date of visit
• Analytics data via third-party services (Google Analytics, Plausible, Fathom, or similar – we use privacy-friendly analytics where possible)
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Cookies section below)

We do not collect payment information (subscriptions are free or handled by third-party platforms such as Stripe/Substack/Beehiiv if you ever upgrade).

We do not collect sensitive personal data (e.g., racial/ethnic origin, political opinions, health data, etc.).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data only for the following legitimate purposes:

• To deliver the newsletter and any updates you requested
• To improve content and user experience
• To analyze website traffic and performance (anonymized where possible)
• To respond to your inquiries or messages
• To comply with legal obligations

We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.

3. How We Share Your Information

We share data only in these limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Email delivery platforms (Substack, Beehiiv, ConvertKit, MailerLite, etc.), analytics providers, web hosting services – all under strict data-processing agreements that require them to protect your data
• Legal requirements: If required by law, court order, or government authority
• Business transfers: In the unlikely event of a sale or merger of Market Hitchhiker, your data may be transferred as part of the assets

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tools for essential functions and analytical purposes only:

• Essential cookies: Required for site functionality (e.g., remembering preferences)
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site (Google Analytics or privacy-first alternatives)

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time, though some features may not work properly.

Third-party tools (YouTube embeds, Twitter/X embeds, etc.) may set their own cookies – their privacy policies apply to those.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data (encryption, secure hosting, access controls). However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We keep your email address as long as you remain subscribed. If you unsubscribe, we delete or anonymize it within 30 days unless required to retain it for legal reasons.

Analytics data is retained for up to 26 months (standard Google Analytics period) or shorter if we use privacy-friendly tools.

7. Your Rights

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

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion ("right to be forgotten")
• Object to or restrict processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent (e.g., unsubscribe at any time)

To exercise any right, simply email contact@markethitchhiker.com (or use the unsubscribe link in every newsletter). We will respond within 30 days (or sooner where required by law).

California residents: We do not sell or share personal information as defined under CCPA/CPRA, so no opt-out is necessary.

EU/EEA residents: Our legal basis is consent (for newsletter) and legitimate interests (analytics). You can lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

8. Children's Privacy

This site is not intended for anyone under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in Hong Kong and other countries where our service providers operate (primarily the United States). We use providers with adequate safeguards (Standard Contractual Clauses, etc.) where required.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be announced via newsletter or on the website. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact

Questions, requests, or concerns?

Email: contact@markethitchhiker.com