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Legal Matters & Site Information

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Applies to: www.ardanmichaelblum.com and associated subdomains (including diary, and links).

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

1. Accessibility Statement

I strive to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which is the recognized global standard for ensuring web content is user-friendly for people with disabilities. I continuously monitor and improve my website to ensure compliance. 

I am committed to addressing these issues and seek solutions to improve overall web accessibility. 

If you encounter accessibility barriers (e.g., page navigation issues, missing alt text) or need assistance using assistive technologies, please contact me: 

• Phone: +1 650 427-9358 (Voice or Text)

• Online: Link to Secure Contact Form
  
  

2. Terms of Service

A. Agreement & Acceptance: These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between Ardan Michael Blum (located at 345 Forest Avenue, Suite 204, Palo Alto, California 94301) and you ("you" or "your"). By accessing or using my Service, you affirm that you are at least eighteen (18) years old and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must discontinue use immediately.

B. Intellectual Property & AI Protections: All content on this Website (text, graphics, code, and blog posts) is the property of Ardan Michael Blum or his licensors and is protected by copyright laws.

• Limited License: You may access and print materials for personal, non-commercial use only.

• Artificial Intelligence Prohibition: You are strictly prohibited from using automated means (including robots, spiders, scrapers, or other data mining tools) to access, acquire, or copy any portion of this Website for the purpose of training machine learning systems, artificial intelligence models (LLMs), or creating competing datasets. Unauthorized use of my content for AI training is a material breach of these Terms.

C. Prohibited Conduct You agree not to:

• Violate any local, state, national, or international law.

• Interfere with the security or functionality of the Website (e.g., DDoS attacks).

• Transmit malicious code, viruses, or spam.

• Impersonate any person or entity.

D. Termination of Use: I reserve the right, in my sole discretion, to terminate or suspend your access to all or part of the Website, with or without notice, for any reason, including, without limitation, breach of these Terms.

E. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability:

• "As Is" Basis: THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS." I DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

• Liability Limit: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ARDAN MICHAEL BLUM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.

• AI Content Disclaimer: Some content on this Website may be assisted by Artificial Intelligence. While I review for accuracy, users should verify information independently.

• Informational Purposes Only & Professional Advice: The content provided on this Website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, whether legal, financial, medical, or otherwise. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a specific subject matter. Reliance on any information provided by this Website is solely at your own risk.

• No Professional-Client Relationship: Your use of this Website, including implementation of any suggestions set out in this Website and/or use of any resources available on this Website, does not create a professional-client relationship between you and Ardan Michael Blum or any associated professionals. A professional-client relationship is only formed after I have expressly agreed to work with you in a signed written agreement.

• Third-Party Links & External Resources: The Website may contain links to third-party websites or resources. I do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites. Accessing them is at your own risk.

• Accuracy & Completeness: While I strive to ensure the information on this Website is accurate and up-to-date, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the Website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the Website for any purpose. The information may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not be complete or current.

• Subject to Change: The content, features, and services on this Website are subject to change without notification.

F. Indemnification: You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Ardan Michael Blum from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to your violation of these Terms or your use of the Website.

G. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration: All claims and disputes arising in connection with these Terms shall be resolved by binding arbitration on an individual basis administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA). You expressly waive your right to a trial by jury and your right to participate in a class action lawsuit. For any actions not subject to arbitration, you agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts located within Santa Clara County, California. 

H. General Provisions:

• Severability: If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

• Waiver: No waiver of any term of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term.

• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Ardan Michael Blum regarding the use of the Service.

• Modifications to Terms: I reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. These Terms are subject to change without notification. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any changes.
  
  

3. Privacy Policy

A. Information I Collect I collect information to provide my services and improve user experience:

• Volunteered Information: Name, email, phone number, and message content when you register or contact me.

• Automated Information: IP address, device type, browser version, operating system, and browsing behavior.

• Inferred Information: Data derived from your interactions to understand your preferences (e.g., SEO topics of interest).

B. How I Use Your Data I use your data for the following business purposes:

• To operate, maintain, and improve the Website.

• To detect and prevent fraud or security breaches.

• To comply with legal obligations.

• To communicate with you regarding updates, products, or marketing (with consent).

C. Data Sharing I do not sell your personal data for monetary value. However, I may share data in the following ways:

• Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, and marketing partners (such as Google) who are bound by confidentiality agreements.

• Legal Authorities: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect my rights.

• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

D. Data Security: I implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information. However, no website or Internet transmission is completely secure, and I cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data.

E. Children's Privacy: My Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided me with personal information, please contact me immediately so I can delete it.

F. Data Retention: I retain your personal information only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

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4. Cookie Policy & User Control

What are Cookies? A cookie is a small file with information that your browser stores on your device. Information in this file is typically shared with the owner of the site in addition to potential partners and third parties to that business. The collection of this information may be used in the function of the site and/or to improve your experience.

To give you the best experience possible, I use the following types of cookies:

• Strictly Necessary: As a web application, I may require cookies to run my service. 

• Analytics: I collect analytics about the types of people who visit my site to improve my service and product.

B. GLOBAL MANUAL CONTROL: You have the power to block or delete cookies directly through your browser settings. This effectively stops tracking even if the website attempts to load it.

• Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data. Select "Block third-party cookies" or "Block all cookies." Official Chrome Instructions

• Safari (macOS): Go to Safari Menu > Preferences > Privacy. Check "Prevent cross-site tracking" or "Block all cookies." Official Apple Safari Support

• Safari (iPhone/iPad/iOS): Go to Settings > Safari. Scroll to "Privacy & Security" and toggle "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" or "Block All Cookies." Official iOS Instructions

• Mozilla Firefox: Go to Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security. Under "Enhanced Tracking Protection," select "Strict" to block most trackers Official Firefox Instructions

• Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data. Official Edge Instructions

C. GLOBAL OPT-OUT TOOLS: If you wish to opt out of data collection for interest-based advertising or analytics across the entire web (not just this site), you can use these industry-standard tools:

• Analytics Opt-Out

  • Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: This browser extension prevents your data from being used by Google Analytics. Download Add-on Here

• Advertising Industry Opt-Out Registries These tools allow you to opt out of targeted advertising from participating companies (including Google, Meta, and others) in a single step.

  • United States (NAI): Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out

  • United States (DAA): Digital Advertising Alliance WebChoices

  • Europe (EDAA): Your Online Choices (EU)

  • Canada (DAAC): Your Ad Choices (Canada)

• Mobile Device Identifiers Your mobile device has a unique ID used for tracking. You can reset or block this ID:

  • iOS (Apple): Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track."

  • Android: Go to Settings > Google > Ads and select "Delete advertising ID" or "Opt out of Ads Personalization."

• Google Account Settings You can specifically control the ads you see from Google by visiting your personal Google Ad Center: My Ad Center

D. Google Services & DMA Compliance: I may use services offered by Google (including Analytics, AdSense, and Firebase). To ensure transparency and compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), I may employ Google Consent Mode v2. This advanced framework ensures that Google tags strictly adhere to your consent preferences. If you deny consent, these services operate in a limited, privacy-preserving mode without storing cookies. I recommend you review Google's Privacy Policy. For more information on how Google processes your data, visit the following link: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites 

Note: This site (and all subdomains) use Google Sites. See details: https://transparency.google/intl/en/our-policies/product-terms/google-sites/

5. Jurisdiction-Specific Rights

A. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA & CalOPPA) Under California law, you have specific rights regarding your "Personal Information" (PI).

• Sharing vs. Selling: I do not sell your personal data for money. However, the use of third-party advertising cookies may be considered "sharing" data under California law.

• Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of this "sharing." I honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal. Global Privacy Control (GPC) is a mechanism to allow Internet users to notify businesses of their privacy preferences. Please click https://globalprivacycontrol.org/ for more information. If your browser broadcasts a GPC signal, my systems will treat it as a valid request to opt-out of cross-context behavioral advertising.

• Do Not Track (DNT) Policy: In compliance with CalOPPA, I inform you that I do not alter my data collection and use practices when I see a Do Not Track signal from your browser, except regarding the GPC signal mentioned above.

• Right to Know, Correct & Delete: You may request details on the data I collect, ask for the correction of inaccurate data, or request its deletion.

• Verification: I will verify your identity before processing requests (typically within 45 days).

• Non-Discrimination: I will not discriminate against you (e.g., deny services) for exercising these rights.

B. European Economic Area (EEA) & UK - GDPR: If you are located in the EEA or UK, you are protected by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

• Legal Basis for Processing: I process data based on your consent (cookies) or my legitimate interest (security/fraud prevention).

• Your Rights:

  • Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies or using the opt-out tools listed in Section 4.

  • Right to Erasure: You may request that I delete your data ("Right to be Forgotten").

  • Right to Lodge a Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority (DPA).

C. Canada (PIPEDA) In accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA):

• I will obtain your consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate.

• You have the right to access your personal information and challenge its accuracy.

D. DMCA Copyright Notice: I respect intellectual property rights. If you believe material on this site infringes your copyright, please send a notice to my Designated Agent in accordance with 17 U.S.C. § 512(c). Your notice must include:

• Identification of the copyrighted work and the infringing material.

• Your contact information (Address, Phone, Email).

• A statement of good faith belief that the use is unauthorized.

• A statement under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner.

• A physical or electronic signature. Designated Agent: Ardan Michael Blum (Contact via details below).
  
  

6. GDPR Compliance & Data Security

I am dedicated to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and maintaining the highest standards of data security.

Data Hosting & Encryption: My infrastructure is hosted in the United States. I utilize industry-standard strong ciphers to encrypt all data at rest within my primary databases and backups. Additionally, all data transmitted to my platform is secured using TLS encryption.

Retention & Backups To ensure availability and resilience, I maintain encrypted backups of customer data.

• Active Data: You retain full control over your active data.

• Deletion Policy: Data deleted from your account is immediately removed from active systems. However, it may persist in my encrypted backups for a 90-day retention window, after which it is permanently expunged.

My Data Processing Agreement (DPA) governs my data handling practices. To request a copy, please contact me using the information in Section 7.

7. Contact Information

For any legal inquiries, privacy requests, or accessibility support, please contact me:

Ardan Michael Blum 345 Forest Avenue, Suite 204 Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

• Phone: +1 650 427-9358 (Voice or Text)

• Online: Link to Secure Contact Form

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