Last updated: 28 July 2025
1. Who we are
The Tool Bakery (“we,” “our,” “the site”) publishes free online utilities. This page outlines, in plain language, what limited data we collect and why.
2. What we collect
Automatically (every visitor):
- IP address (anonymised in Google Analytics)
- Browser, device type, and operating-system info
- Pages viewed and buttons clicked (usage events)
Only if you choose to send it:
- Text you enter into a tool (processed in-browser, never stored on our servers)
- Messages you send via any optional feedback form
We do not collect payment data, government IDs, or other sensitive personal information.
3. How we use that information
- To deliver each tool and make sure it works on your device
- To understand which tools are popular so we can improve them
- To protect the site from spam or abuse (Cloudflare firewall logs)
- To display non-intrusive advertising or affiliate links in future (analytics help us know where to place them)
We never sell or rent personal data.
4. Cookies and similar tech
- Essential cookies – keep track of options you pick inside a tool (session-only).
- Analytics cookies – Google Analytics 4 (_ga, _gid) so we can see aggregate traffic.
- Potential ad / affiliate cookies – only set if you click an advert or outbound affiliate link.
You can clear or block cookies at any time in your browser settings.
5. Third-party services we rely on
- Google Analytics 4 – anonymous statistics (IP truncated).
- Cloudflare CDN – content delivery, DDoS and bot filtering.
Each provider has its own privacy practices; we chose services that respect user privacy and offer EU-compliant data-processing terms.
6. Data retention
- Analytics data – kept inside GA4 for 26 months (Google’s default) then deleted automatically.
- Server logs – stored for up to 30 days for security audits, then purged.
- Feedback form submissions – if enabled, kept only as long as needed to address the feedback and then removed.
7. Your privacy choices
- Disable or clear cookies in your browser.
- Use browser “Do Not Track” settings; our site honours standard DNT signals.
- Opt-out of Google Analytics tracking with Google’s browser add-on.
- Avoid clicking ads or affiliate links if you do not wish those cookies set.
Depending on your locality (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) you may also have the right to access, correct, or erase any personal data we hold. To exercise those rights, use the self-service options above—no account is required.
8. Policy changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. A revised date will appear at the top of the page and changes take effect immediately upon posting. Continued use of The Tool Bakery means you accept the updated policy.