Privacy Policy

Introduction

At Tools Directory ("we," "our," or "us"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website toolsdirectoryonline.com (the "Service") and use our AI tools directory services.

By accessing or using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Service.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, email address when you submit a tool, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact us
• Submission Information: Tool details, company/founder information, website URLs when you submit an AI tool

Automatically Collected Information

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, search queries, tool interactions
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address

Google AdSense and Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your visits to our site and other websites.

• Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website
• You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings
• You can also opt out through the Network Advertising Initiative

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality, session management, security
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics, page view tracking, user behavior analysis
• Advertising Cookies: Google AdSense, retargeting pixels, ad performance tracking
• Preference Cookies: Language preferences, theme selection, favorite tools

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings to block cookies, delete existing cookies, or set notifications when cookies are sent.

How We Use Your Information

• Service Provision: Maintain our AI tools directory, process tool submissions, provide search functionality
• Website Improvement: Analyze usage, improve user experience, develop new features
• Communication: Send newsletters and updates (with consent), respond to inquiries
• Legal and Security: Comply with legal obligations, prevent fraud, ensure website security

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information with third-party service providers:

• Analytics: Google Analytics, Vercel Analytics
• Hosting: Vercel (hosting), cloud storage providers
• Advertising: Google AdSense and other advertising networks
• Email Services: Newsletter and transactional email providers

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Restrict or object to processing of your data
• Data portability and withdrawal of consent
• Unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails
• Manage cookie settings and communication preferences

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures including SSL/TLS encryption, secure server infrastructure, regular security updates, access controls, and data backup procedures to protect your information.

Data Retention

• Contact form submissions: 2 years
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until unsubscribed
• Analytics data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Tool submissions: Indefinitely (part of our directory)

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete it.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information is collected, delete personal information, and opt-out of the sale of personal information.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the GDPR including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, and data portability.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and sending email notifications when appropriate.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

For GDPR-related inquiries, please include "GDPR Request" in your subject line.
For CCPA-related inquiries, please include "CCPA Request" in your subject line.

Consent

By using our Service, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to the collection and use of your information as described herein.