Last Updated: October 7, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Appia with Alex (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and safeguards personal data when you visit appiawithalex.com (the “Site”), use our contact form, or get in touch regarding informal walks, bike rides, and independent cultural research along the Appian Way, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) and the Italian Personal Data Protection Code (Codice in materia di protezione dei dati personali).
1. Important Legal Disclaimer
Appia with Alex is a personal, non-commercial cultural project and blog. Alex Meddings is an independent researcher, writer, and cultural heritage enthusiast, not an officially licensed Italian tourist guide (Guida Turistica abilitata ai sensi della Legge 13 dicembre 2023, n. 190). This website does not offer, sell, or contract guided tours, professional tourist services, or commercial activities. Any walks, bike rides, visits, or outings coordinated through this website are strictly informal, voluntary gatherings among independent cultural enthusiasts to explore public areas and cultural heritage together.
2. Data Controller
The Data Controller responsible for personal data processed through this website is:
3. Personal Data We Collect
Because this site is an independent, non-commercial initiative and sells no services, we never collect payment or billing details. We collect only minimal contact and technical details:
4. Purpose and Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data strictly within the parameters established by Article 6 of the GDPR:
| Purpose of Processing | Category of Data | Legal Basis (GDPR Art. 6) |
| Responding to messages & coordinating informal meetups | Name, email, phone number, message text | Art. 6(1)(a): Your explicit consent provided upon submitting the contact form |
| Website security & operational maintenance | Server logs, technical diagnostic data | Art. 6(1)(f): Legitimate interest in maintaining network integrity and preventing abuse |
| Traffic metrics (Google Analytics 4) | Device details, anonymized IP, user sessions | Art. 6(1)(a): Your consent provided through the cookie banner |
| Interactive maps & video embeds (Google Maps, YouTube) | IP address, browser headers, third-party identifiers | Art. 6(1)(a): Your consent provided through the cookie banner |
5. Third-Party Services & Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, trade, or monetize your personal information. Personal data is shared only with service providers strictly necessary to operate the website:
Website Hosting & Infrastructure: Hosted via Elementor, which processes technical server logs to keep the site online, stable, and secure.
Google Analytics 4: Used to monitor anonymous aggregate traffic. IP masking is enabled. Analytical cookies are placed only if you grant permission via the cookie consent banner.
Google Maps & YouTube Embeds: Embedded to illustrate monuments along the Via Appia and suggested meeting points. If accepted via cookie preferences, Google LLC may log your IP address and set cookies on your browser.
Transfers Outside the EEA: Where third-party technical vendors (such as Google LLC) process information outside the European Economic Area, such transfers are protected by the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework or the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
6. Data Retention
Inquiries & Correspondence: Contact details and email correspondence are kept only as long as necessary to answer your questions or coordinate informal meetups. Contact messages are deleted within 12 months.
Google Analytics Data: Retained in accordance with Google Analytics’ data retention settings (set to 2 or 14 months).
Server Access Logs: Retained for technical troubleshooting for no longer than 30 to 90 days.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Technical Cookies: Necessary for basic website performance and to store your cookie consent choices. These do not require prior consent under Italian Garante guidelines.
Analytical & Embedded Media Cookies: Used by Google Analytics, YouTube, and Google Maps. These cookies remain inactive by default and load only after you select “Accept” on our cookie banner.
You can update or withdraw your cookie preferences at any time via the cookie settings link in our website footer or by adjusting your browser settings.
8. Your Rights Under the GDPR
Under Articles 15–22 of the GDPR, you have the right to:
Access: Request confirmation and a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Rectification: Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete details.
Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request the permanent deletion of your contact records.
Restriction & Objection: Object to or restrict the processing of your personal information.
Withdraw Consent: Revoke your consent for analytics or contact processing at any time.
Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a formal complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority if you suspect non-compliance:
Garante per la protezione dei dati personali
Piazza Venezia, 11 – 00187 Rome, Italy
To exercise any of these rights, contact alexandermeddings@gmail.com. All requests will be addressed within 30 days.
9. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy as our website evolves or as legal interpretations under Italian and EU regulations change. Any modifications will be posted directly to this page with an updated revision date.