Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2026

Welcome to bestofthe.city (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit or interact with our website, submit a business listing, vote, advertise, or otherwise engage with our services.

This policy is designed to comply with applicable privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable, and Google AdSense program requirements.

By using bestofthe.city, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Business name and business contact information
  • Listing details, descriptions, images, and categories
  • Messages or inquiries sent through forms
  • Account or login information (if applicable)

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit bestofthe.city, we may automatically collect certain information, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Pages viewed, referring URLs, and time spent on pages
  • Date and time of visits

This information is collected through cookies, log files, pixels, and similar tracking technologies.

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use first-party and third-party cookies to:

  • Operate and maintain site functionality
  • Analyze traffic and usage patterns
  • Remember user preferences
  • Support advertising and measurement

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

  • Operate, maintain, and improve the website
  • Display and manage business listings
  • Enable voting, ranking, and community features
  • Communicate with users and advertisers
  • Respond to inquiries and support requests
  • Send service-related or promotional communications
  • Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or policy violations
  • Comply with legal obligations

3. Voting, IP Addresses, and Anti-Fraud Measures

To protect the integrity of voting and ranking features, we may collect and process:

  • IP addresses
  • Cookies or device identifiers

This data is used solely to prevent duplicate or fraudulent activity, enforce voting rules, and protect platform integrity. We do not sell this data or use it for cross-site personal identification.

4. Advertising and Analytics (AdSense Compliance)

4.1 Google AdSense and Third-Party Advertising

bestofthe.city uses Google AdSense and other third-party advertising services. These partners may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to display ads based on users’ visits to this and other websites.

Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on user visits. Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google’s ad settings.

4.2 Analytics Services

We use analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand website usage and improve performance. These services may collect IP addresses and usage data in accordance with their own privacy policies.

5. How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information. We may share information only:

  • With trusted service providers who assist in operating the site
  • To comply with legal obligations or lawful requests
  • To protect the rights, safety, or property of bestofthe.city or users
  • As part of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for business, legal, and security purposes.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable safeguards to protect information. However, no online system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Privacy Rights

California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents may request:

  • Access to personal information collected
  • Deletion of personal information
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Information about data sharing practices

We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

European Users (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your personal data
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent at any time

9. Children’s Information

bestofthe.city does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such information is discovered, it will be deleted promptly.

10. External Links

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites linked from our site.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests:

bestofthe.city
Email: [email protected]

This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.