Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 06/22/2026

Welcome to Hungary Discovered. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Hungarian data protection laws (Infotv.).

This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and how we keep it secure while you explore our digital publication.

1. Data Controller Identity

The entity responsible for processing your personal data on this website is:

  • Controller: Gergely Bali
  • Website: www.hungarydiscovered.com
  • Contact Email: info@hungarydiscovered.com

2. What Data We Collect & Why

We only collect data that helps us improve the publication and deliver editorial content to you.

  • Automated Data (Analytics): When you visit the site, we collect your IP address, browser type, device information, and broad geographic data (such as your city or region).
    • Why: To understand readership trends across different districts and wine regions, optimize site performance, and improve our travel and F&B curation.
  • Provided Data (Newsletter): If you subscribe to our publication, we collect the email address and name you provide.
    • Why: To send you editorial updates, ongoing discovery guides, and newsletter issues.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the GDPR, we must have a legal justification to process your data:

  • Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR): We rely on your explicit consent when you subscribe to our newsletter or agree to non-essential analytics cookies via our cookie banner.
  • Legitimate Interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR): We process some data automatically to ensure basic website functionality, maintain security, and prevent fraud.

4. Third-Party Processors & Data Transfers

We do not sell your personal data. To run the magazine, we utilize the following trusted third-party services. Some of these providers may process data on servers located in the United States; these transfers are protected under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework or standard contractual clauses.

  • Google Analytics (Google LLC): Used to measure site traffic and reader engagement.
  • beehiiv, Inc.: Used to manage our subscriber list and distribute our editorial newsletter.
  • Make.com (Make GmbH): Serves as a secure automation bridge, routing your newsletter signup data from our website directly to beehiiv.
  • Web Hosting: [Insert your hosting provider, e.g., Hostinger / SiteGround], which stores our website’s files and foundational data.

5. Cookie & Tracking Policy

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help the site function and provide analytics.

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to load securely and function properly. These cannot be disabled.
  • Analytics Cookies (Google Analytics 4): Used to track how you interact with our articles and visual content. These are deployed only if you grant consent through our cookie banner.
  • Managing Consent: You can withdraw or modify your cookie consent at any time by clicking the [Cookie Settings / floating cookie icon] at the bottom of your screen or adjusting your browser settings.

6. Data Retention & Security

  • Analytics Data: Google Analytics data is retained for 14 months before being automatically and permanently deleted.
  • Newsletter Data: Your email is kept securely in beehiiv until you choose to unsubscribe. Every email we send includes an “Unsubscribe” link in the footer. If you click it, your data is immediately removed from our active mailing list.
  • Security: Hungary Discovered operates over a secure SSL encrypted connection, and our data routing via Make.com utilizes secure API protocols.

7. Your GDPR Rights & Complaint Procedures

Under the GDPR, you retain full control over your personal data. You have the right to:

  1. Access the data we hold about you.
  2. Rectify any incorrect or incomplete data.
  3. Request Deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”) of your personal data.
  4. Withdraw Consent for newsletters or cookies at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at info@hungarydiscovered.com. We will respond to all data requests within one month (30 days).

Filing a Complaint (Hungary):

If you believe your data privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Hungarian data protection authority:

  • Nemzeti Adatvédelmi és Információszabadság Hatóság (NAIH)
  • Address: 1055 Budapest, Falk Miksa utca 9-11
  • Email: ugyfelszolgalat@naih.hu
  • Phone: +36 (1) 391-1400
  • Website: naih.hu