At SmartVault we believe great products respect the people who use them. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit our website, why we collect it, how we use it, and the choices you have. We have written it in plain English and kept it as short as we responsibly can.
By using SmartVault you agree to the practices described here. This document is informational and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions, please reach out using the contact details at the end.
Who we are
SmartVault is an independent directory and editorial publication covering AI tools and software. When this policy refers to “we,” “us,” or “SmartVault,” it means the team operating this website. We are the data controller responsible for the personal information described below.
Information we collect
We collect only what we need to run the site, improve it, and stay in touch with people who ask us to. The information falls into a few categories.
- Usage and analytics data. When you browse the site we automatically receive standard technical information such as your approximate location (derived from your IP address), browser type, device type, referring page, and the pages you view. We use privacy-respecting analytics to understand which content is useful and where the experience can be improved. This data is aggregated and is not used to identify you personally.
- Newsletter email address. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we store the email address you provide so we can send you updates, new tool reviews, and occasional announcements. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email.
- Contact form submissions. If you message us through our contact form, we collect the name, email address, and any details you choose to include so that we can read and respond to your enquiry.
- Cookies and similar technologies. We use a small number of cookies and local storage entries to remember your preferences (such as your light or dark theme) and to support analytics. See the section on cookies below.
We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information, and we do not ask for payment details on this site.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- operate, maintain, and secure the website;
- understand how visitors use the site so we can improve our content and design;
- send the newsletter and other communications you have asked to receive;
- respond to your questions, feedback, and requests;
- detect, prevent, and address technical issues, abuse, or fraud; and
- comply with our legal obligations.
Where the law requires a legal basis for processing, we rely on your consent (for example, for the newsletter), our legitimate interests in running and improving a quality publication, and compliance with legal obligations.
Cookies and tracking
Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use them sparingly. Strictly necessary cookies keep the site functioning and remember preferences like your theme. Analytics cookies help us measure traffic and engagement in aggregate. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings, and blocking non-essential cookies will not break the core experience of the site.
Third parties we work with
We rely on a small set of trusted service providers to deliver the site. These may include hosting and content-delivery providers, analytics services, and an email-delivery platform for the newsletter. These providers process data on our behalf and are bound to use it only for the services they provide to us.
SmartVault also links to third-party tools and websites. When you follow an outbound link, including affiliate links, you leave our site and the privacy practices of that third party apply. We encourage you to review their policies. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
How long we keep your data
We retain personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purpose it was collected. Newsletter subscriptions are kept until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete your details. Contact form messages are kept for as long as necessary to handle your request and our records. Aggregated analytics data may be retained for longer because it no longer identifies you.
Your rights and choices
Depending on where you live, you may have rights over your personal information. Under the EU and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), these can include the right to:
- access the personal information we hold about you;
- request correction of inaccurate information;
- request deletion of your information;
- object to or restrict certain processing, and withdraw consent;
- request a copy of your information in a portable format; and
- opt out of the “sale” or sharing of personal information — note that SmartVault does not sell your personal information.
You can exercise any of these rights by contacting us. We will not discriminate against you for exercising them, and we will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
Children’s privacy
SmartVault is intended for a general, professional audience and is not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
Data security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, however, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make material changes we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please email us at hello@smartvault.ai or use our contact form. We are happy to help.