Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 17, 2024

UtilityForge ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website at utilityforge.org and its subdomains (collectively, the "Site").

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

Our calculators and tools operate entirely in your browser. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal information you enter into our tools. All calculations are performed locally on your device.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, certain information is automatically collected through cookies and similar technologies:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on pages
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device for site functionality and advertising
• Analytics Data: Information about how you interact with our Site

2. How We Use Information

We use the automatically collected information to:

• Operate and maintain the Site
• Improve user experience and Site functionality
• Analyze Site usage and trends
• Display personalized advertisements
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Third-Party Advertising - Google AdSense

What Google Collects:

• Cookie identifiers
• IP addresses
• Browser and device information
• Pages visited and actions taken
• Ad interaction data

Your Choices:

• You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings
• You can opt out of third-party vendor cookies by visiting aboutads.info
• European users can visit youronlinechoices.eu

For more information about how Google uses data, please review Google's Privacy Policy.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use the following types of cookies:

Essential Cookies: Required for the Site to function properly (e.g., remembering your theme preference)

Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense to display relevant ads based on your browsing activity

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Site

Managing Cookies: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Site functionality.

5. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request a copy of data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to Object: Object to data processing for specific purposes
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data

Legal Basis for Processing: We process data based on:

• Your consent (for advertising cookies)
• Legitimate interests (for Site operation and improvement)
• Legal obligations

To exercise your rights or withdraw consent, contact us at the email address below.

6. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about data collected about you
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of your personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Exercise rights without discrimination

We do not sell your personal information. However, our use of Google AdSense may be considered a "sale" under CCPA. You can opt out by visiting Google's Ads Settings.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect information transmitted through our Site. However, no Internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. By using our Site, you consent to such transfers. We take steps to ensure adequate protection of your data.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

13. Consent

By using our Site, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our use of cookies and similar technologies as described herein.