Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 2026
This Privacy Policy explains what information WiggMap collects when you use our website (wiggmap.com), how we use it, and the rights you have under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and equivalent privacy laws.
1. Who we are
WiggMap is an independent online publication that compares cost of living, salaries, taxes, visa rules, and quality-of-life data across 160+ countries. WiggMap acts as the data controller for any personal data collected through this website. You can reach us at contact.wiggmap@gmail.com for any privacy-related question.
2. What data we collect
We try to collect as little personal data as possible. Most visitors browse WiggMap completely anonymously. We may process the following categories of data:
a. Technical and usage data (analytics)
When you visit a page, your browser automatically sends information that we collect through Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Tag Manager:
- IP address (truncated and anonymized by Google before storage)
- Approximate location (country / region only, derived from IP)
- Browser type, language, screen size, operating system
- Referring website (how you arrived on WiggMap)
- Pages visited, time spent, navigation paths
- Interactions such as clicks, scrolls and downloads
This data is aggregated and used to understand which content is useful and how to improve the site. We do not attempt to identify individual visitors.
b. Voluntary information you provide
If you use the "Correct data" form on a country page, the contact form, or send an email, you may share your email address and the content of your message. This information is used solely to respond to you and, in the case of data corrections, to verify the suggested change.
c. Local browser storage
WiggMap stores a small preference in your browser's local storage to remember your preferred display language (English, French or Spanish). This is not a cookie and is never sent to our servers.
3. Cookies and similar technologies
WiggMap uses the following cookies:
| Cookie / technology | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguish unique visitors and measure engagement | Up to 24 months |
| Google Tag Manager (GTM-K4MMRD4R) | Tag deployment container for analytics scripts | Session | |
| wigg_lang (localStorage) | WiggMap | Remember your language preference | Persistent until cleared |
You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Doing so will not affect your ability to use the site.
4. Legal basis for processing (GDPR)
Under the GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases:
- Legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f)) for anonymized analytics that help us understand traffic and improve the site.
- Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) where required by your local law for non-essential cookies.
- Contractual necessity (Art. 6(1)(b)) when you contact us and we need to respond.
5. How long we keep your data
- Analytics data: aggregated and stored by Google for up to 14 months by default.
- Email correspondence: kept as long as needed to handle your request, then deleted.
- Data correction submissions: kept until the suggested change has been reviewed and applied.
6. Data sharing and third parties
WiggMap does not sell, rent or trade your personal data. We only share data with the following processors strictly necessary to operate the site:
- Google LLC — analytics (Google Analytics 4) and tag management (Google Tag Manager). Google may transfer data outside the EU under Standard Contractual Clauses.
- Netlify — our hosting provider, which logs request metadata as part of normal server operation.
We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights.
7. Your rights
If you live in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, Switzerland or any jurisdiction with comparable privacy laws, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request rectification or erasure of your data
- Object to or restrict our processing of your data
- Request portability of your data
- Withdraw any consent you have given
- Lodge a complaint with your national data protection authority (in France, the CNIL — www.cnil.fr)
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact.wiggmap@gmail.com. We respond within 30 days.
8. Children
WiggMap is not directed at children under 16 and we do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal data through the site, please contact us so we can delete it.
9. International data transfers
Some of our processors (notably Google) are based in the United States. Where personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area, the transfer is governed by Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission to ensure an adequate level of protection.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time as our practices, the law or our service evolves. Significant changes will be flagged with a new "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of WiggMap after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact
For any question about this Privacy Policy or how WiggMap handles your data, please write to contact.wiggmap@gmail.com.