Last updated: 10 August 2026
BlackTree is an independent technical publication operated by Rob Nidschelm. This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is handled when you visit blacktree.nl, subscribe to updates, leave a comment, or use the contact form.
Who is responsible for your data?
BlackTree, operated by Rob Nidschelm, is the data controller for this website. For privacy questions or requests, please use the contact form.
What data is processed and why?
Website operation and security
The hosting environment may record technical information such as your IP address, browser and device details, requested pages, timestamps, and diagnostic or security events. This is used to deliver the website, keep it reliable, detect abuse, and investigate technical problems. The legal basis is BlackTree’s legitimate interest in operating and protecting the website.
Analytics
Google Analytics and Jetpack Stats may process information about visits, referrals, devices, browsers, and interactions. Non-essential analytics are used in accordance with the choice you make in the cookie banner. Where consent is required, consent is the legal basis. You can change your choice through the cookie settings on the website.
Contact form
When you contact BlackTree, the form processes the name, email address, message, and consent record you provide. This information is used only to respond to and manage your enquiry. The legal bases are your consent and BlackTree’s legitimate interest in answering correspondence.
Newsletter subscriptions
If you subscribe, your email address and subscription status are processed to send new-post notifications or newsletters. The legal basis is your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in an email.
Comments
If you leave a comment, the site may process your name, email address, optional website address, IP address, browser details, comment text, and timestamps. This supports publication and moderation of comments and spam prevention. The legal bases are your consent and BlackTree’s legitimate interest in maintaining a safe discussion area.
Cookies
Necessary cookies support basic site functions and remember privacy choices. Optional cookies are controlled through the consent banner. Details of the cookies in use are available in the Cookie Policy.
Service providers and recipients
Personal data may be processed by providers that help operate the site, including TransIP for hosting and related infrastructure, Automattic services such as Jetpack and Akismet, Google Analytics through Site Kit, WPForms for the contact form, and providers used to deliver website email. They receive only the information needed to provide their services. BlackTree does not sell or rent personal data.
International transfers
Some providers may process information outside the European Economic Area. Where this happens, the provider is expected to use a lawful transfer mechanism, such as an adequacy decision or approved contractual safeguards.
How long data is kept
- Contact messages are kept only while needed to handle the enquiry, follow up, or meet a legal or security need.
- Newsletter data is kept until you unsubscribe, after which a minimal record may be retained where necessary to honour that choice.
- Comments may remain with the article while it is published, unless they are removed through moderation or a valid request.
- Analytics, cookie, server, and security data are retained according to the relevant settings and operational schedules, and no longer than needed for their stated purpose.
Your rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may ask to access, correct, delete, restrict, or receive a copy of your personal data, or object to its processing. You can withdraw consent at any time without affecting earlier lawful processing. Submit a request through the contact form. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority.
Security
Reasonable technical and organisational measures are used to protect personal data. No online service can guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated when the website, its services, or legal requirements change. The current version and its update date will remain on this page.