Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 3, 2025

At WebsiteHostingComparison.com (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. As a leading resource for unbiased web hosting reviews, comparisons, and affiliate deals, we value the trust you place in us when you visit our site, sign up for newsletters, leave comments, or engage with our content. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data in compliance with applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other global privacy standards as of 2025.

By accessing or using WebsiteHostingComparison.com (the “Site”), you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site. We may update this policy periodically; changes will be posted here with the updated date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide personalized experiences, improve our services, and facilitate affiliate partnerships with hosting providers like Cloudways, A2 Hosting, HostGator, SiteGround, DreamHost, and Liquid Web. We gather data in the following ways:

Personal Information

• Provided by You: When you fill out contact forms, subscribe to our newsletter, comment on articles (e.g., on our “How to Choose Web Hosting in 2025” guide), or participate in polls/surveys, we may collect your name, email address, IP address, and any other details you voluntarily share.
• Account Data: If you create an account for premium features (e.g., exclusive deal trackers), we collect login credentials, billing information (processed via secure third-party gateways like Stripe), and preferences for hosting recommendations.

Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Via cookies and similar technologies, we track pages visited, time spent, referral sources, browser type, device info, and geolocation (approximated from IP).
• Analytics: We use tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic patterns, such as popular trends in “2025 Hosting Trends” articles, to refine content.

Information from Third Parties

• Affiliate and Partner Data: When you click affiliate links (disclosed transparently), partners may share anonymized conversion data (e.g., if you sign up for SiteGround via our link).
• Social Media: If you log in via Google, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter), we receive basic profile info as permitted by those platforms.

We do not collect sensitive data like financial details beyond what’s needed for transactions, nor do we require it for browsing.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your data powers a better user experience while supporting our mission to deliver top-tier hosting insights. Specific uses include:

• Service Delivery: Personalizing recommendations (e.g., suggesting A2 Hosting for speed-focused users) and sending newsletters with updates on deals like 60% off HostGator.
• Communication: Responding to inquiries, sharing affiliate promotions, or notifying about policy changes.
• Improvement and Analytics: Analyzing trends to create content like our step-by-step checklists, ensuring relevance in 2025’s AI-driven market.
• Marketing: With consent, emailing tailored offers (e.g., “Top Cloudways Deals for Agencies”). You can opt out anytime via unsubscribe links.
• Compliance and Security: Detecting fraud, enforcing terms, or meeting legal obligations.

Under GDPR/CCPA, we process data based on consent, contract necessity, legitimate interests (e.g., site optimization), or legal requirements.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. Sharing is limited to trusted partners who help us operate:

• Service Providers: Analytics (Google), email (Mailchimp), and payment processors (Stripe) receive data under strict confidentiality.
• Affiliates and Advertisers: Anonymized aggregates for performance tracking (e.g., click-through rates on DreamHost links). No personal identifiers shared without consent.
• Legal and Business Transfers: If required by law, subpoena, or during mergers/acquisitions, we may disclose data.
• Business Partners: Hosting affiliates like Liquid Web may receive referral info if you complete a purchase through our links.

International transfers (e.g., to U.S.-based processors) use safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses for GDPR compliance.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small files that enhance functionality. We use:

• Essential Cookies: For site navigation and security (e.g., session management).
• Performance Cookies: To measure load times on comparison tools.
• Marketing Cookies: For retargeting ads on Google or Facebook, showing relevant hosting deals.

You can manage preferences via our Cookie Consent Banner or browser settings. Third-party trackers (e.g., Google Analytics) follow their own policies; we anonymize IP addresses where possible.

For detailed opt-outs:

• Google Analytics: tools.google.com/data-active-consent
• Do Not Track: Honored where technically feasible.

In 2025, with rising privacy concerns, we prioritize first-party data and avoid invasive tracking.

5. Data Security

We employ industry-standard measures to protect your information:

• Encryption (SSL/TLS) for data in transit.
• Firewalls, access controls, and regular audits for stored data.
• Employee training on phishing and breaches.

While no system is impenetrable, we notify affected users and authorities promptly per GDPR (within 72 hours) or CCPA guidelines. Report concerns to privacy@websitehostingcomparison.com.

6. Your Data Rights and Choices

Empowerment is key. Depending on your location:

• Access and Correction: Request a copy of your data or updates.
• Deletion: “Right to be forgotten” under GDPR; opt out of sales under CCPA.
• Objection/Withdrawal: Unsubscribe from emails or object to processing.
• Portability: Receive data in machine-readable format.

Submit requests via our privacy form or email privacy@websitehostingcomparison.com. We verify identity (e.g., via email confirmation) and respond within 30-45 days. California residents: No sales in the past 12 months; opt-out not applicable.

For EU/UK users: Our Data Protection Officer is at the above email. Complaints? Contact your local authority (e.g., ICO in UK).

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not for children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we discover such, we delete it immediately. Parents/guardians: Contact us to review/remove.

8. Third-Party Links and Services

Links to affiliates (e.g., Cloudways signup) or external resources (e.g., Statista stats in articles) are for convenience. We are not responsible for their privacy practices—review theirs before engaging.

9. Retention of Data

We keep data as long as needed for purposes outlined (e.g., 2 years for analytics, indefinitely for transaction records per tax laws). Inactive accounts: Deleted after 24 months unless required otherwise.

10. International Users

The Site is U.S.-based but global. By using it, you consent to data processing in the U.S., with equivalent protections.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this policy to reflect legal, operational, or technological shifts (e.g., new AI privacy regs in 2025). We’ll notify via email or site banner for material changes. Check back periodically.

Contact Us

Questions? Reach out:

• Email: privacy@websitehostingcomparison.com
• Address: WebsiteHostingComparison.com, [Fictional Address for Demo: 123 Hosting Lane, Tech City, CA 90210, USA]

Thank you for trusting WebsiteHostingComparison.com. We’re here to help you navigate hosting with confidence—your privacy is our priority.