Privacy · Echo Lane

Last updated: 2026-08-11.

I am Marcus, the individual who writes and hosts Echo Lane at echoswiftpro.pro. This page explains what personal data I collect, why I collect it, how long I keep it, and what choices you have. I wrote it myself because this is a one-person blog, not a corporate portal with a compliance department behind it.

Who is responsible

The data controller for this site is Marcus, reachable at [email protected] or by post at Blk 847 Jurong West Street 81, #05-18, Singapore 640847. There is no separate company, no registry number, and no data protection officer beyond me reading email during quiet hours.

What this site is

Echo Lane is a static personal blog. It publishes first-person notes, a pinboard archive, correction margins, and static contact details. There are no user accounts, no comment forms, no newsletter signup, no checkout, and no advertising trackers installed by me. If that changes, this page will change first.

Information I receive when you contact me

If you email me or write by post, I receive whatever you choose to send: your email address, your name, your message content, and any attachments. I use that information only to read and respond to you, to keep a reasonable record of corrections you suggest, and to improve accuracy on the margin notes page when relevant. I do not sell contact details. I do not add you to marketing lists because none exist.

Phone or text messages are treated the same way — stored only in my personal device history until I delete them manually. I do not transcribe calls into a database.

Server and access logs

My hosting provider may record standard web server logs when you request a page: IP address, browser user agent, requested URL, referrer, and timestamp. I use those logs only for security, diagnosing broken links, and understanding aggregate traffic patterns. I do not attempt to identify individual readers from logs unless required to investigate abuse or unlawful access.

Logs are retained according to the host's default rotation policy, typically a few weeks, unless a security incident requires longer retention. I do not merge server logs with email correspondence to build profiles.

Cookies and local storage

I use one first-party consent mechanism documented on the Cookies page. It stores your choices about functional embeds (Google Maps) and optional analytics (which I do not currently enable). Essential storage keeps the site usable; functional storage relates to maps you choose to load; analytics remains off unless you explicitly enable it in customise mode — and even then, I am not running analytics scripts at present.

Details of cookie names, lifetimes, and how to change your mind live on the Cookies page. This Privacy page treats that system as part of how the site respects your choices rather than tracking you by default.

Embedded Google Maps

Several pages include Google Maps iframes. On this site, maps do not load until you grant functional consent through the cookie banner or click "Load map" on a placeholder. When a map loads, Google may process technical data under its own policies. I do not control Google's processing. I chose placeholder loading because maps are helpful but not essential to reading the notes.

Fonts and external resources

I load typefaces from Google Fonts (Literata, DM Sans, Space Mono). Your browser requests those files from Google servers when you visit. I do not send personal identifiers to Google Fonts beyond what your browser naturally transmits in an HTTPS request. If you prefer to block external fonts, the site should still remain readable with system fallbacks defined in CSS.

Legal bases (plain language)

For correspondence you initiate, I rely on legitimate interest and consent implied by you contacting me. For consent cookies, I rely on your explicit choice via the banner. For server logs, I rely on legitimate interest in operating a secure website. I do not rely on consent as a precondition for reading public pages.

Children

This site is written for general adult readers. I do not knowingly collect information from children. If a young person contacts me, I will delete the message unless it is a straightforward correction from a student doing a project, in which case I keep only what is needed to reply once.

International readers

I write from Singapore and host independently. If you read from elsewhere, your data may cross borders when you email me or when embedded services process requests. I do not target EU or UK residents specifically, but I still try to honour reasonable rights requests because it is good practice, not because I maintain a regional representative.

Retention

Email correspondence: kept until the thread is resolved and for a reasonable period afterward if it documents a published correction — usually under two years unless you ask me to delete sooner. Consent records: six months in cookie lifetime, mirrored in localStorage as described on the Cookies page. Published blog text: retained until I rewrite or remove it manually. Server logs: rotated by the host.

Your rights

You may ask me to access, correct, or delete personal data you provided. You may object to processing that is not essential. You may withdraw cookie consent at any time using the manage button on the Cookies page or the margin notes page. I will respond within a reasonable time, usually within thirty days, unless the request is repetitive or impossible to fulfil without breaking legitimate security records.

Security

I use HTTPS, keep software reasonably patched, and do not store passwords on this site because there are no logins. No system is perfect. If I become aware of a breach affecting personal data you sent me, I will notify you and, where required, relevant authorities, using contact details you provided.

Third-party links

Occasionally I link to external sites (for example Google Maps documentation). Those sites have their own policies. Leaving Echo Lane means leaving this privacy framework.

Changes

I will update this page when practices change. The date at the top reflects the latest revision. Substantive changes will also be noted in margin notes if they affect how readers should interpret older posts about site mechanics.

Automated decision-making

I do not use automated decision-making or profiling that affects you legally or similarly. There is no recommendation engine ranking which notes you should read next.

Complaints

If you believe I mishandled your data, contact me first at [email protected]. I will investigate and reply. If we cannot resolve the issue, you may have rights to lodge a complaint with the Personal Data Protection Commission in Singapore if applicable to your situation.

Data portability

Because I do not operate accounts, portability largely means I can forward your emails back to you on request. I do not hold structured profiles about readers.

Backups

Site files are backed up with my hosting account on a schedule I do not control. Email may exist in my mail provider's backup independently. If you ask me to delete correspondence, I delete live copies and cannot guarantee backup tapes elsewhere.

Questions

Email [email protected] with the subject line "Privacy" or write to the postal address on the side door page. I answer during quiet hours: late mornings and early afternoons, Singapore time.