Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Skowers ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection, use, and disclosure when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Email addresses when you subscribe to our newsletter
• User preferences and tool tracking data stored locally in your browser (localStorage)
• Any information you submit through contact forms or feedback

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Click-through data on affiliate links

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and track affiliate link clicks. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our directory services
• To personalize your experience and show relevant tools
• To track affiliate link clicks and manage partnerships
• To send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• To analyze website usage and improve our services
• To comply with legal obligations

4. Local Storage and Browser Data

Our website uses browser localStorage to store your tool tracking preferences, including which tools you've marked as "In Trial," "Current User," or "Not Interested." This data is stored locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to sync it.

You can clear this data at any time by clearing your browser's localStorage or using the reset functions within our dashboard.

5. Affiliate Links and Tracking

Skowers is an affiliate directory. When you click on tool links, you may be redirected through our tracking system before reaching the destination website. We track these clicks for:

• Analytics and performance measurement
• Affiliate commission tracking
• Improving our recommendations

We receive commissions when you make purchases through our affiliate links. This does not affect the price you pay or our editorial independence.

6. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect information:

• OpenAI: Used for our Tech Scout feature. API calls are processed server-side and do not store personal data.
• Netlify: Our hosting provider may collect standard web server logs.
• Analytics Services: We may use analytics tools to understand website usage patterns.

These third parties have their own privacy policies governing data collection and use.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Cookie Control: Manage cookie preferences through browser settings
• Local Storage: Clear browser localStorage to remove tracking data

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our services, you consent to such transfers.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

13. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal information is collected
• The right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• The right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

We do not sell personal information. To exercise your CCPA rights, please contact us using the information in Section 12.

14. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

To exercise your GDPR rights, please contact us using the information in Section 12.