Last Updated: August 2026

Welcome to ShockStories, available at shockstories.com. We respect your privacy and are committed to being transparent about how information is collected and used when you visit our website.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how third-party services such as Google Analytics 4, Google AdSense, and our newsletter may process information.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information in two ways.

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide information when you:

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Contact us by email
  • Submit a story, tip, correction, or feedback
  • Participate in features available on our website

This information may include your name, email address, and the contents of your message or submission.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit ShockStories, certain information may automatically be collected, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser and device type
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited
  • Date and time of your visit
  • Referring website
  • General geographic information
  • Website interaction and usage information

This information may be collected through cookies, analytics tools, advertising technologies, and similar technologies.

2. Google Analytics 4

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use our website.

GA4 may collect information such as pages viewed, traffic sources, device information, approximate location, and engagement data.

We use this information to understand our audience, improve our articles, and improve the performance and usability of our website.

Where required by applicable law, analytics cookies or technologies will only be used after obtaining the appropriate consent.

3. Google AdSense and Advertising

We may use Google AdSense to display advertisements on ShockStories.

Google and its advertising partners may use cookies and similar technologies to display, measure, and personalize advertisements.

Depending on your location and applicable privacy requirements, you may be asked for consent before personalized advertising technologies are used.

You may also have options to manage advertising personalization through Google’s advertising settings.

4. Cookies

ShockStories uses cookies and similar technologies.

Cookies may be used for:

  • Essential website functionality
  • Analytics
  • Advertising
  • Remembering preferences
  • Measuring website traffic
  • Improving user experience

Some cookies may be placed by third-party services such as Google Analytics and Google AdSense.

Cookie Consent

Where required by law, ShockStories will display a cookie consent banner when you first visit the website.

The consent mechanism may allow you to:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Manage or customize cookie preferences

Non-essential analytics and advertising cookies will not be activated before the appropriate consent is obtained where such consent is legally required.

You may change or withdraw your cookie preferences later through the available cookie settings on our website.

Please note that essential cookies may continue to operate because they are necessary for the website to function.

5. Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow websites and third-party services to recognize your device and remember certain information.

Types of Cookies We May Use

Essential Cookies
These are necessary for basic website functionality and security.

Analytics Cookies
These help us understand how visitors use ShockStories, including through Google Analytics 4.

Advertising Cookies
These may be used by Google AdSense and advertising partners to display and measure advertisements.

Preference Cookies
These may remember settings or preferences you select while using the website.

Managing Cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

You may also use the cookie-consent controls provided on ShockStories to manage non-essential cookies.

Disabling certain cookies may affect some website functionality.

6. Newsletter

If you subscribe to the ShockStories newsletter, we may collect your email address and, where provided, your name.

We use this information to send newsletters, new stories, updates, and other communications you have requested.

Every marketing email should include an unsubscribe option, allowing you to stop receiving future communications.

We may use a third-party email marketing provider to manage newsletter subscriptions and email delivery. That provider may process your information on our behalf.

7. How We Use Information

We may use collected information to:

  • Operate and maintain ShockStories
  • Publish and improve content
  • Send newsletters
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Analyze website traffic
  • Improve user experience
  • Display and measure advertising
  • Prevent spam and abuse
  • Maintain website security
  • Comply with legal obligations

8. Third-Party Services

ShockStories may use third-party services, including:

  • Google Analytics 4 — website analytics
  • Google AdSense — advertising
  • Email/newsletter providers — newsletter management and delivery
  • Hosting and security providers — website operation and protection

These providers may process information according to their own privacy policies.

9. Third-Party Links

Our articles may contain links to external websites, including news organizations, social media platforms, reference websites, and other services.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites.

We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of any third-party website you visit.

10. User Submissions

If you contact us or submit a story, correction, tip, or feedback, we may use the information you provide to review your submission and respond to you.

Please avoid sending sensitive personal information unless it is necessary.

11. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including providing services, maintaining records, preventing abuse, resolving disputes, and complying with legal obligations.

You may unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time.

12. Data Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information against unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or disclosure.

However, no online service can guarantee complete security.

13. Children’s Privacy

ShockStories does not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us at admin@shockstories.com.

14. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have rights to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of certain information
  • Withdraw consent
  • Object to certain processing
  • Restrict certain processing
  • Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To make a privacy request, contact us at admin@shockstories.com.

15. International Visitors

ShockStories may be accessed by visitors from different countries.

Some third-party services we use may process information in countries other than your own. Where required, appropriate safeguards and consent mechanisms may be used.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Any changes will be published on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, or our data practices, contact us:

Email: admin@shockstories.com
Website: shockstories.com