The Stack Manual

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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

1. Introduction and Scope

This Comprehensive Privacy Policy governs the practices of The Stack Manual (accessible at thestackmanual.com), and details the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of information from users (“Users” or “You”). We are committed to editorial independence, and this policy reflects our commitment to transparency, particularly regarding our status of not earning commissions on purchases or running an affiliate program. By accessing and using our Site, you consent to the practices described below.

2. Definitions and Interpretation

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

  • Service/Site refers to the website thestackmanual.com.
  • User/You means the individual accessing or using the Service.
  • Personal Data (or PII) means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person.
  • Non-Personal Data refers to data that does not directly identify you.
  • Usage Data refers to data collected automatically, generated by the use of the Service (e.g., the duration of a page visit).

3. Information We Collect and Methods of Collection

3.1 Personal Identification Information (PII)

We collect PII only when you voluntarily provide it to us through specific actions on the site:

  • Contact Forms/Email: Information such as your Name, Email Address, and the contents of your message when submitting inquiries via our Contact Us page.
  • Newsletter Subscriptions: Your email address, used exclusively for sending site updates and unbiased software reviews.

3.2 Automatically Collected Data (Usage & Log Data)

When you access our Service, data is collected automatically via technology and third-party tools to ensure security and site functionality:

  • Log Files: Our servers automatically record information that your browser sends whenever you visit our Site. This Log Data may include your device’s IP address, browser type, operating system, referring/exit pages, date/time stamps, and clickstream data.
  • Device Identifiers: We collect information regarding the type of device used (e.g., mobile, desktop), screen size, and unique hardware identifiers.
  • Geographical Location: We collect general, non-precise location data inferred from your IP address, used solely for analytics (e.g., determining global interest in a specific VPN or Web Hosting review).

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our Site and hold certain information.

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly and securely.
  • Analytics Cookies: Used by Google Analytics to analyze traffic patterns, measure content performance, and track user journeys across our categories (AI Tools, Comparisons, How-To Guides, etc.).
  • Advertising Cookies: Used by Google AdSense and its partner network to deliver advertisements based on your browsing history across the web. We do not control the personalized content of these third-party ads.

User Control: You retain full control over cookies. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. Note that refusing essential cookies may negatively impact site functionality.

5. Use of Data and Transparency (No Commission Policy)

The Stack Manual uses the collected data for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To operate, maintain, and provide the content of the Site (i.e., software reviews).
  • Communication: To send you our newsletter or respond to your support and business inquiries.
  • Monetization Disclosure: We use collected data (e.g., ad cookies) to display advertisements via Google AdSense as our sole source of third-party revenue. We confirm that The Stack Manual does not earn commissions on any purchases made through links on our site.
  • Compliance: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and ensure compliance with our legal obligations.

6. Disclosure of Data and Third-Party Service Providers

We do not sell, trade, or rent your Personal Data to third parties. We may disclose your information only in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: We engage trusted third-party companies to facilitate our Service (“Service Providers”), such as web hosting providers and analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics). These parties have access to your data only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect and defend the rights or property of The Stack Manual, or protect the safety of the public or other users.

7. Data Retention and Security

7.1 Retention Policy

We retain Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period (e.g., Google Analytics log data is subject to a maximum 26-month retention period) unless it is used to strengthen the security or functionality of our Service, or we are legally obligated to retain this data for longer periods.

7.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures (e.g., SSL encryption, secure data storage) designed to protect the integrity and security of your Personal Data. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

8. International Data Transfer and Compliance (GDPR/CCPA)

Your information, including Personal Data, may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ.

8.1 GDPR Rights (EEA Users)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights: the right to access, rectify, port, object to processing, and request erasure of your data. Our lawful bases for processing your data include your consent and our legitimate interests in operating and maintaining the Site.

8.2 CCPA/CPRA Rights (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what Personal Information we collect, the right to request deletion of your Personal Information, and the right to opt-out of the “sale” or sharing of your Personal Information. The Stack Manual does not sell your Personal Data.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us directly.

9. Changes and Contact Information

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. The date of the latest revision will be noted at the top of this document.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your rights, or your dealings with the Site, please contact us:

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