Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Learning, Upgraded is a personal publication by Eian Newland (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA). This policy explains what data is collected when you visit learningupgraded.com, why it is collected, and how it is handled. Eian Newland is the data controller for this site.

1. What data we collect

Site analytics (Google Analytics 4)

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4, property G-XFBWRWHJ79) to understand how visitors use this site. GA4 collects:

  • Pages visited, session duration, and navigation paths
  • Device type, browser, operating system, and screen size
  • Approximate geographic region (derived from IP address, not precise location)
  • Referral source (how you arrived at the site)
  • Cookie identifiers (_ga, _ga_XXXX, _gid)

GA4 processes data on Google's servers, including in the United States. GA4 data is retained for 14 months. For EU/EEA visitors, GA4 operates under Google's EU data processing terms. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Behavioral analytics (Microsoft Clarity)

We partner with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replay to improve our content and user experience. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine the popularity of content and online activity. Additionally, we use this information for site optimization and security purposes. For more information about how Microsoft collects and uses your data, visit the Microsoft Privacy Statement.

Clarity project ID: vxwtvqvl6u. Session recordings are retained for 90 days.

Newsletter subscriptions (via Substack)

If you subscribe to the Learning, Upgraded newsletter, your email address is collected and managed by Substack, Inc. We do not independently store subscriber email addresses on this site. Once you subscribe, your data is governed by Substack's Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email.

PDF guide downloads

Free PDF guides are available without creating an account. Downloads are tracked as anonymized file-download events in GA4 (file name only — no personal data is attached). The PDF files themselves do not collect or transmit any data.

Local storage

The Prompt Vault page uses browser localStorage to remember your access session. This data stays entirely in your browser and is never sent to any server.

2. Legal basis for processing (GDPR)

For visitors in the EU, EEA, and UK, we process data under the following legal bases:

  • Legitimate interests — site analytics used to improve content and performance (GA4, Clarity), where those interests do not override your fundamental rights
  • Consent — where required by applicable law, analytics tools require your consent before activating (managed via cookie consent for EU/UK visitors)
  • Contract performance — when you subscribe to the newsletter, Substack processes your email to deliver the service you requested

3. Cookies

This site uses first-party and third-party cookies for analytics purposes only. We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or social media tracking cookies.

  • _ga, _ga_XXXX, _gid — Google Analytics session and user identifiers (expires: 2 years / 24 hours)
  • _clck, _clsk — Microsoft Clarity user and session identifiers (expires: 1 year / session)

You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies will not prevent you from accessing this site or downloading guides.

4. Affiliate links

Some links on this site are affiliate links — meaning we may earn a commission if you click the link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links are disclosed inline at the point they appear, and summarized in our Affiliate Disclosure. We do not share your personal data with affiliate partners. Affiliate relationships do not influence our recommendations.

5. Third-party services

6. What we do not do

  • Sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes
  • Use advertising, retargeting, or behavioral ad-targeting cookies
  • Collect payment information (any purchases are handled by third-party platforms)
  • Track you across other websites beyond what GA4 and Clarity do within this site

7. Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • Access — request a copy of personal data we hold about you
  • Rectification — request correction of inaccurate data
  • Erasure — request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restriction — request that we limit how we use your data
  • Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Portability — request your data in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent — where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw at any time
  • Lodge a complaint — EU/UK residents may complain to their local supervisory authority

To exercise any of these rights, email eian@learningupgraded.com. For newsletter-related requests (unsubscribe, data deletion), use the unsubscribe link in any email or contact Substack directly.

8. Data retention

  • GA4 analytics data — 14 months (Google default)
  • Clarity session recordings — 90 days (Microsoft default)
  • Newsletter subscriber data — managed by Substack; deleted upon unsubscribe request
  • No other personal databases are maintained by this site

9. Children

This site is intended for adult professionals. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or under 16 in the EU/EEA). If you believe a child has submitted personal data, contact us to request deletion.

10. International data transfers

This site is operated from the United States. Analytics data processed by Google and Microsoft may be transferred to and stored on servers in the US and other countries. These transfers occur under standard contractual clauses or equivalent safeguards recognized under applicable data protection law.

11. Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated periodically. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be noted on this page.

12. Contact

For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns, contact:
Eian Newland
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
eian@learningupgraded.com