Introduction
WTIChart.com ("we," "our," or "us") publishes free WTI crude oil charts, market news, and educational content. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit the site, how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights you have over your information. By using WTIChart.com you agree to the practices described below.
Information we collect
We aim to collect as little personal information as we can while still operating the site responsibly.
- Information you give us directly. If you contact us by email (for example at contact@wtichart.com), we receive your email address, the contents of your message, and any other details you choose to include.
- Information collected automatically. When you visit the site, our servers and our analytics and advertising partners automatically receive standard web log data: IP address, approximate location derived from IP, browser type and version, device type, operating system, referring URL, pages viewed, and the time and duration of your visit.
- Cookies and similar technologies. We and selected third parties use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to operate the site, measure traffic, and serve advertising. See our Cookie Policy for the full list of categories and how to control them.
How we use information
We use the information described above to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve WTIChart.com and the charts and articles it publishes;
- Understand which content readers find useful so we can prioritise editorial work;
- Display relevant advertising through Google AdSense, and measure the performance of those ads;
- Detect, investigate, and prevent abuse, fraud, or technical problems;
- Respond to your messages and any privacy or correction requests; and
- Comply with applicable legal obligations.
Google AdSense and advertising
WTIChart.com uses Google AdSense, a third-party advertising service operated by Google LLC, to display advertisements on the site.
- Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to users based on their visit to this site and other sites on the internet.
- Google may use the DoubleClick DART cookie or similar identifiers to serve interest-based ads.
- You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
- You can also opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalised advertising by visiting aboutads.info or YourOnlineChoices.com.
- For more information about how Google uses information from sites that use its services, see Google's "How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services" page.
Other advertising technology partners may also use cookies, web beacons, or similar identifiers. Where required, consent for non-essential advertising cookies is requested before they are set.
Analytics
We use Google Analytics (GA4) to understand traffic patterns. Google Analytics sets cookies that record information such as your IP address (truncated where supported), the pages you view on this site, how you arrived, and what device you are using. This data is processed in aggregate and is not used to identify you personally. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
Third-party content and chart widgets
WTIChart.com displays interactive charts powered by TradingView. When a TradingView widget loads in your browser, your browser communicates directly with TradingView's servers, which may collect technical information (IP address, user agent, interactions with the widget) under TradingView's own privacy policy. See TradingView's Privacy Policy for details. We also use Google Fonts to render typography, which may transfer technical request data to Google.
Sharing of information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only:
- With service providers (hosting, analytics, advertising, security) that need it to operate the site, under appropriate contractual safeguards;
- When required by law, regulation, court order, or other legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of WTIChart.com, our readers, or others; and
- In connection with a corporate transaction such as a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, in which case we will give notice of any change in ownership.
International transfers
Our service providers (including Google) may process information in countries other than your own, including the United States. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent mechanisms recognised under applicable data protection law.
Data retention
We keep information only as long as we need it for the purposes described in this Policy. Server logs are typically retained for a short rolling period for operational and security purposes. Analytics data is retained according to the default Google Analytics retention settings. Email correspondence is retained for as long as needed to handle the request and to maintain a reasonable record of past contact.
Your rights — GDPR (EEA & UK)
If you are located in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or another jurisdiction with similar laws, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you;
- Request that we correct inaccurate data;
- Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten") where applicable;
- Restrict or object to certain processing, including processing for direct marketing or based on legitimate interests;
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
- Receive your data in a portable, machine-readable format; and
- Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
The legal bases on which we rely are: your consent (for non-essential cookies and personalised advertising), our legitimate interests (operating and improving the site, basic analytics, fraud prevention), and compliance with legal obligations.
Your rights — California (CCPA / CPRA)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request deletion of your personal information, to correct inaccurate information, and to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information as those terms are defined under California law. We do not sell personal information for money. To the extent that the use of advertising cookies for cross-context behavioural advertising is treated as a "sale" or "share" under California law, you can opt out by adjusting cookie settings, by using the opt-out tools described above under "Google AdSense and advertising," or by sending a request to the privacy email below.
Children's privacy
WTIChart.com is not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in the EEA), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, however, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or in applicable law. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of this page indicates when it was most recently updated. Material changes will be flagged where appropriate.
Contact us about privacy
For privacy questions, requests to exercise any of the rights above, or any other privacy concern, contact us at privacy@wtichart.com or via our contact page. WTIChart.com operates in the jurisdiction of [Jurisdiction]; the controller for the purposes of GDPR is the operator of WTIChart.com.