Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Tools-Hut is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains our approach to data handling and privacy practices.

Core Principle: We prioritize privacy with a client-side first approach. While most tools process data locally in your browser, complex features may require server-side processing with minimal data collection and complete transparency.

2. Client-Side Tool Execution Today

Browser-First Architecture: All tools on Tools-Hut currently run entirely in your web browser using JavaScript. This means:

• No Data Transmission: Your input data is never sent to our servers
• No Data Storage: We don't store, collect, or retain any data you enter into our tools
• No Database: We don't have databases storing user-generated content
• Complete Privacy: Financial calculations, conversions, validations - everything happens on your device
• Verifiable: Open your browser's Developer Tools Network tab to confirm no data uploads

Tools with Client-Side Processing: All 11 current tools (SIP Calculator, Date Calculator, Unit Converter, Memory Game, Sticky Notes, QR Code Generator, JSON Validator, HTTP Request Composer, Browser Inspector, Image Converter, Image Forensic Analyzer) process data locally.

For detailed information about our data handling practices, see our How We Handle Data page.

3. Browser Storage (localStorage)

Some tools may use your browser's localStorage to save preferences or settings (like dark mode, recent calculations). This data:

• Stays only on your device
• Is never transmitted to our servers
• Can be cleared by you at any time through your browser settings
• Is used solely to improve your user experience

4. What We Don't Collect

Unlike many online services, Tools-Hut does NOT collect:

• Personal information (no names, emails, phone numbers)
• Financial data (calculations stay in your browser)
• Uploaded files or documents
• Form inputs or tool usage data
• User accounts or profiles (we don't have registration)

5. Analytics

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand general traffic patterns:

• What We Track: Page views, browser types, device categories, geographic location (city-level), traffic sources
• What We DON'T Track: Your tool inputs, form data, uploaded files, or any personally identifiable information
• Purpose: Understanding which tools are popular, improving user experience, fixing bugs
• Anonymity: IP addresses are anonymized, no user IDs or profiles created
• Opt-Out: Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or disable analytics in your browser settings

Cookies: We only use essential cookies required for basic functionality and analytics. No tracking cookies or third-party advertising cookies. Most tools will continue to work if you disable cookies.

Third-Party Libraries: We use CDN-hosted libraries (Font Awesome, FileSaver.js, heic2any, etc.). These CDN providers may log your IP address as part of standard web traffic, but they don't receive your tool input data.

6. Server-Side Processing

For Complex Features: Some advanced features cannot run efficiently in browsers and require server-side processing:

• These will be clearly labeled and explained
• We collect only the minimum data necessary for functionality
• Data handling practices are transparent and documented
• Client-side processing remains our preferred approach
• Users can choose simpler client-side alternatives when available

7. Future Features

Planned Enhancements: As Tools-Hut evolves, we plan to introduce optional features that may change our data handling:

User Accounts (Optional)

• Registration will always be optional, not required
• Core tools will remain accessible without accounts
• Only essential data will be collected (email, password hash, preferences)
• Clear privacy controls and data deletion options
• No sale or sharing of personal information

Backend-Accelerated Tools

• For complex processing (e.g., video conversion, large dataset analysis)
• Clearly labeled with "Server Processing" badges
• Requires explicit user consent before data transmission
• Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Automatic deletion after processing (no retention)

Premium Features

• Free tools remain free forever
• Premium features clearly labeled and optional
• Payment processing via trusted third parties (Stripe, etc.)
• Minimal financial data collected (required for billing only)

Commitment: We will update this Privacy Policy before implementing any features that change our data handling practices. Users will be notified via homepage banner and email (if accounts exist).

8. Wishlist & Feedback Form

When Available: Our feedback and wishlist form will allow you to submit suggestions voluntarily:

• Required Field: Only your message/feedback
• Optional Fields: Name, email (only if you want a response)
• Purpose: Improving Tools-Hut based on user needs
• Storage: Securely stored in encrypted database
• Retention: Deleted after 2 years unless action is pending
• No Marketing: We won't use your email for promotional purposes

9. Third-Party Services

We use minimal third-party services:

• Google Fonts: For typography (no data collection)
• Font Awesome: For icons (no data collection)
• Google Analytics: For anonymized traffic statistics
• Google reCAPTCHA v3: For bot protection on the feedback form (see details below)

None of these services have access to data you enter into our tools.

Google reCAPTCHA

We use Google reCAPTCHA v3 to protect our feedback form from spam and abuse. reCAPTCHA collects hardware and software information, such as device and application data, and sends it to Google for analysis. This service operates under Google's Privacy Policy.

The information collected by reCAPTCHA is used solely for security purposes and to distinguish between human users and automated bots. reCAPTCHA v3 runs invisibly in the background without requiring any user interaction. For more information, please visit Google's Privacy Policy.

10. Data Security

Client-Side Tools: Most tools process data entirely in your browser:

• Your data stays on your device during processing
• No server transmission for client-side tools
• Your device's security protects your data

Server-Side Features: When complex features require server processing:

• Only necessary data is transmitted securely (HTTPS)
• Data is processed and immediately discarded
• No long-term storage of user data
• Industry-standard security measures applied

Best Practices:

• Use Tools-Hut on trusted devices
• Keep your browser updated
• Use client-side tools for sensitive data when possible

11. Your Rights

Since we don't collect personal data, traditional data rights (access, deletion, portability) don't apply in the usual sense. However:

• You control all data - it's on your device
• Clear localStorage anytime through browser settings
• No accounts to delete (we don't have registration)
• No data to request (we don't store it)

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are available to all ages. Since we don't collect personal information, there are no special age restrictions. However, parental guidance is recommended for children using financial tools.

13. International Users

Tools-Hut works the same way regardless of your location. Since processing happens in your browser, there are no cross-border data transfers or regional restrictions.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Our Commitment: We will never compromise on our core privacy principles without clear communication and your explicit consent.

15. Contact Us

Questions about our privacy practices? Contact us at admin@tools-hut.com

Want to learn more about how our tools work? Visit our About Page or How We Handle Data.