This Privacy Policy explains how Bytes & Bites (“we,” “us,” or “I” — Joel Merciadez) collects, uses, and protects information when you visit bytesnbites.blog (the “Site”).
Effective date: 17 September 2026
Who we are
Bytes & Bites is a personal blog operated by Joel Merciadez from the Philippines. Contact: joel.merciadez@gmail.com or the Contact page.
Information we collect
Information you provide
- Contact form / email. Name, email address, message content, and any other details you choose to send.
Information collected automatically
- Server and hosting logs. Our host (Hostinger) and WordPress may record IP address, browser type, device info, pages visited, referrer, and timestamps to operate, secure, and troubleshoot the Site.
- Cookies and similar tech. The Site may use cookies or local storage needed for WordPress, forms, security, and basic performance. We do not run a separate advertising network on the Site.
We do not require an account to read articles. We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal data through the public Site beyond what you voluntarily send.
How we use information
- To operate, secure, and improve the Site
- To reply to messages you send
- To detect abuse, spam, or security incidents
- To comply with legal obligations when required
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use contact-form messages to build marketing lists.
Sharing
We may share information only with:
- Service providers who help run the Site (for example hosting, DNS, email delivery, and form plugins), under their own terms and security practices
- Authorities when required by law or to protect rights, safety, or the Site
Analytics or plugins enabled on WordPress may process technical data according to those vendors’ policies.
Retention
Contact messages and related email are kept as long as needed to respond and for ordinary record-keeping or security. Server logs are retained according to hosting defaults unless we shorten that for operational reasons.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures appropriate for a personal blog (HTTPS, hosting controls, access limits). No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure.
Children
The Site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has sent us personal data, contact us and we will delete it when appropriate.
Your rights
Depending on where you live — including under the Philippines Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) and similar laws — you may have rights to access, correct, or delete personal data we hold about you, or to object to certain processing. To make a request, email joel.merciadez@gmail.com or use the Contact page. We may need to verify your identity before acting.
International visitors
The Site is hosted and operated with infrastructure that may process data outside your country (including through Hostinger and related providers). By using the Site, you understand your information may be transferred to and processed in those locations.
Third-party links
Articles may link to external sites. Their privacy practices are their own. Review their policies before sharing information with them.
Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy. The “Effective date” will change when we do. Continued use of the Site after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Contact
Privacy questions or requests: joel.merciadez@gmail.com or Contact.
Related: Terms of Service.