Privacy Policy
Short version: we collect basic analytics data (like which pages you visit) and any information you voluntarily give us (like an email for our newsletter, or details when you submit a tool). We never sell your personal data. Some cookies come from third parties like Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and our affiliate partners — details below.
Information We Collect
We collect information in a few different ways, depending on how you interact with Index:
| Type | When it's collected |
|---|---|
| Usage data | Automatically, when you visit the site — pages viewed, time on site, general location (country/city level), device and browser type. |
| Email address | If you subscribe to our newsletter or contact us directly. |
| Tool submission details | If you submit a tool for review — your name, email, and information about the tool you're submitting. |
| Cookies | Automatically, for analytics, affiliate tracking, and (if applicable) advertising — see our full Cookie Policy. |
We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information like financial account numbers, health data, or government ID numbers through normal use of the site.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the site and its content
- Understand which pages and content are genuinely useful to readers
- Send newsletter updates, if you've subscribed (you can unsubscribe anytime)
- Respond to your questions, corrections, or submissions sent through Contact or Submit a Tool
- Track affiliate referrals, so we can be credited for a signup that came from Index
- Detect and prevent spam, abuse, or security issues
Cookies & Tracking
Index uses cookies and similar technologies for essential site functionality, analytics, affiliate tracking, and (where applicable) advertising. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. For full details on the types of cookies we use and how to manage them, see our dedicated Cookie Policy.
Third-Party Services
We use a small number of third-party services that may collect or process data on our behalf:
- Google Analytics (or similar) — to understand site traffic and usage patterns
- Google AdSense — if we display ads, for ad delivery and performance measurement
- Email newsletter provider — to manage and send our subscriber newsletter
- Form/submission handling service — to process messages sent through our Contact and Submit a Tool pages
Each of these services has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data, separate from ours. We choose providers with reasonable, standard privacy practices, but we encourage reviewing their individual policies if you have specific concerns.
Affiliate Links
Some links on Index are affiliate links. When you click one, a cookie or tracking parameter may be used to credit Index if you later sign up or make a purchase. This doesn't give us access to your personal account information with that company — it simply tells them the referral came from us. Full details are in our Affiliate Disclosure.
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share data with:
- Service providers who help us run the site (analytics, email, hosting, form processing)
- Affiliate partners, but only in the form of anonymous referral tracking, not your personal identity
- Legal authorities, if required to comply with a law, regulation, or valid legal request
Your Rights
Depending on where you're located, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including the right to:
- Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data (for example, unsubscribing from our newsletter removes your email from that list)
- Object to or restrict certain processing of your data
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below and we'll respond as promptly as we reasonably can.
Children's Privacy
Index is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll take steps to remove it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our site, tools, or legal requirements change. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. We encourage checking back periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, we're happy to explain.