Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Effective Date: May 24, 2025

Welcome to The Orange Mermaid (theorangemermaid.com). This document contains both our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy that govern your use of our website and services. By accessing or using our site, you agree to be bound by these terms and policies.

TERMS OF USE

1. About The Orange Mermaid

The Orange Mermaid is a travel blog created by Michelle Dano, focusing on solo female travel, freediving, and hybrid nomad lifestyle content. We provide travel stories, tips, guides, and personal experiences primarily related to Southeast Asia and ocean adventures.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

3. Website Content and Intellectual Property

3.1 Ownership

All original content on The Orange Mermaid, including but not limited to text, written posts, personal photographs, and original graphics, is the property of Michelle Dano/The Orange Mermaid and is protected by international copyright laws. Some images used on this website are licensed stock photos from third-party providers and remain the property of their respective copyright holders. Videos, audio clips, scripts, programs, and software are the property of Michelle Dano/The Orange Mermaid or our content suppliers.

3.2 Personal Use License

You may view, download, and print original content from this website for your personal, non-commercial use only, provided you:

  • Do not modify or alter the content
  • Include all copyright and other proprietary notices
  • Do not republish, distribute, or use content for commercial purposes without written permission
  • Note: This license applies only to original content created by The Orange Mermaid. Stock photos and third-party images are not included in this license and may not be downloaded or reused.

3.3 Attribution Requirements

If you wish to share or reference our original content:

  • Provide proper attribution to “The Orange Mermaid” and Michelle Dano
  • Include a link back to the original post when sharing online
  • Do not present our content as your own
  • Stock photos and third-party images may not be reused and are not covered by our attribution policy

4. User-Generated Content

4.1 Comments and Submissions

When you submit comments, questions, or other content to our website:

  • You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use, reproduce, and display your submission
  • You represent that your content is original and doesn’t violate third-party rights
  • You agree not to submit illegal, offensive, or harmful content

4.2 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to:

  • Monitor, edit, or remove any user-generated content
  • Block users who violate these terms or community standards
  • Delete comments that are spam, offensive, or inappropriate

5. Travel Information and Disclaimers

5.1 Informational Purposes Only

All travel advice, recommendations, and information on The Orange Mermaid are:

  • Based on personal experiences and opinions
  • Provided for informational purposes only
  • Subject to change without notice

5.2 Travel at Your Own Risk

  • Travel conditions, safety situations, and local regulations can change rapidly
  • You are responsible for researching current conditions before traveling
  • We are not liable for any consequences resulting from following our travel advice

5.3 Freediving and Water Activities

Content related to freediving and water activities:

  • Is based on personal experience and should not replace professional instruction
  • Requires proper training and safety precautions
  • Involves inherent risks that participants assume

6. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, products, or services. We:

  • Do not endorse or assume responsibility for third-party content
  • Are not liable for any damages or losses from third-party interactions
  • Recommend reviewing third-party terms and privacy policies

7. Prohibited Uses

You may not use our website to:

  • Violate any local, state, national, or international law
  • Transmit or procure harmful, threatening, or harassing material
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Collect personal information about other users
  • Spam or send unsolicited communications
  • Interfere with website functionality or security

8. Affiliate Relationships and Sponsored Content

8.1 Affiliate Links

Our website may contain affiliate links. When you click these links and make purchases:

  • We may receive a commission at no additional cost to you
  • This helps support our blog and content creation
  • Affiliate relationships do not influence our honest opinions and recommendations

8.2 Sponsored Content

Any sponsored posts or partnerships will be clearly disclosed in accordance with applicable advertising regulations.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • The Orange Mermaid and Michelle Dano disclaim all warranties, express or implied
  • We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to access our website (if any)

10. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless The Orange Mermaid, Michelle Dano, and our affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

  • Your use of our website
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights

11. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to our website immediately, without prior notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users, us, or third parties.

PRIVACY POLICY

12. Information We Collect

12.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address when you submit questions, comments, or contact forms
  • Communication Content: Messages, questions, and comments you submit through our website
  • Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address if you subscribe to our newsletter
  • Survey Responses: Information you provide in surveys or feedback forms

12.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring websites
  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
  • Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Data stored through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies

12.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from:

  • Social Media Platforms: If you interact with our social media accounts
  • Analytics Services: Aggregated data from Google Analytics and similar services
  • Comment Systems: Information from third-party comment platforms if used

13. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for:

13.1 Website Operations

  • Providing, maintaining, and improving our website
  • Responding to your questions, comments, and requests
  • Sending newsletters and updates (with your consent)
  • Analyzing website usage and performance

13.2 Content and Communication

  • Creating and improving blog content based on reader interests
  • Personalizing your experience on our website
  • Communicating about travel tips, freediving content, and nomad lifestyle topics

13.3 Legal and Security

  • Protecting against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security issues
  • Complying with legal obligations and enforcing our Terms of Use
  • Monitoring compliance with our community guidelines

14. Information Sharing and Disclosure

14.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their commercial purposes.

14.2 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

  • Website hosting and maintenance
  • Email newsletter services
  • Analytics and website optimization
  • Comment management systems

14.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes or government requests
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Prevent fraud or security threats
  • Enforce our Terms of Use

14.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

15. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

15.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • Marketing Cookies: Used for affiliate links and advertising (if applicable)

15.2 Managing Cookies

You can:

  • Adjust cookie settings in your browser
  • Use browser extensions to block tracking
  • Opt out of Google Analytics tracking
  • Delete existing cookies from your device

15.3 Do Not Track Signals

We do not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals, but you can control tracking through your browser settings.

16. Third-Party Services

16.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google may collect and process data according to their Privacy Policy. You can opt out using Google’s opt-out tools.

16.2 Social Media Platforms

Our website may include social media buttons or embedded content. These platforms have their own privacy policies governing data collection.

16.3 Affiliate Programs

We participate in affiliate programs that may track clicks and purchases through cookies. This helps us earn commissions that support our blog.

16.4 Email Services

If we send newsletters, we use email service providers that may track email opens, clicks, and engagement metrics.

17. Data Security

17.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

  • Secure data transmission (SSL/TLS encryption)
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Limited access to personal information
  • Secure hosting infrastructure

17.2 Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

18. Your Rights and Choices

18.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

  • Access information we have about you
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information
  • Withdraw consent for marketing communications
  • Object to certain processing activities

18.2 Communication Preferences

You can:

  • Unsubscribe from newsletters using the unsubscribe link
  • Contact us to update your communication preferences
  • Opt out of non-essential communications

18.3 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format.

19. International Data Transfers

As we operate from the Philippines and use international service providers, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

20. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information promptly.

21. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

  • Right to know what personal information is collected
  • Right to delete personal information
  • Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

22. European Union Rights

If you are in the European Union, you may have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

  • Right of access, rectification, and erasure
  • Right to restrict or object to processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to withdraw consent

GENERAL PROVISIONS

23. Updates to This Document

We may update these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:

  • Post the updated policies on our website
  • Update the “Effective Date” at the top
  • Notify you of significant changes via email or website notice

24. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Philippines, without regard to conflict of law principles.

25. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

26. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use or Privacy Policy, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

The Orange Mermaid
Email: michellenuevodano.24@gmail.com
Website: https://theorangemermaid.com

For specific privacy requests, please include:

  • Your full name and email address
  • Description of your request
  • Any relevant account information

Data Protection Officer: Michelle Dano
Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy requests within 30 days.

Last Updated: May 24, 2025