Privacy policy
On this page
Section 1
Who We Are
SwissChaletMenu.net is an independent, fan-operated digital reference resource run by food enthusiasts and menu researchers based in Canada. Our site is authored and editorially overseen by David S. Martin, RDN, CNS, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist located at 41 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002, United States. You can learn more on our About Us page.
We are the data controller for all personal information collected through this website. We are not affiliated with Swiss Chalet Restaurants or Recipe Unlimited Corporation. This privacy policy applies solely to swisschaletmenu.net.
For privacy enquiries, contact us via our Contact page or at david@swisschaletmenu.net.
Section 2
Data We Collect
We collect only the minimum data necessary to operate and improve this site.
| Type | What it includes | How collected |
|---|---|---|
| Contact data | Name, email address, message content | When you submit our contact form or email us directly |
| Usage data | Pages visited, time on site, browser type, referring URL | Automatically via Google Analytics 4 |
| Cookie data | Session identifiers, ad preferences, consent state | Via cookies placed by WordPress, Google Analytics, and Google AdSense |
| Technical data | IP address (anonymised), device type, operating system | Automatically via Cloudflare and server logs |
We do not collect sensitive personal data such as financial information, health records, government identifiers, or data from children under 13.
Section 3
How We Use Your Data
We use your data only for these purposes:
- To respond to your enquiries and corrections submitted via our contact form
- To analyse how visitors use the site so we can improve our content and navigation
- To display relevant advertisements that fund the free operation of this public-interest resource
- To ensure the technical security and performance of the site (via Cloudflare)
- To comply with legal obligations where applicable
We will never use your data for automated decision-making that significantly affects you, nor for any purpose not listed here without first obtaining your consent.
Section 4
Legal Basis for Processing
Where applicable under GDPR, PIPEDA, or other applicable law, we process personal data on the following lawful grounds:
- Consent — for non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising) where you have opted in
- Legitimate interests — to operate, secure, and improve the site in a way that does not override your rights
- Contract — to respond to enquiries and requests you initiate via our contact form
- Legal obligation — where we are required to process data by applicable law
Section 5
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We share it only with the following trusted third-party service providers who help us operate this site:
- Google Analytics 4 — anonymised site traffic analysis (opt-out via Google’s opt-out add-on)
- Google AdSense / DoubleClick — advertising delivery and interest-based ad personalisation
- Cloudflare — site security, DDoS protection, and performance
- WordPress (Astra theme) — site hosting and content management
All third-party providers are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us. We may also disclose data where required by law or to protect the safety of our users.
Section 6
Cookies
We use cookies for site functionality, analytics, and advertising. Strictly necessary cookies (WordPress session, Cloudflare security) are always active. Analytics and advertising cookies require your consent where applicable.
For a full list of every cookie used on this site, their purpose, and retention period, please read our Cookie Policy. You can manage your preferences through your browser settings at any time.
Section 7
Advertising
This site displays ads served by Google AdSense. Google may use cookies to show ads relevant to your interests based on your browsing activity. We do not pass your personal details to Google for this purpose — cookies handle it directly between your browser and Google.
You can opt out of personalised advertising via Google Ad Settings, youradchoices.ca (Canada), or aboutads.info (USA). Advertising revenue supports the free operation of this public-interest resource and does not influence our editorial content.
Section 8
Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, or as required by law:
- Contact form messages — retained for up to 24 months, then deleted
- Google Analytics data — anonymised after 14 months per Google’s default retention settings
- Advertising cookies — expire between 15 minutes and 13 months (see our Cookie Policy for full details)
- Cloudflare security logs — retained for a maximum of 30 days
Once data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it.
Section 9
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you have the following rights over your personal data:
To exercise any of these rights, contact us via our Contact page or email david@swisschaletmenu.net. We respond within 30 days. Use “Privacy Request” as your subject line for faster routing.
Section 10
International Users
SwissChaletMenu.net is accessed by visitors worldwide. We respect the privacy rights of all users regardless of location.
Section 11
Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including HTTPS encryption for all data in transit and Cloudflare DDoS and bot protection. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. If you have concerns, please contact us.
Section 12
Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions, data requests, or concerns:
- 📋 Contact form: swisschaletmenu.net/contact-us/
- 📧 Email: david@swisschaletmenu.net — subject line: “Privacy Enquiry”
- 📬 Postal: David S. Martin, RDN — 41 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002, United States
- ⏱️ Response time: 2–3 business days; data requests resolved within 30 days
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (priv.gc.ca) or your local data protection authority.