Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

TheToolist is a review and comparison website operated by G. Butterworth, a sole trader based in the United Kingdom. For the purposes of UK data protection law, I am the data controller.

If you have any questions about this policy or your data, you can reach me at info@thetoolist.com.

2. What Data We Collect

We collect minimal data — only what we need to run the site and understand how it's used.

Automatically collected data

• Analytics. We use Vercel Analytics, which collects anonymised page view data (pages visited, referrer, device type, and approximate country). No IP addresses are stored. No cookies are set for analytics purposes after you provide consent.
• Server logs. Vercel (our hosting provider) temporarily processes IP addresses for security and performance monitoring. These logs are not accessible to us and are automatically deleted by Vercel.

Data you provide voluntarily

• Email signup. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address. This is stored by Kit (our email provider) and used only to send you the updates you signed up for. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in every email.

3. Cookies

This site uses minimal cookies, and only with your consent:

• Essential cookies. A small cookie stores your cookie consent preference. This is necessary for the site to function and does not require consent under UK law.
• Analytics cookies. If you consent, Vercel Analytics may set a minimal cookie for session tracking. No personal data is stored, and you can withdraw consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies.

We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or any third-party marketing cookies.

4. How We Use Your Data

• To understand how visitors use the site (aggregate analytics)
• To send newsletters to subscribers who have opted in
• To maintain the security and performance of the site

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with anyone. We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your data on the following lawful bases:

• Consent. You consent to analytics cookies via the cookie banner. You consent to email marketing by submitting the signup form.
• Legitimate interest. We process anonymised server logs for security purposes. This does not override your rights.

6. Data Retention

• Analytics data: Retained by Vercel for the duration of our account (indefinitely, in aggregate form).
• Email subscribers: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
• Cookie consent: Stored in your browser for 12 months, after which we'll ask again.

7. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction or deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent at any time (for cookies or email)
• Object to processing based on legitimate interest
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

To exercise any of these rights, email us at info@thetoolist.com. We'll respond within 30 days as required by law.

8. Third-Party Services

We use the following services that may process data on our behalf:

• Vercel Inc. (USA) — Hosting and analytics. Data is processed under Standard Contractual Clauses.
• Kit (ConvertKit LLC) (USA) — Email newsletter delivery. Data is processed under Standard Contractual Clauses.

Where data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

9. Affiliate Links

Some links on TheToolist are affiliate links. When you click these and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate platforms (such as Impact, PartnerStack, and ShareASale) may set their own cookies — these are governed by their respective privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top will reflect the most recent changes. If we make material changes, we'll notify email subscribers.