Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 6, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how GuideFinder ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit guidefinder-app.com (the "Site"). We are committed to transparency and minimizing data collection. This policy is written in plain language — no legalese.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use our contact form or subscribe to our newsletter, we collect:

• Your name (if provided)
• Your email address
• The content of your message or inquiry
• The topic category you select

We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry and, if you've subscribed, to send you our newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Like most websites, we automatically collect certain technical data when you visit:

• IP address (used for security and analytics, not stored permanently)
• Browser type and version
• Device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website (how you found us)
• Approximate geographic location (country/region level)

1.3 Cookies

We use a minimal set of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for the site to function (e.g., remembering your menu state on mobile).
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand which articles are read and how visitors find us, so we can improve content.
• Preference cookies: Remember choices like filter selections in our directory.

We do not use cookies for targeted advertising. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; the site will still function, though some features may be limited.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data for:

• Responding to your inquiries and providing learning path recommendations
• Sending our newsletter (only to subscribers)
• Improving our content based on which articles are most read
• Understanding our audience to create more relevant content
• Preventing abuse and maintaining site security
• Complying with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We do not rent it. We do not trade it. Period.

We share data only with service providers who help us operate the Site, under strict contractual obligations:

• Analytics provider: Aggregate, anonymized traffic data
• Email service: For sending our newsletter (only subscriber emails)
• Hosting provider: For serving the website

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights. This is rare and we would challenge overly broad requests.

4. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

• Contact form submissions: 90 days, then deleted
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe, then deleted within 30 days
• Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized within 30 days of collection
• Server logs: 14 days, then automatically deleted

5. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction: Request we limit processing of your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Withdrawal of consent: Withdraw consent for processing at any time

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@guidefinder-app.com. We respond within 30 days.

6. Third-Party Links

Our Site contains links to third-party websites (course platforms, YouTube channels, etc.). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing them any personal information.

7. Affiliate Disclosure

GuideFinder participates in affiliate programs with some course platforms. This means we may earn a commission if you click certain links and make a purchase. This does not affect the price you pay, and it never influences our reviews or ratings. See our disclaimer for full details.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own, as our service providers may operate in different jurisdictions. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses for EU/UK data.

10. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data: HTTPS encryption, access controls, regular security reviews, and minimal data collection. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will update the "Last updated" date at the top and, for material changes, notify newsletter subscribers by email. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us:

• Email: privacy@guidefinder-app.com
• General inquiries: Contact form