Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Hostabay.com (referred to as “Hostabay,” “I,” “my site,” or “me,” maintained by an individual blogger) collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users (each, a “User”) of the Hostabay.com website.

I am committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines my practices regarding the handling of personal data.

1. Information I Collect

I collect two main types of information from Users:

A. Non-Personal Identification Information

I may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with the site. This information typically includes:

Browser Information: The type of computer and technical information about Users’ means of connection to my site, such as the operating system, the Internet service providers utilized, and other similar information.
Usage Data: Details about how you use the site, including the pages you view, the time spent on those pages, and the links you click.
IP Address: Your Internet Protocol (IP) address is collected by web analytics tools (like Google Analytics) for statistical and security purposes.

B. Personal Identification Information

I only collect personal identification information when Users voluntarily submit such information to me, for example, when they:

Comment: Leave a comment on a blog post.
Contact Me: Send a message via the Contact Form or direct email.

The personal information collected may include, but is not limited to, the User’s name and email address.

2. How I Use the Collected Information

Hostabay collects and uses Users’ personal and non-personal information for the following purposes:

To Improve My Site: I use feedback and usage data (non-personal info) to improve the content, layout, and user experience of Hostabay.com.
To Personalize User Experience: I may use non-personal information in the aggregate to understand how my Users as a group use the services and resources provided on my site.
To Respond to Inquiries: If you contact me via email or a form, I use your provided personal information (name, email) to respond to your specific questions or concerns.
For Security: IP addresses and technical data are used to monitor and maintain the security and integrity of the site, preventing spam or malicious activity.

3. Web Browser Cookies and Tracking Technology

Hostabay uses “cookies” to enhance the User experience. A cookie is a small text file placed on your hard drive by a web page server for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them.

A. First-Party Cookies

I use cookies primarily for analytical purposes (e.g., remembering your preference settings for future visits).

Third parties, including Google (AdSense and Analytics) and my affiliate partners (web hosting companies), may place and read cookies or similar tracking technologies on your browser.

Google AdSense: Google uses the DART cookie to serve ads to my Users based on their visit to Hostabay and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google Ad and Content Network privacy policy.
Affiliate Tracking: Affiliate cookies are used solely to track referrals accurately and assign commissions. These cookies do not collect sensitive personal information.

You may choose to set your web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the site may not function properly.

I do not sell, trade, or rent Users’ personal identification information to others. I may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with my business partners, trusted affiliates, and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.

I will only disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with legal processes or protect the rights, property, or safety of Hostabay or its Users.

5. Third-Party Websites and Services

Users may find advertising or other content on my site that links to the sites and services of my partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors, and other third parties (including the web hosting companies I review).

I do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and am not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from my site. These sites and services have their own privacy policies and terms of service. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to my site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.

6. Commitment to Children’s Privacy

Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. Hostabay is not directed at children under the age of 13, and I do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided me with personal information, please contact me immediately.

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights, including:

Right to Access: The right to request copies of your personal data.
Right to Rectification: The right to request that I correct any information you believe is inaccurate.
Right to Erasure: The right to request that I erase your personal data, under certain conditions.

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact me directly via the email address listed in the Contact Us section.

B. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to request information about the personal data I have collected about you and your right to opt-out of the sale of your personal data (as defined by CCPA). Since I do not sell personal data, no explicit opt-out mechanism is necessary for this purpose, but all CCPA rights will be respected upon request.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I have the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When I do, I will revise the “Last Updated” date at the bottom of this page. I encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how I am helping to protect the personal information I collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

9. Your Acceptance of These Terms

By using Hostabay.com, you signify your acceptance of this policy and terms of service. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use my site. Your continued use of the site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.