FORGE TIMES

WHO WE ARE

Forge Times ("we", "us", "our") is an international digital media house headquartered in India, publishing a digital magazine, podcasts, and live interviews focused on business brands, founders, technology, and entertainment. This policy applies to www.forgetimes.com and all associated content platforms. By using our website, you agree to this policy.

WHAT WE COLLECT

We collect information in three ways:

Directly from you: Name, email, login credentials, billing details (via secure payment gateways — we never store raw card data), comments, and messages you send us.

Automatically: IP address, device/browser type, pages visited, time on site, cookie identifiers, and podcast/video engagement data.

From third parties: Google (login, Analytics, Ads), Facebook (login), YouTube and Spotify (embedded players). Their data practices are governed by their own privacy policies.

Interview guests & contributors: If you appear in our podcasts, interviews, or magazine, we collect your name, designation, audio/video recordings, photographs, and statements. By participating, you consent to recording and publication across our platforms. If you have concerns, contact us before your session.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

Run, maintain, and improve our website, magazine, podcast, and interview platforms
Manage your account and process future subscription payments
Send newsletters and editorial updates you have subscribed to
Display targeted advertising via Google Ads and measure campaign performance
Analyse audience engagement using Google Analytics
Comply with Indian and international law and enforce our Terms of Use
Detect and prevent fraud or unauthorised access

We only send marketing emails where you have given consent. You can opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email.

Legal Basis for Processing (EU Users — GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area, we process your data under one of four lawful bases: your consent (e.g., newsletter sign-up, advertising cookies); contractual necessity (e.g., account management); our legitimate interests as a media company (e.g., analytics, editorial publication, fraud prevention) where these do not override your rights; or a legal obligation we must comply with.

COOKIES & TRACKING

We use four categories of cookies: Essential (login, security — cannot be disabled); Analytics (Google Analytics — anonymised audience data); Advertising (Google Ads — interest-based ads); and Embedded Media (YouTube, Spotify — set when you play content). Social login cookies from Google and Facebook are also set if you use those sign-in options.

You can manage or disable non-essential cookies via your browser settings or through the cookie banner shown on your first visit (EU users). To opt out of Google Analytics specifically, use the Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

WHO WE SHARE YOU DATA WITH

We do not sell your personal data. We share it only with:

Service providers (hosting, email delivery, payment processing) — bound by confidentiality obligations
Google Ads and advertising partners — aggregated, non-identifiable data only
Social platforms (Google, Facebook) — only if you use social login
Embedded platforms (YouTube, Spotify) — governed by their own policies
Legal authorities — where required by law, court order, or to protect our rights
Buyers in a business transfer — you will be notified in advance

HOW LONG WE KEEP YOUR DATA

Account data: retained while your account is active, plus a reasonable period for legal compliance
Newsletter data: retained until you unsubscribe
Billing records: minimum 7 years under Indian tax law
Interview recordings and published content: retained indefinitely as editorial archive unless removal is agreed
Analytics data: per Google Analytics default retention settings

SECURITY

We protect your data with HTTPS encryption site-wide, secure third-party payment processing, and strict internal access controls. No internet transmission is 100% secure, but we apply commercially reasonable measures to safeguard your information and will notify you of any material breach as required by law.

INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFER

YOUR RIGHTS

All Users: Access, correct, or withdraw consent for your data; unsubscribe from marketing at any time.

EU/EEA (GDPR): Erasure, restriction, portability, objection, and the right to complain to your local supervisory authority.

California (CCPA): Know, delete, and opt out of sale (we do not sell data). We will not discriminate for exercising your rights.

To exercise any right, contact us via the enquiry form at www.forgetimes.com. We respond within 30 days and may verify your identity first.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 (or under 16 for EU users) without verifiable parental consent. If you believe your child has shared data with us, contact us immediately and we will delete it promptly upon verification.

THIRD - PARTY LINKS & PLATFORMS

Our content may link to or embed third-party platforms (YouTube, Spotify, advertisers). We are not responsible for their content or data practices. Any link or embed is not an endorsement. Please review the privacy policies of any third-party platform you interact with.

UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this policy to reflect changes in our services or the law. Material changes will be communicated via a notice on our website and by email to registered users. The "Effective Date" at the top will always reflect the latest version. Continued use of our website after changes constitutes your acceptance.

CONTACT US

For any privacy questions, requests, or complaint

Media House - Forge Times

Registered In - India

Website - www.forgetimes.com

Privacy Contact - Enquiry form at www.forgetimes.com

Response Time - Within 30 calendar days