1. Introduction
Welcome to Written In The Genome. Because this site operates at the intersection of genetic evidence, data analysis, and family history, protecting your privacy is a foundational priority. This policy explains what data is collected, how it is used, and the steps taken to ensure your information remains secure when you visit the blog or interact with our content.
2. Information We Collect and How We Track It
We focus on keeping data collection lean and purposeful. Like many other websites, Written In The Genome makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider (ISP), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
- Analytics and Interface Tracking: This site uses Google Analytics (GA4) to understand how visitors interact with the content and applications. This tracks user interface (UI) interactions, such as specific button clicks, feature usage, and errors. This tracking is strictly limited to UI events; no actual genomic data, file contents, marker counts, or genetic variables are ever passed to Google’s servers.
- Outbound Traffic: We utilize Jetpack Stats to monitor general website performance and track outbound clicks.
- Local Device Storage: To provide a seamless, app-like experience without requiring you to create an account, we use local browser storage. This allows the site to remember your preferences locally on your own device—such as tracking which posts you have “liked”—without storing that data on our servers.
3. DoubleClick DART Cookie and Google AdSense
- Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on Written In The Genome.
- Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our site’s visitors based upon their visit to Written In The Genome and other sites on the Internet.
- Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL: http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html
Third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to send the advertisements and links that appear on Written In The Genome directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies (such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.
Written In The Genome has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.
4. Affiliate Links and Third-Party Services
Written In The Genome participates in specialized affiliate marketing programs to help fund ongoing research and development. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is primarily done through genetic testing providers or genealogy software.
You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. Written In The Genome’s privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.
5. Terms of Service
By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use Written In The Genome if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page.
License
Unless otherwise stated, Written In The Genome and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on Written In The Genome. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access this from Written In The Genome for your own personal use subjected to restrictions set in these terms and conditions.
User Comments
Parts of this website offer an opportunity for users to post and exchange opinions and information in certain areas of the website. Written In The Genome does not filter, edit, publish or review Comments prior to their presence on the website. Comments do not reflect the views and opinions of Written In The Genome, its agents and/or affiliates. Comments reflect the views and opinions of the person who post their views and opinions.
6. Security
We use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption to protect information in transit. While no method of online transmission is 100% secure, we follow industry best practices to protect the integrity of our site and any data you provide.
7. Consent and Updates
By using our website, you hereby consent to our privacy policy and agree to its terms. We may update this Privacy Policy & Terms of Service from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
