Last updated: 16 September 2026
THE ZHAAL is an independent research and editorial website at thezhaal.com, led by Sasan Rafiei. This page explains how information is handled when you visit the site or contact us.
Information collected when you visit
Our hosting provider may process technical request information, such as an IP address, browser details, requested page and time, to deliver the site and protect it from abuse. WordPress uses login and preference cookies for administrators. Public visitor registration is not enabled.
We use Burst Statistics to understand page views and engagement. Burst is currently configured in its cookieless fingerprint mode. It does not set a tracking cookie, but it recognizes returning devices using browser and device information. Statistics are stored in the website database. We do not enable Burst’s optional sharing of anonymous usage data. This setting may change; this page will be updated if it does.
Contact and newsletter
If you email us, we receive the address, message and any information you choose to include. Messages are handled through our domain mailbox and forwarded to a Gmail account so we can reply. Email providers process those messages under their own policies. We use them only to respond and keep necessary correspondence.
The Zhaal Signal newsletter is currently unavailable while its service account is reviewed. The website does not currently offer a working subscription form. We will update this policy before accepting newsletter subscriptions again.
External sites
Articles may link to source material on other websites. Following those links takes you to a separate service with its own privacy practices. We do not control that service’s data handling.
How long information is kept
Site statistics, technical logs and correspondence are kept only as needed to operate, secure and evaluate the site or meet applicable obligations. Retention depends on the relevant system and provider. We periodically review what we keep and can respond to a specific request about data associated with you.
Your choices and requests
You may ask what personal information we hold about you and request correction or deletion where appropriate. You can also avoid external source links and use browser privacy controls. Please contact us through the Contact page for data-related requests.
We will review this policy when the site’s tools or services change.