Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 25, 2025
Your Privacy Matters: CompareForge is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Contact Information: Name, email address when you subscribe to our newsletter or contact us
- Feedback and Comments: Any information you provide when submitting feedback or comments
- Survey Responses: Information provided in surveys or questionnaires
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
- IP Address: Your Internet Protocol address
- Cookies and Tracking: Data collected through cookies and similar technologies
- Referral Information: The website that referred you to our site
1.3 Third-Party Information
We may receive information about you from third-party services, including:
- Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
- Advertising networks
- Affiliate program partners
- Social media platforms (if you interact with our social content)
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for various purposes:
2.1 To Provide and Improve Our Services
- Display and personalize website content
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Analyze usage patterns and trends
- Develop new features and services
2.2 To Communicate With You
- Send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
- Respond to your inquiries and requests
- Send important notices about our services
- Provide customer support
2.3 For Marketing and Analytics
- Track affiliate conversions and commissions
- Measure advertising effectiveness
- Conduct market research
- Display relevant advertisements
2.4 For Legal and Security Purposes
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect against fraud and abuse
- Enforce our Terms of Service
- Protect our rights and property
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
3.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect usage information.
3.2 Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (Google Analytics)
- Advertising Cookies: Used to display relevant ads and track affiliate conversions
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
3.3 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Block all cookies
- Clear cookies when closing the browser
4. Third-Party Services and Links
4.1 Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and usage. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. For more information, visit Google's Privacy Policy.
4.2 Affiliate Programs
We participate in affiliate marketing programs. When you click on affiliate links and make purchases, we may receive a commission. Affiliate partners may use cookies to track conversions.
Our affiliate partners include:
- Bluehost Affiliate Program
- HostGator Affiliate Program
- NordVPN Affiliate Program
- Other merchant affiliate programs
4.3 Third-Party Links
Our website contains links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
5.1 With Service Providers
We may share information with third-party service providers who help us operate our website:
- Web hosting providers
- Analytics services
- Email service providers
- Payment processors (if applicable)
5.2 With Affiliate Partners
We share limited information with affiliate partners to track conversions and commissions. This typically includes:
- Click data (anonymous)
- Conversion information
- Referral source
5.3 For Legal Reasons
We may disclose your information if required by law or to:
- Comply with legal processes
- Respond to government requests
- Protect our rights and property
- Prevent fraud or illegal activity
5.4 Business Transfers
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure server infrastructure
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and authentication
- Employee training on data protection
Important: No method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce our agreements
When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
8. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
8.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Update your information
8.2 Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (e.g., legal obligations).
8.3 Opt-Out Rights
You can opt out of:
- Marketing Emails: Unsubscribe using the link in our emails
- Cookies: Manage through browser settings
- Targeted Advertising: Use opt-out tools provided by advertising networks
8.4 Do Not Track
Some browsers have "Do Not Track" features. Currently, we do not respond to Do Not Track signals, but you can manage cookies through your browser settings.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately.
If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at privacy@compareforge.com.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our website, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.
We take steps to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: Request information about data we collect and how it's used
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@compareforge.com.
12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- Right of Access: Obtain a copy of your personal data
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
- Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your data
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@compareforge.com.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending an email notification (for material changes)
Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@compareforge.com
- Website: https://compareforge.com
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.
Your Trust is Important to Us: We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly. Thank you for trusting CompareForge with your information.