This page describes what data Popkulturist collects, how it's handled, and what your rights are. The publication is run by one person, so the data flow is shorter than at most sites.
Who's the data controller
Benjamin Adam Touati, operating as Popkulturist, is the data controller for this site. Contact details and full legal information are on the Imprint page. For privacy questions specifically, email ben@popkulturist.com.
What's collected, and where
Newsletter signups
If you enter your email address into the subscription form, that email is sent to Buttondown, which is the platform Popkulturist uses to send newsletters. Buttondown stores your email, your subscription date, and basic delivery data (whether emails were delivered, opened, or bounced). You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of every issue, which removes you from the list. Buttondown is a US company, so your email is processed and stored in the United States.
Server logs
When you visit any page, the hosting provider automatically logs basic information including your IP address and browser type. This is standard webhost practice and is not used for tracking or analytics. The logs exist so the host can keep the site running and respond to abuse. They're retained according to the host's standard retention policy.
Embeds
Some essays include embedded content from YouTube and Bluesky. When those embeds load on the page, those services may set their own cookies and receive data about your visit (your IP address, browser info, and the page you're viewing). YouTube/Google's data handling is governed by Google's privacy policy and goes through their infrastructure, including transfers to the United States. Bluesky uses the AT Protocol and collects significantly less, but the embed still creates a connection to their servers. The cookie consent banner on the site lets you reject embed cookies if you'd rather they not load.
What's not collected
Popkulturist does not run analytics. There is no Google Analytics, Plausible, Fathom, or behavioural tracking of any kind. The site has no contact form and no comment system, so no form or commenter data exists. The publication does not sell or share data with third parties for marketing purposes, because there is no such data to sell.
Cookies
The cookie consent banner on the site is run through CookieYes and lets you choose whether to allow non-essential cookies. Necessary cookies (which keep the site functional) are always set. Embed cookies from YouTube and Bluesky are only set if you accept them via the banner. You can change your consent preferences at any time by clearing the consent cookie or revisiting the banner via the footer link.
Your rights under GDPR
You have the right to:
- Request a copy of any personal data Popkulturist holds about you
- Have inaccurate data corrected
- Have your data deleted (the right to erasure)
- Restrict or object to certain types of processing
- Receive your data in a portable format
- Lodge a complaint with the Swedish data protection authority, Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten (IMY)
To exercise any of these rights, email ben@popkulturist.com. Requests will be handled within 30 days as required by GDPR.
International transfers
Some of the third-party services Popkulturist uses (Buttondown, Google/YouTube, Webflow) are based in or transfer data to the United States. These transfers happen under the standard data protection mechanisms that apply to such services, including the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and standard contractual clauses where applicable.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes materially, the change will be noted at the top of this page with a date. Minor edits (typos, link fixes) won't be flagged.
Last updated: 8 May 2026