Last updated: July 3, 2026
SiftGuide (siftguide.com) is operated by Innovative Web Services SRL, a company registered in Bucharest, Romania (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit siftguide.com, how we use it, and what rights you have regarding your data.
By using this site, you agree to the practices described below. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information:
Analytics data. We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how visitors use our site — pages viewed, time on page, device/browser type, approximate location (city/country level, derived from IP address), and referral source. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar identifiers to generate this data. We do not use this data to identify you personally.
Contact form submissions. If you use a contact form on this site, we collect the name, email address, and message content you voluntarily provide, solely to respond to your inquiry.
Comments (if enabled). If commenting is available on any page, we collect the name, email address, and comment text you submit. Your email address is not published publicly and is used only for comment moderation and optional reply notifications.
Log data. Our hosting provider automatically logs standard technical data (IP address, browser type, timestamps, pages requested) for security and site-reliability purposes.
We do not knowingly collect payment card details, government ID numbers, or other sensitive personal data through this site.
2. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- Essential/functional cookies — required for basic site operation (e.g., remembering cookie consent preferences).
- Analytics cookies — set by Google Analytics 4 to measure traffic and engagement.
- Affiliate tracking cookies — this site participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click a product link or “buy” button on this site, our affiliate partners (which may include, among others, Amazon Associates, and affiliate networks such as CJ Affiliate, Impact, Awin, ShareASale, and Digistore24) place a tracking cookie in your browser. This cookie tells the merchant that you were referred by SiftGuide, so we may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase. These cookies are set and controlled by the respective affiliate networks and merchants, not by us, and are subject to those third parties’ own privacy policies. Affiliate cookies typically expire within a set window (commonly 24 hours to 30 days, depending on the program) and do not give us access to your payment information.
You can control or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect how affiliate links function and may limit certain site features, but the site will remain usable.
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Because Innovative Web Services SRL is based in the European Union, we process personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for all visitors, regardless of location. Our legal bases are:
- Consent — for analytics and non-essential cookies, collected via our cookie consent banner where required.
- Legitimate interest — for basic site security, fraud prevention, and understanding aggregate site usage.
- Contract/pre-contract steps — for responding to inquiries you submit via our contact form.
You may withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences or contacting us directly.
4. US Visitors / CCPA Notice
If you are a resident of California or another US state with comparable privacy law, you may have additional rights, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information. We do not sell personal information for money. Our use of analytics and affiliate tracking cookies may be considered “sharing” under some state definitions; you can opt out by declining non-essential cookies in our consent banner or via your browser settings. To exercise any US state privacy right, contact us at contact@siftguide.com.
5. How We Use Information
We use the data described above to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the site and its content;
- Understand which guides and topics are useful to readers;
- Respond to contact form inquiries and moderate comments;
- Track affiliate referrals so commissions are correctly attributed;
- Detect and prevent abuse, fraud, or security issues.
We do not sell personal data to third parties. We do not use your data for automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.
6. Data Retention
- Analytics data is retained by Google Analytics according to our configured retention setting (typically 14 months) before automatic deletion.
- Contact form and comment data is retained only as long as needed to respond to your inquiry or maintain the comment thread, and is deleted upon request.
- Affiliate tracking cookies are retained on your device according to each network’s own cookie duration and are not stored on our servers.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you;
- Request correction of inaccurate data;
- Request deletion of your data;
- Object to or restrict certain processing;
- Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior lawful processing);
- Request a copy of your data in a portable format;
- Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (EU/EEA residents) or state attorney general (US residents).
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@siftguide.com. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Third-Party Links and Affiliate Disclosure
This site contains affiliate links to third-party merchants and services. When you click these links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We do not control, and are not responsible for, the privacy practices, content, or terms of any third-party site you visit after clicking an outbound link. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any site you visit through a link on siftguide.com.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
9. Children’s Privacy
siftguide.com is not directed at children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, contact us at contact@siftguide.com and we will delete it promptly.
10. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards (such as HTTPS encryption and access controls with our hosting and analytics providers) to protect the data we collect. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11. International Data Transfers
As an EU-based operator serving a primarily US/international audience, data may be processed and stored on servers located outside your country of residence, including in the United States (e.g., via Google Analytics) and the European Union. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses for such transfers.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page indicates the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact:
Innovative Web Services SRL Bucharest, Romania Email: contact@siftguide.com
