Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 August 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how The Online Citizen (“TOC”, “we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you use theonlinecitizen.com (the “Website”) and related services (the “Service”). It also describes your rights and choices.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

Words with capitalized initials have meanings defined below. These definitions apply whether the terms appear in singular or plural.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

  • You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company/legal entity on behalf of which the Service is used.

  • Company (“we”, “us”, “our”) means Miaoyi Infotech Ltd, 11F, No. 122, Songjiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104, Taiwan.

  • Website means The Online Citizen, accessible at theonlinecitizen.com.

  • Service means the Website and related services provided through it.

  • Country means Taiwan (where the Company is incorporated).

  • Service Provider means any third party that processes data on our behalf (e.g., hosting, analytics, advertising, email delivery).

  • Personal Data means any information that can be used to identify you directly or indirectly.

  • Usage Data means data collected automatically when using the Service (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited).

  • Cookies are small files placed on your device.

  • Device means any device that can access the Service (computer, mobile, tablet).

2. Collecting and Using Your Personal Data

Types of Data Collected

Personal Data (information you provide)

Depending on how you use the Service, we may collect:

  • Contact details (e.g., name and email address) when you subscribe to newsletters, submit enquiries, or contact us.

  • User-submitted content (e.g., comments, form submissions) where those features are available.

  • Donation/support information you choose to provide if you contact us about donations or sponsorships.
    Note: Payments are typically handled by third-party platforms; see “Payments” below.

Usage Data (collected automatically)

Usage Data may include:

  • IP address, browser type/version, device identifiers

  • pages viewed, time spent, referring URLs

  • diagnostic and performance data (e.g., crash reports)

Cookies and similar technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Service and understand usage patterns. See Section 3.

3. Tracking Technologies and Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., pixels, scripts) for functionality, analytics, and advertising.

Types of Cookies We May Use

  • Essential Cookies (Session): required for core site functionality and security.

  • Preference/Functionality Cookies (Persistent): remember settings (e.g., language preferences).

  • Analytics Cookies (Persistent): help us understand site performance and improve content and user experience.

  • Advertising Cookies (Persistent): used by us and/or advertising partners to measure ad performance and, where applicable, deliver interest-based advertising.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

4. Use of Your Personal Data

We may use Personal Data to:

  • provide, operate, and maintain the Service

  • monitor and improve performance, security, and user experience

  • respond to enquiries and provide support

  • send newsletters or updates if you have subscribed (you may opt out at any time)

  • moderate user-generated content (e.g., comments) and prevent abuse/spam

  • comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms/policies

5. Disclosure of Your Personal Data

We may share information in the following situations:

With Service Providers

We may share data with vendors that help us operate the Service (e.g., hosting, analytics, email delivery, anti-spam, advertising).

For legal requirements

We may disclose information if required to do so by law, regulation, court order, or governmental request.

To protect rights and safety

We may disclose information to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Company, our users, and others, including to prevent fraud, abuse, or security incidents.

Business transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or transfer of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Retention of Data

We retain Personal Data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, or as required by applicable law. We may retain and use information as needed to:

  • comply with legal obligations,

  • resolve disputes,

  • enforce agreements and policies, and

  • maintain security and abuse prevention records.

7. International Transfers

Your information may be processed in locations outside your country of residence, including where our Service Providers operate. We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect information during such transfers.

8. Security of Data

We use commercially reasonable administrative, technical, and organisational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Analytics and Advertising

We may use analytics and advertising technologies such as:

  • Google Analytics (for measurement and site usage insights)

  • Google AdSense / Google Ad Manager or other ad networks (for advertising delivery and measurement)

You can manage ad personalisation preferences through the relevant provider settings and your browser/device controls.

10. Payments and Donations

If you choose to support TOC through third-party payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, bank transfer platforms), those platforms process your payment details under their own privacy policies.

As a general practice, we do not store full payment card details on our servers. If you contact us regarding payment issues, we may record limited information necessary to support your request (e.g., transaction reference, time, amount).

11. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

12. Links to Other Websites

The Service may contain links to websites not operated by us. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version on this page and revise the “Last updated” date above.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:

Miaoyi Infotech Ltd
11F, No. 122, Songjiang Rd, Zhongshan District
Taipei City 104, Taiwan

Email: [email protected]