Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Istar ("we," "us," or "our") handles information when you visit istarsoft.com (the "Site"). We publish practical guides to AI software services. We keep this policy straightforward and will update it when our practices change.
Who we are
Istar is an independent media site that publishes guides about AI software services—how they work, who they're for, and what's worth paying for. We are not a software download portal and we do not sell consumer software products under this brand. The Site is operated at istarsoft.com; the display name is Istar.
Information we collect
Depending on how you use the Site, we may process:
- Information you provide — for example, if you email us (message content and the address you use to contact us).
- Technical and usage data — such as IP address, browser type, device type, referring URL, pages viewed, and approximate location derived from IP, when such data is collected by the hosting platform or tools we enable.
- Cookie and similar technology data — described below.
We do not require an account to read guides. We do not intentionally collect special categories of personal data as part of ordinary browsing.
Cookies and local storage
Fathom Analytics does not use cookies, local storage, or similar identifiers. Other third-party services we enable later may use these technologies to remember preferences or support advertising. You can control cookies through your browser settings; blocking some cookies may affect site functionality.
Analytics and advertising
We use Fathom Analytics to understand aggregate traffic and which pages are useful. Fathom processes limited technical and usage data according to itsprivacy policy. Its standard analytics script does not use cookies or similar identifiers.
We do not currently run display or contextual advertising. If advertising is enabled later, we will update this policy and provide relevant choices where required.
Affiliate links
Some pages may include affiliate links. If you click those links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate partners may receive technical information about the referral (for example, that a click came from our Site). See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Third parties
We rely on third parties to operate the Site, which may include hosting and content delivery, DNS, email delivery, Fathom Analytics, advertising providers (if enabled), and affiliate networks or merchants. Those parties process information under their own terms and privacy policies. We do not sell your personal information as a product.
How we use information
We use information to:
- Operate, secure, and improve the Site and our content
- Understand aggregate traffic and which guides are useful
- Respond to inquiries you send us
- Support monetization (including advertising or affiliates, if enabled)
- Comply with law and protect our rights and users
Retention
We retain information only as long as needed for the purposes above, including legal, security, and operational needs. Server and analytics logs are typically kept for a limited period unless a longer retention is required for security or legal reasons. Contact emails are kept as long as needed to handle your request and any follow-up.
Your rights and choices
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict certain processing of personal information, or to object to certain uses. You can also control cookies in your browser and limit some advertising identifiers on your device.
To exercise a privacy request related to this Site, contact us at the address below. We may need to verify your request before responding. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in your jurisdiction.
Children
The Site is aimed at adults and professionals (for example, freelancers and small teams). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or under 16 where a higher age applies). If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
International transfers
The Site may be hosted or processed in countries other than where you live. Those countries may have different data-protection laws. Where we transfer personal information internationally, we take steps appropriate to the nature of the data and the tools we use (for example, relying on providers' contractual and security measures).
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the Site after an update means you accept the revised policy. For material changes, we may provide additional notice on the Site when practical.
Contact
For privacy questions or requests about this Site, emailprivacy@istarsoft.com.