Thank you for visiting this site, which is owned and operated by The Thought & Expression Company Inc. (“we” “our” or “us”). We want you to know how information about you is collected, used, and shared with others. We also want you to know about the choices you have when you visit us at godandman.com, thoughtcatalog.com, shopcatalog.com, or any other website or mobile app that displays this privacy statement (our “Sites”). As used in this privacy statement, the word “including” means including, without limitation. If you do not agree to the collection, use, or sharing of your information in the manner described in this privacy statement, please do not access or use the Sites or communicate with our writers or us.
Our business is located in the United States. Any information that you provide to us, including personal information, may be transferred to and processed in the United States. If you reside outside of the United States, please be advised that the United States does not offer safeguards to protect personal information that are as stringent as some other jurisdictions in the world. The European Union does not consider U.S. privacy safeguards to be adequate to protect personal information. When we collect personal information from outside of the United States, we rely on lawful mechanisms to transfer to and process that information in the United States. Lawful mechanisms include your consent, performance of a contract, and other legitimate interests. In situations where we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw your consent. By using our Sites, you consent to your information being collected, used, and transferred as disclosed herein.
1. Information We Collect
A. Personal Information
When you visit our Sites, send us or one of our writers an email, submit or comment on an article, or otherwise communicate with us or one of our writers, we may collect or have access to personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, one of our writers, or third parties acting on our behalf. We may also collect personal information from third parties including our business partners for marketing and other purposes. Personal information is information through which we can identify you such as your name, email address, postal mailing address, and telephone number.
B. Social Media Information
Our Sites include social media features, such as the Facebook “Like” button, and widgets, such as the “Share This” button or interactive plug-ins that run on our Sites. These features may collect information about you including your Internet protocol address and the pages you visit on our Sites. They may also set cookies to enable the features to function properly. Your interactions with these features are governed by the privacy statement of the social media platform providing the features. If you engage with our Sites through third-party social networking platforms, we may have access to certain personal information associated with your social media account such as your name, email address, photograph, birthday, location, and people you follow or like. We may also use analytics tools provided by social media platforms to understand how you interact with us, to measure the performance of our social media posts, and for other marketing and analytics purposes. For information on controlling access to your personal information through social networking platforms, review their privacy statements and terms of use.
C. Information Obtained Through Tracking Technologies
We may use (or authorize third parties to use) web beacons, cookies, pixel tags, scripts, e-tags and other technologies (“Tracking Technologies”) at our Sites to collect information about you, your online behavior, your computer, and your mobile device to optimize our Sites’ functionality, collect statistics, and deliver content tailored to your interests. Such information may include details about your browser, operating system, Internet service provider, geographic location, the pages you visit, and the duration of your visit. This information is stored in log files. We may combine this automatically collected data with other information we collect to improve our services, marketing, analytics, and site functionality. We (or authorized third parties) may also use anonymized data obtained through Tracking Technologies for ad-targeting purposes.
D. Privacy Preferences
At this time, we do not recognize automated browser signals regarding tracking mechanisms, which may include “do not track” instructions. However, you can change some of your privacy preferences through your browser—for example, by deleting or rejecting cookies. Note that doing so may limit some functionalities of our Sites. Blocking or deleting browser cookies may not remove other types of cookies such as flash cookies. We use Local Storage (HTML5) to store content information and preferences. Third parties with whom we partner to provide certain features or display advertising based on your browsing activity may also use HTML5 or Local Shared Objects (Flash Cookies) to collect and store information. For additional details on managing browser privacy preferences, consult your browser’s “Help” section.
2. Use of Information We Collect
A. Our Purposes
We may use the information we collect for our own marketing and non-marketing purposes, and we may share the information among our Sites and our subsidiaries (together, our “Subsidiaries”). For example, we and our Subsidiaries may use your personal information to alert you to upcoming articles, features, or events. If you do not want us to use your personal information for marketing, you may opt-out as described in the “How to Opt-Out” section below. Even if you opt-out, we may still use and share your information for non-marketing purposes such as fulfilling your requests or responding to inquiries.
B. Legal Compliance
We may disclose your information as required by law—for example, to comply with a subpoena or similar legal process when we believe that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, or the safety of you or others, to investigate fraud, or to respond to a government request.
C. Analytics and Advertising
We may use and share information collected through Tracking Technologies with third parties in the United States and other jurisdictions for both marketing and non-marketing purposes, including analytics and advertising. For instance, data collected may be shared with our Subsidiaries and business partners for joint or individual marketing initiatives. You may opt-out of certain uses of this information for advertising as detailed in the “How to Opt-Out” section below. Even if you opt-out, we may still share your data with third parties for non-marketing purposes.
D. Merger of Personal and Other Information
We may combine personal information with data collected via Tracking Technologies and other sources, which may result in a more comprehensive personal profile.
3. Certain Business Transactions
We may share or transfer your personal information and data collected through Tracking Technologies and other sources if we enter into a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy, or sale of some or all of our assets. Any party acquiring our assets may continue to use and share your information in accordance with this privacy statement.
4. Service Providers and Payment Processing
We may use third parties to assist with services (e.g., site maintenance, analytics, payment processing, marketing). In such cases, these third parties may access your information as necessary to perform these services under the condition that they do not use or disclose your data for other purposes. We use Stripe, Inc. (“Stripe”) to process payments on our Sites. We do not have access to payment card information collected by Stripe. For details, see Stripe’s Privacy Policy.
5. Information Collected by Third Parties
A. Hosted and Co-Branded Content
Some content on our Sites may be hosted, sponsored by, or co-branded with third parties. These third parties may collect personal information from you if you voluntarily submit it or participate in co-branded activities such as promotions or sweepstakes. Their privacy statements will outline how your information is used and shared. We are not responsible for the data collection practices of these third parties.
B. Information Collected for Analytics and Advertisements
Third parties may serve advertisements and use Tracking Technologies to collect information about your activities on our Sites—such as links clicked, ads viewed, and search terms entered. This data may be used for analytics and to tailor advertisements to your interests. We are affiliated with CMI Marketing, Inc., d/b/a CafeMedia (“CafeMedia”) for advertising purposes. Their data usage is governed by their own privacy statement. For more information, visit CafeMedia’s Privacy Policy. For additional details on interest-based advertising, see Network Advertising Initiative or, if you are in the European Union, Your Online Choices.
6. How to Opt-Out
A. Personal Information
If you do not want us to use the personal information we collect about you for our marketing purposes, you can opt-out by emailing privacy@thoughtcatalog.com with “OPT-OUT” in the subject line.
B. Advertising
For choices concerning interest-based advertising, including opting out of certain uses of data collected for advertising purposes, please visit Café Media’s privacy statement at CafeMedia’s Privacy Policy. We also adhere to the Digital Advertising Alliance’s self-regulatory principles. To opt-out via the Digital Advertising Alliance, click the “Ad Choices” link on our Sites or visit AboutAds.info.
7. Links to other Websites
Our Sites contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the data collection practices or privacy policies of other sites. For example, if you click on an advertisement linking to another website, this privacy statement does not apply to the collection of data on that site. Please review the privacy statements of any other websites you visit.
8. Submissions and Comments
You can submit articles for publication on Becoming.is by visiting becoming.is and uploading your submission. All information provided through Becoming.is is subject to this privacy statement. You can also post comments or other information on our Sites (“Comments”) via our comments platform, which is run by Facebook. Comments are subject to both our privacy statement and Facebook’s. Because our Sites are publicly accessible, do not submit information that you wish to remain private. You are solely responsible for any repercussions resulting from the articles you submit or the Comments you post.
9. Access to Personal Information
You may access, update, or correct inaccuracies in your personal information in our custody by emailing privacy@thoughtcatalog.com. We may request additional information to verify your identity and will respond to your request as promptly as possible.
10. Data Retention
We will retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide requested services (such as newsletters or author profiles) and to fulfill legal obligations, resolve disputes, and for other legitimate purposes.
11. Security
We have implemented administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to help prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal information in our custody. However, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
12. Persons Under 18
Our Sites are not intended for persons under the age of 18 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that a minor has provided personal information to us, please contact privacy@thoughtcatalog.com so we can promptly delete the information.
13. California Shine The Light Law
The California “Shine the Light” law requires certain businesses to respond to requests from California residents regarding the disclosure of personal information to third parties for marketing. Please note that we do not disclose personal information such as your name, email address, mailing address, or telephone number for marketing purposes.
14. California Consumer Privacy Act (Applicable to CA Residents Only)
A. Categories of Personal Information Collected
Below are the categories of personal information collected about California consumers during the preceding 12 months. This includes the sources of that information, the purposes for which it was collected, and the categories of third parties with whom it was shared. We do not knowingly collect or share personal information for minors under 16.
| Categories of Information Collected | Purposes of Use | Sources of Personal Information | Categories of Third Parties to Whom We Disclose the Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact information (e.g., name, email address, postal mailing address, social media account handles, etc.) | Communicate with you Validate your identity Respond to your inquiries Fulfill your requests | You Our subsidiaries Your social media accounts | Service providers Our subsidiaries Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
| Customer service interaction information (e.g., questions or messages you send through online forms, email, or social media) | Communicate with you Respond to your inquiries Fulfill your requests Improve our Site Bug detection and error reporting | You Our subsidiaries Your social media accounts | Service providers Our subsidiaries Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
| User-generated content (e.g., comments and other information you submit in public forums, reviews, or feedback) | Communicate with you Provide customer service Improve our Site Bug detection and error reporting Respond to your inquiries Fulfill your requests | You Our subsidiaries | Service providers Our subsidiaries Other users who can view your content Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
| Social media information (if you link your account or access our Site through a third-party social connection or login, including data such as your name, gender, profile picture, birthdate, “likes”, comments, and friends list) | Communicate with you Provide customer service Improve our Site Understand your interests Research, analysis, and reports Our marketing and advertising purposes Bug detection and error reporting | You Social media networks Our subsidiaries | Service providers Our subsidiaries Other users who can view your content Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
| Device information and identifiers (e.g., IP address, browser type and language, operating system, platform type, device type, and software/hardware attributes) | Provide customer service Personalize your experience Improve our Site Understand your interests and perform research/analysis Our marketing and advertising purposes Bug detection and error reporting | You (through your device) Advertising providers and affiliates Analytics providers Cookies and tracking technologies | Service providers, including online advertisers, ad networks, and advertising partners Our subsidiaries Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
| Internet network and device activity data (e.g., landing pages, browsing activity, ads viewed/clicked, access dates and times, pages viewed, form completions, search terms, uploads, referral/exit URLs, and other web usage data) | Provide customer service Personalize your experience Improve our Site Understand your interests Research, analysis, and reports Our marketing and advertising purposes Bug detection and error reporting | You (through your device) Advertising providers Analytics providers Cookies and tracking technologies Our affiliates | Service providers, including online advertisers, ad networks, and advertising partners Our subsidiaries Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets Entities for legal purposes |
| Geolocation information (e.g., city, state, and zip code associated with your IP address or derived through Wi-Fi triangulation, and precise GPS-based location from your mobile devices with permission) | Provide customer service Personalize your experience Improve our Site Understand your interests Research, analysis, and reports Our marketing and advertising purposes Bug detection and error reporting | You (through your device) Advertising providers Analytics providers Our affiliates | Service providers, including online advertisers, ad networks, and advertising partners Our subsidiaries Governmental entities (e.g., in response to a subpoena or other legal process) Third parties in connection with merger or transfer of assets |
B. Request to Know
You have the right to request, for the 12-month period preceding the date we receive your request, details on: (1) the categories of personal information collected about you; (2) the sources from which it was collected; (3) the business or commercial purpose for its collection; and (4) the categories of third parties with whom it has been shared. Additionally, you can request the specific pieces of personal information collected about you during that period. If you are a California resident and wish to request this information, please email privacy@thoughtcatalog.com with “CCPA Right to Know Request” in the subject line, or send your request by postal mail to The Thought & Expression Company Inc, Attn: Privacy Team, PO Box J, McLean, VA 22101. Include your full name, mailing address, and email address for identity verification. We will respond as required by law, subject to a limit of two requests within a 12-month period.
C. Request to Delete
You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (such as legal obligations or fulfillment of transactions). If you are a California resident and wish to request deletion, please email privacy@thoughtcatalog.com with “CCPA Request to Delete” in the subject line, or mail your request to The Thought & Expression Company Inc, Attn: Privacy Team, PO Box J, McLean, VA 22101. Include your full name, mailing address, and email address to verify your identity. Upon verification, we will instruct our service providers to delete your information as required, subject to applicable law. If we are unable to comply, we will explain the reasons.
D. Requests to Opt-Out of the Sale of Your Personal Information
You have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal data such as your name, email address, mailing address, or telephone number to third parties. However, we and our advertising partners may share cookies and similar data to deliver interest-based advertising. To opt-out of this sharing, click the “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link at the bottom of our Site. Even if you opt-out, we may continue to share your information with service providers or in connection with business transactions as permitted by law.
E. Verification of Your Identity
To verify requests made under the CCPA, we may require at least two pieces of identifying information that match our records. In some cases, additional information and a signed declaration may be required. If you fail to respond to our communications or provide the necessary verification, we may be unable to fulfill your request. Note that opt-out requests under Section 14.D do not require identity verification.
F. Authorized Agents
If we receive a request from an authorized agent on your behalf, we may require written proof of the agent’s authorization and additional verification of both your identity and that of the agent. For household requests, written proof for each member may be required.
15. Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this privacy statement, please email privacy@thoughtcatalog.com. We will do our best to address your inquiries promptly.
16. Revisions to this Privacy Policy
We may revise this privacy statement from time to time in our sole discretion. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on our Sites prior to the changes taking effect. Please review this privacy statement periodically for updates. By continuing to access or use our Sites after changes become effective, you agree to the revised terms.
Effective: February 10, 2025
The Thought & Expression Company
PO Box J
McLean, VA 22101