Stone Stories Privacy Policy

Last update: January 2026

1. THE BASICS

This Privacy Policy explains how I (Lukas Stone, trading as Stone Stories) collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit this website. I take your privacy seriously. I'm not here to sell your data or spam you. This policy tells you what I collect, why I collect it, and what I do with it. This site is operated from Sydney, Australia, and complies with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. INFORMATION I COLLECT

Information you give me directly:

  • Name and email address (if you subscribe to my mailing list or contact me)

  • Any information you include in contact form messages

  • Social media handles (if you share them when contacting me)

Information collected automatically:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information (desktop, mobile, tablet)

  • Pages you visit on this site

  • Time and date of visits

  • Referring website (how you found me)

  • Geographic location (general, not your exact address)

Cookies: This site uses cookies—small text files stored on your device. Squarespace (my website host) uses cookies for:

  • Site functionality (keeping you logged in, remembering preferences)

  • Analytics (understanding how visitors use the site)

  • Performance optimization

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not work properly.

3. HOW I USE YOUR INFORMATION

I use collected information to:

  • Send you updates if you've subscribed (newsletters, blog posts, book launch news)

  • Respond to your inquiries or messages

  • Improve website functionality and user experience

  • Understand visitor behavior through analytics (what content resonates, what doesn't)

  • Comply with legal obligations if required

What I don't do:

  • Sell your data to third parties

  • Spam you with unsolicited marketing

  • Share your information without your consent (except as required by law)

4. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

This website uses third-party services that may collect information:

Squarespace (website hosting): Collects basic usage data, cookies, and analytics. See its privacy policy: https://www.squarespace.com/privacy

Social media platforms (Instagram, BlueSky, Substack): When you click links to these platforms, you're subject to their privacy policies, not mine. I don't control third-party data practices. Review their policies directly.

5. EXTERNAL LINKS

This site links to Substack, BlueSky, Instagram, and other platforms. Once you leave this site, their privacy policies apply—not mine. I'm not responsible for their data practices.

6. DATA SECURITY

I take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. This includes:

  • Secure hosting through Squarespace (SSL encryption)

  • Limited access to personal data

  • Regular security reviews

However, no online transmission is 100% secure. Use this site at your own risk.

7. DATA RETENTION

I keep your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law.

  • If you subscribe to my mailing list: I'll keep your email until you unsubscribe.

  • If you contact me: I'll keep correspondence for as long as needed to respond and maintain records.

  • Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for statistical purposes.

8. YOUR RIGHTS (AUSTRALIAN PRIVACY PRINCIPLES)

Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal information I hold

  • Correct inaccurate or outdated information

  • Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)

  • Opt out of marketing communications at any time

  • Complain if you believe your privacy has been breached

To exercise these rights, contact me here.

If you're not satisfied with my response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): https://www.oaic.gov.au

9. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Some third-party services (like Squarespace, Google Analytics) may store data on servers outside Australia. By using this site, you consent to your information being transferred internationally where these services operate. These services are subject to their own privacy policies and the privacy laws of their jurisdictions.

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

This site is not directed at children under 18. I don't knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe I've inadvertently collected data from a child, contact me immediately and I'll delete it.

11. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes take effect when posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Check back periodically if you care about this stuff.

12. CONTACT & COMPLAINTS

Questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how I handle your data? Contact me here and I'll respond to your enquiry asap.

For complaints to the OAIC:
Website: https://www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992