Who we are
Understories (understories.io) is a climate communication research and evaluation system created by Caroline Prak, based in Paris, France. You can reach us at caroline@understories.io.
We collect only the minimum data needed to understand how the site is used, respond to enquiries, evaluate a message you submit, and send the emails you ask for.
Analytics — We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to collect anonymised data about page visits, referral sources, and general usage patterns. This data is processed by Google LLC and stored on Google's servers. No personally identifiable information is collected through analytics. IP addresses are anonymised.
Forms — If you submit a form on this site, your responses are processed by Tally (tally.so), a third-party form tool. Tally may store your submission data on its servers. We use form data solely to respond to your enquiry or request.
Evaluations — If you submit a message for evaluation, your message, the audience and goal, and the Library passages used for scoring are sent to Anthropic (anthropic.com), the provider of the Claude model. Anthropic stores these inputs and outputs on its servers and deletes them within 30 days. By default, this content is not used to train Claude. We keep the message, your email address, the evaluation, and the IP address of the connection so we can send you the result and apply the usage limits.
Monthly updates — If you opt in when you request an evaluation, your email address is added to our list on Brevo (brevo.com) after you confirm the link. We use it only to send the Monthly Update.
The Reading List — If you sign up for The Reading List, your email address is added to our list on Brevo (brevo.com). We use it only to send that newsletter.
Cookies
We use cookies only for analytics purposes (GA4). No advertising or tracking cookies are used. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time using the consent banner.
Legal basis for processing
We process analytics data based on your consent, which you can give or withdraw at any time via the cookie banner on this site. Form submissions, evaluations, the Monthly Update, and The Reading List are processed on the basis of your consent when you choose to submit or opt in. You can unsubscribe from either email at any time.
Third-party services
Google Analytics 4 — Google Privacy Policy Anthropic — Anthropic Privacy Policy Tally — Tally Privacy Policy Brevo — Brevo Privacy Policy — This site is hosted on Framer. Framer Privacy Policy The evaluation service and the database that stores submissions run on an OVHcloud server in Strasbourg, France. OVHcloud Privacy Policy
Data retention
Analytics data is retained for 14 months in Google Analytics, after which it is automatically deleted. Anthropic deletes its copy within 30 days, unless a safety review or the law requires it to keep that content longer.
Form submission data is retained only as long as needed to respond to your enquiry.
We keep evaluation records for 3 months, after that we delete your email, message, IP automatically. We keep a pseudonymous record of the evaluation metadata for 14 months: scores and grades, ethics pass, retrieval quality, etc. for research and annual report purpose.
Email addresses on the Monthly Update and Reading List lists are kept until you unsubscribe.
Your rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data; to object to or restrict its processing; and to withdraw consent at any time. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at caroline@understories.io. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) at cnil.fr.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time.
The date at the bottom of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Questions?
caroline@understories.io
understories.io — last updated 28 September 2026
Stay close to the work.
Occasional research, field notes, and practical tools for making climate communication count.