Privacy Policy

Summary

HamStart is a static content website. We do not sell products directly, we do not offer user accounts, and we do not ask you for your name, email, or payment details in order to use the site. We do not knowingly collect personal information ourselves. However, standard web technology and the third-party services we rely on (analytics and advertising) do collect limited technical and usage data, described below. This policy applies to the HamStart website.

Information we collect

We do not collect personal data directly. There are no forms that store your information and no accounts.

Server logs. Our hosting provider automatically records standard technical information for every visit, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, referring page, and the pages you view. This is normal web-server logging used for security and to keep the site running.

Cookies and similar technologies. Cookies are small files stored by your browser. We and our third-party partners may use them to remember preferences, measure traffic, and deliver and measure advertising. You can control or delete cookies in your browser settings.

Analytics

We may use a web analytics service to understand which pages are popular and how the site performs. Analytics may set cookies and collect aggregated usage data such as pages viewed, approximate location (from IP), and device type. This helps us improve our guides and tools. We do not use analytics to identify you personally.

Advertising and affiliate links

Google AdSense. This site may display ads served by Google and its partners. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visits. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. You can also opt out of many third-party vendors' use of cookies for personalized advertising at aboutads.info/choices or youradchoices.com.

Amazon Associates. HamStart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When you click an Amazon link and visit Amazon, Amazon may set its own cookies to attribute any resulting purchase to us. Those cookies are governed by Amazon's own privacy policy. See our affiliate disclosure for details.

These third parties operate under their own privacy policies. We do not control the data they collect.

How the information is used

The limited data described above is used to operate and secure the site, measure and improve our content, and display and measure advertising. We do not sell your personal information. Because we do not collect personal data directly, we have no personal customer database to share.

Your choices and rights

Cookies. You can block or delete cookies in your browser and use the advertising opt-out links above. Blocking cookies will not break the site's tools.

California (CCPA/CPRA). California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected and to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise any right or ask a question, contact us via the contact page.

EU/UK (GDPR). If you are in the EU or UK, you have rights to access, correct, or erase personal data and to object to certain processing. Where required, our advertising and analytics partners obtain consent for cookies through a consent notice. You may withdraw consent at any time through your browser or the opt-out links above.

Children under 13

HamStart is intended for a general audience and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, consistent with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

Data retention and security

Standard server logs are retained by our hosting provider for a limited period for security and diagnostics. We take reasonable measures to protect the site, but no method of transmission or storage over the internet is completely secure.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the site, laws, or our advertising partners change. Material changes will be reflected on this page. Your continued use of the site after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Questions about privacy can be sent through our contact page.