PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: January 17, 2026
Effective Date: January 17, 2026
Website Owner: KTS Strategic Media LLC (DBA: The Digital Malik)
Website Address: https://thedigitalmalik.com
Contact Email: legal@thedigitalmalik.com

1. WHO WE ARE

The Digital Malik is a premier Local SEO Domination Agency operated by KTS Strategic Media LLC, specializing in helping local businesses dominate Google Maps and local search results. We are located in Carle Place, Long Island, New York.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Service Inquiries & Client Data:

  • Name, email address, phone number
  • Business name, industry, service area
  • Google Business Profile access (with permission)
  • Payment information (processed securely via Stripe)
  • Communications (emails, calls, messages)

Content Interactions:

  • Comments on blog posts
  • Newsletter subscriptions
  • Form submissions (audit requests, strategy calls)
  • Course or template purchases

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Technical Data:

  • IP address, browser type, device information
  • Pages visited, time spent, navigation paths
  • Referring website/source
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 5)

Performance Data:

  • Google Analytics (anonymous usage data)
  • Heatmap/session recordings (anonymous)
  • Conversion tracking

2.3 Information From Third Parties

Service Providers:

  • Payment processors (Stripe)
  • Email marketing platforms (ConvertKit/ActiveCampaign)
  • CRM systems
  • SEO tools and analytics platforms

Affiliate Programs:

  • Click and conversion data (anonymous)
  • Commission tracking (does not include personal customer data)

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Service Delivery

  • Provide Local SEO services and audits
  • Communicate about your projects
  • Process payments and invoices
  • Deliver purchased digital products

3.2 Marketing & Communications

  • Send relevant content and updates
  • Share case studies and educational materials
  • Promote services (with opt-out options)
  • Newsletter distribution

3.3 Website Improvement

  • Analyze traffic patterns and user behavior
  • Improve website functionality and user experience
  • Test new features and content
  • Prevent fraud and ensure security

3.4 Legal Compliance

  • Comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • Respond to legal requests and prevent harm
  • Enforce our Terms & Conditions

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data under the following legal bases:

Consent: When you opt-in to newsletters or marketing
Contractual Necessity: To provide services you’ve requested
Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws
Legitimate Interests: For website security, analytics, and service improvement

5. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
Performance Cookies: Anonymous analytics (Google Analytics)
Functional Cookies: Remember preferences and settings
Marketing Cookies: Track campaign performance (with consent)

5.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

5.3 Third-Party Tracking

We use:

  • Google Analytics: Anonymous usage data
  • Facebook Pixel: Ad performance tracking (opt-out available)
  • Hotjar: User behavior analysis (anonymous)
  • Stripe: Payment processing

6. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

6.1 Service Providers

We share data with trusted providers for:

  • Payment processing (Stripe)
  • Email marketing (ConvertKit/ActiveCampaign)
  • CRM management
  • Analytics and reporting

All providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

6.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information:

  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To protect our rights and safety
  • In connection with business transfers (merger, acquisition)

6.3 What We Do NOT Do

  • ❌ Sell your personal information
  • ❌ Share client data with other clients
  • ❌ Use data for unrelated third-party marketing

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

7.1 General Rights

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Request data deletion
  • Object to data processing
  • Data portability (where applicable)

7.2 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You have the right to:

  • Know what personal information is collected
  • Request deletion of personal information
  • Opt-out of “sales” or sharing of personal information
  • Non-discrimination for exercising rights

We do not sell personal information. Any data sharing is for business purposes only with appropriate safeguards.

7.3 European Residents (GDPR)

Additional rights include:

  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
  • Restrict processing in certain circumstances

7.4 Exercising Your Rights

Contact: moazzum@thedigitalmalik.com
We will respond within 30 days and verify your identity before processing requests.

8. DATA RETENTION

8.1 Retention Periods

Service Clients: Duration of service + 7 years for tax/legal compliance
Newsletter Subscribers: Until unsubscribed
Website Analytics: 26 months (anonymous)
Comments: Indefinite (or until deletion requested)
Backup Data: 30 days (encrypted)

8.2 Data Deletion

  • Unsubscribe from emails (link in every email)
  • Request account deletion via email
  • Cookies expire according to settings or browser clearance

9. DATA SECURITY

9.1 Protection Measures

  • SSL encryption (HTTPS)
  • Regular security audits
  • Secure payment processing (PCI compliant)
  • Limited employee access to sensitive data
  • Regular software updates

9.2 Data Breach Procedures

We will:

  • Notify affected users within 72 hours
  • Investigate and contain the breach
  • Report to authorities as required by law
  • Implement measures to prevent recurrence

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Our primary servers are located in the United States. If you are outside the US, your data may be transferred to and processed in the US. We use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and other appropriate safeguards for international transfers.

11. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it promptly.

12. AFFILIATE MARKETING DISCLOSURE

We participate in affiliate marketing programs. When you click affiliate links, we may earn commissions. This does not affect your privacy—affiliate networks track clicks via cookies, not personal data.

For details, see our Affiliate Disclaimer.

13. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND EMBEDDED CONTENT

Our website may include:

  • Embedded content (YouTube videos, social media)
  • Links to other websites
  • Third-party tools (calendars, forms)

These third parties have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.

14. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS

We do not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals. We instead provide opt-out options for specific tracking technologies.

15. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with updated “Last Updated” dates. Material changes will be notified via email or website notice.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

For privacy-related inquiries:

Email: moazzum@thedigitalmalik.com
Mail: KTS Strategic Media LLC, Carle Place, NY 11514
Response Time: 30 days for formal requests

17. GOVERNING LAW

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of New York, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

© 2026 KTS Strategic Media LLC (DBA: The Digital Malik). All Rights Reserved.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on January 17, 2026, and replaces all previous versions.