Privacy Policy

1. Overview

cost·lonne (accessible at cost-lonne.eu) is an independent science editorial focused on light pollution research. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, why, and how it is handled. We collect as little data as possible and do not sell personal information.

2. Data We Collect

2.1 Server Logs

Like all web servers, ours automatically records access logs. These contain your IP address, browser type, referring URL, and the pages you visit. Server logs are retained for up to 30 days for security and stability monitoring, then deleted.

2.2 Cookies

We use one functional cookie: nv-theme, which stores your dark/light mode preference locally in your browser (via localStorage). This preference is never transmitted to our server and contains no personal data. We do not use advertising cookies or cross-site tracking cookies.

2.3 Analytics

We may use privacy-respecting, cookieless analytics to understand aggregate traffic patterns (pages visited, referrer, country). No personally identifiable information is collected or stored. No data is shared with advertising networks.

2.4 Contact

If you contact us by email, we will use your email address only to respond to your enquiry. We do not add unsolicited email addresses to mailing lists.

3. External Links

cost·lonne links to external scientific sources, data repositories, and research institutions. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party sites. Links to academic publishers, open-access repositories, and public-sector organisations are provided as references, not endorsements.

4. Embedded Content

Articles may include embedded content (e.g. data visualisations, maps). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the same way as if you had visited those websites directly. Those sites may collect data about you, use cookies, or monitor your interaction with that embedded content if you are logged into their services.

5. Your Rights

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable UK and EU data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict processing
• Lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority

Given the minimal data we collect, most of these rights are satisfied by the fact that we do not retain any personal data beyond server logs (which are anonymised after 30 days). To exercise any right, email us at [email protected].

6. Data Retention

Server access logs: 30 days, then deleted. Theme preference (localStorage): stored locally in your browser only — you can clear it at any time via your browser settings. We retain no personal data beyond these two categories.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. Material changes will be noted at the top of this page with a revised date. Continued use of cost-lonne.eu after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

8. Contact

Questions about this policy: [email protected]