At International Conflict Studies (ICS), accessible from https://internationalconflictstudies.com/, the privacy, confidentiality, and data autonomy of our visitors, sovereign researchers, defense analysts, and institutional subscribers are paramount. This Privacy Policy details the types of personal and technical data collected, how it is processed, our compliance with Google AdSense and Consent Mode v2, and our binding open grievance redressal mechanisms.

By accessing or using our platform, you consent to the data collection and processing practices described herein. If you do not agree with any aspect of this policy, you may adjust your consent preferences via our Cookie & Data Permission banner or contact our Data Protection Desk.

1. Information We Collect

We adhere to strict data minimization principles. Depending on your level of interaction with our platform, we may collect:

• Technical & Log Telemetry: Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, operating system, and timestamp data used strictly for platform security, DDoS mitigation, and aggregate traffic diagnostics.
• Voluntary Direct Communications: When you submit inquiries through our contact gateway or email our intelligence desks, we receive your name, email address, institutional affiliation, and the contents of your message.
• Subscriber Data: When subscribing to the ICS Intelligence Dispatch or Google Reader Revenue Manager tiers, we record verified email addresses, verification token timestamps, and subscription tier status.

2. Cookies, Google AdSense & Advertising Technologies

International Conflict Studies uses cookies, local storage, and secure session tokens to enhance platform navigation, preserve security settings, and support ethical contextual advertising through Google AdSense (Publisher ID: ca-pub-2669399595092754).

Google AdSense & DoubleClick DART Cookies Disclosures:

• Third-Party Vendors: Third-party vendors, including Google LLC, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to International Conflict Studies or other websites across the Internet.
• DoubleClick DART Cookie: Google’s use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve relevant advertisements based on visits to our site and/or other destinations across the web.
• User Opt-Out Rights: You may opt out of personalized advertising at any time by visiting Google Ads Settings.
• Industry Opt-Out Portals: You may universally opt out of third-party vendors’ cookies for personalized advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance Consumer Choice Portal, the Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out Tool, or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (EDAA Your Online Choices).

Cookie Classification Matrix

3. Google Consent Mode v2 Integration

International Conflict Studies has integrated Google Consent Mode v2. Our platform communicates explicit consent states for four specific signal categories:

• ad_storage: Authorizes storage of advertising cookies.
• analytics_storage: Authorizes storage of performance and analytics cookies.
• ad_user_data: Transmits consent for sending user data to Google for advertising purposes.
• ad_personalization: Controls whether personalized ad serving is enabled.

When you select “Essential Only” on our site consent banner, all non-essential storage signals remain in a denied state, preventing personalized ad tracking while ensuring core platform functionality remains seamless.

4. Google Reader Revenue Manager & Subscriber Data Protection

Paid subscriptions and contributions to International Conflict Studies research are conducted through Google Reader Revenue Manager with Google LLC acting as Merchant of Record:

• Controller-to-Controller Terms: We collect and process subscriber data in compliance with the Google Controller-Controller Data Protection Terms.
• Zero Data Selling: We never sell, monetize, or rent subscriber names or email addresses to third parties or programmatic data brokers.
• Consent Revocation: Subscribers may revoke promotional or briefing delivery at any time with immediate effect by emailing info@internationalconflictstudies.com.

5. Data Subject Rights (GDPR & CCPA/CPRA)

Regardless of geographic origin, International Conflict Studies affords all users comprehensive data sovereignty rights:

• Right to Access: You may request a verified copy of all personal records we maintain regarding your identity or interactions.
• Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): You may request the immediate, permanent deletion of your subscriber data, contact history, and associated logs.
• Right to Rectification: You may request the correction of any inaccurate or outdated information.
• Right to Restrict or Object: You may object to the processing of your data for analytical or advertising purposes at any time.

6. Data Security & Encryption Standards

We implement enterprise-grade technical safeguards including TLS 1.3 cryptographic transit protocols, LiteSpeed web application firewalls (WAF), rate-limiting rails, and automated DDoS mitigation. Access to administrative systems is restricted to authorized personnel via multi-factor authentication.

7. Contacting the Data Protection Desk

For data rights requests, cookie questions, or formal privacy complaints: