Last updated: 19 October 2026
Google Analytics: optional measurement
Configuration introduced on 5 October 2026. Only if you accept analytics cookies does The Method Files use Google Analytics 4, provided by Google Ireland Limited, to measure visits to its public pages, traffic sources, commercial interactions and confirmed purchases. Technical browser data, cookie identifiers, the pages and interactions measured and, for purchases, a pseudonymous identifier, the products and their amounts are sent. We do not send names, email addresses, payment details or private notebook content. We do not install this measurement on lessons or in the account area.
The purpose is to understand how the website is used and how effective its content and campaigns are. The basis is your consent, which you can refuse or withdraw using the website's ‘Cookies’ button. Withdrawal does not affect earlier processing. We do not enable personalised advertising or Google Signals. Google may process data outside the European Economic Area under its contractual safeguards. See how Google uses this data and its data processing terms.
The first-party analytics cookies _ga and _ga_E76NHL0TP4 distinguish browsers and sessions; they are configured with a maximum lifetime of 180 days without automatic renewal. The technical preference tmf_analytics_consent_v1 retains your choice for 180 days. The session storage tmf_ga4_purchase_*, created only after you accept, helps prevent a purchase from being counted again in the same session. You can delete this data through your browser. If you decline, the Google Analytics tag is not loaded. Burst Statistics remains a separate tool with the scope described in this policy.
To exercise your rights or ask about the processing: info@themethodfiles.com.
The remaining information about data processing and how the website operates is set out below.
1. Data controller
Controller: Enrique Garcia Santaella, trading as The Method Files.
Website: themethodfiles.com
Contact email: info@themethodfiles.com
The Method Files processes users' personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Spanish data protection legislation.
2. What data we may process
Depending on how you use the site, we may process the following data:
Account and profile data: first name, surname, display name, email address, website and biography where the user chooses to provide these details.
Contact and purchase data: email address, the content of messages sent to The Method Files and, where a direct order is placed, the data needed for invoicing, order management, downloads, refunds and support. The Method Files does not receive or store full card details.
Technical data: IP address, basic browser information, technical logs, security data and other information needed to keep the site operational and protected.
Public-page statistics: we use Burst Statistics in private mode to measure visits and clicks from articles to academy overviews. Records are stored on this site's hosting. This measurement uses neither Burst cookies nor device fingerprinting; the system generates a temporary identifier through a hash with a rotating key, using technical connection data. It records the page visited, the traffic source where available and the interactions measured, without associating them with names, email addresses or learner accounts. The browser's Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control signals are respected. Collection is limited to the home page, the three public articles and the two overviews; this tool does not record lessons, purchases or the account area.
Cookie-related data: where applicable, as explained in the Cookie Policy.
The Method Files does not request or store the full details of cards used to purchase products offered on the website.
3. Purchases and payments
New direct purchases from The Method Files are managed through WooCommerce. Direct payments are processed through WooPayments, which uses payment infrastructure associated with Stripe. During the catalogue migration, some older products may temporarily retain purchase links to Gumroad.
For direct purchases, WooCommerce processes the data needed to record the order and manage access to downloads. WooPayments and its infrastructure providers process the data needed to authorise and manage payment. When a user makes a purchase on an external platform such as Gumroad, the relevant processing is also governed by that provider's policies.
The Method Files does not receive or store the full details of the bank card used by the buyer.
4. Purposes and legal bases
Personal data may be used to:
Manage user accounts and profiles: enable registration, login, profile management and account-related features.
Handle enquiries and requests: respond to messages sent to info@themethodfiles.com and provide support relating to the site, grimoires or access to content.
Maintain the site's security and operation: prevent unauthorised access, abuse, fraud, technical errors and other threats.
Comply with legal obligations: where processing is necessary to fulfil an applicable obligation.
Manage non-essential cookies: where they are used, on the basis of the user's consent.
The applicable legal bases may be performance of a contract or steps requested by the data subject, compliance with legal obligations, the legitimate interest in maintaining the site's security and operation and, where applicable, consent.
5. Recipients and technical providers
For the website to operate, certain data may be processed by technical providers needed to deliver the relevant services, such as the provider of hosting, email and services relating to the site's infrastructure.
Hostinger is used for hosting and/or email services associated with The Method Files.
Direct purchases use WooCommerce for orders and downloads and WooPayments for payment processing. Some older products may temporarily link to Gumroad while the catalogue migration is completed. Each provider processes the data needed to deliver its service under its own terms and policies.
Data may also be disclosed to public administrations, authorities or courts where there is a legal obligation.
The Method Files does not sell its users' personal data.
6. International transfers
Some technology providers may process data from countries outside the European Economic Area. Where applicable, this processing must have mechanisms and safeguards recognised by data protection legislation.
Payment, hosting and distribution providers may process certain data from outside the European Economic Area. Where applicable, this processing must rely on the safeguards provided for by data protection legislation. External platforms used during the catalogue migration are also governed by their own policies.
7. Data retention
Data will be retained only for the time needed to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected and, subsequently, for any periods needed to meet legal obligations or address potential liabilities.
Data associated with an account may be retained while the account remains active and for the necessary period after it is closed where there is an obligation or legitimate reason to retain it.
Communications received by email may be retained for as long as necessary to handle the enquiry and address potential liabilities relating to it.
Technical and security logs will be retained for the period reasonably necessary to protect the site and resolve incidents.
8. Users' rights
Users may exercise the rights recognised by data protection legislation, including the rights to:
access, rectification, erasure, objection, restriction of processing and portability, and to withdraw consent where processing is based on it.
To exercise these rights, you can write to:
clearly stating your request and providing only the information needed to identify and process it.
Exercising these rights is generally free of charge. The AEPD states that requests should normally receive a response within one month, except in cases provided for by law.
If users consider that their rights have not been adequately addressed, they may lodge a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD).
9. Security
The Method Files adopts reasonable technical and organisational measures intended to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, alteration or misuse.
However, no system connected to the Internet can guarantee absolute security.
10. Cookies
The Method Files may use technical cookies necessary for the site to operate.
Cookies that are not strictly necessary, where they exist, must be used in accordance with users' preferences and consent. Specific information about the cookies used is set out in the Cookie Policy.
11. Third-party links
The website may contain links to external services, including providers used during the catalogue migration. The Method Files does not control those sites' privacy policies, and users should review their terms when leaving themethodfiles.com.
When users leave themethodfiles.com and access an external service, they should consult the relevant privacy policy.
Voluntary donations
From 19 October 2026, contributions through Support TMF are recorded through WooCommerce and their payments are processed through WooPayments, using infrastructure associated with Stripe. We process the identification and contact details requested in the form, the amount, currency, transaction reference and status to fulfil your donation request, confirm its outcome, handle issues and comply with applicable legal obligations. Payment providers also process the data needed to authorise payment and prevent fraud.
The recipients, safeguards, retention periods and rights described in this policy apply. TMF does not store full card details or publish donors' identities. Donating does not subscribe you to the newsletter: that option is voluntary and is selected separately.
12. Changes to this policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated when The Method Files' services, the providers used or applicable legal obligations change.
The date of the latest change will always appear at the beginning of this page.
Collaborators: optional purchase attribution
From 19 October 2026, collaborator links may request a specific choice, separate from analytics. The first-party cookie tmf_partner_ref is stored only when you accept, with a signed reference to the collaborator and a maximum lifetime of 30 days. The technical cookie tmf_partner_choice remembers your acceptance or rejection for 30 days. You can withdraw permission through ‘Collaborator preferences’ at the foot of the website. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control are respected.
If you place an order with a valid reference, it is associated with the order to calculate and review the commission. The collaborator area shows amounts, dates and internal references, without buyers' names, email addresses or payment details. The module does not retain a history of visits or IP addresses for affiliate attribution. Order, review and settlement records are retained in accordance with the management periods and obligations described in this policy. See the details of the programme and tracking.
Measurement of Laboratory experiences
From 15 October 2026, optional Google Analytics measurement includes starting, viewing the result of and following continuation links from the five Laboratory experiences. It is activated only if you accept analytics. The public experience and related course are identified; we do not send your choices, creations, score or notes. Your work and progress are saved in your browser, not in your account. You can change your choice in ‘Cookies’.