Privacy
Privacy policy
This policy applies to every page on stackmerit.com and explains what we collect, why, and what you can do about it.
Last updated
The short version: Stackmerit is a reader-supported review site. We don't sell your data, we don't run ad trackers, and we don't ask you to create an account. We use Google Analytics to see aggregate traffic, and outbound affiliate links may set a cookie at the merchant so a referral can be credited. That's essentially all of it.
Who we are
Stackmerit ("we", "us") operates the website at stackmerit.com. For any privacy question, or to make a request about your data, email hello@stackmerit.com.
What we collect
We keep data collection to the minimum a content site needs to run and improve. Specifically:
- Usage and device data, through Google Analytics: pages you view, how you arrived, approximate location (derived from your IP address by Google, not stored by us in identifiable form), and general device and browser information.
- Server request logs, kept by our hosting provider (Vercel) as a normal part of serving the site. These can include IP address and user-agent and are used for security and reliability.
- Anything you send us by email. If you contact us at hello@stackmerit.com, we receive your email address and whatever you write.
We do not run user accounts, and the site has no login. Our search box processes your query in the moment to return matching pages; the query is not tied to your identity or stored by us as a record.
Analytics and cookies
We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand which content is useful, in aggregate. GA4 sets first-party cookies (for example _ga and _ga_*) to tell repeat visits apart. Google processes this data on our behalf; its handling is covered by Google's privacy policy. We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or cross-site ad trackers.
Affiliate links and outbound clicks
Stackmerit earns commissions from some outbound links, as explained in full on our disclosure page. When you click an affiliate link and visit a merchant, that merchant (or its affiliate network) may set a cookie to credit the referral if you buy. That happens on the merchant's site under its own privacy policy, not ours. We receive commission reports in aggregate; we do not receive your name, payment details, or purchase contents.
How your data is shared
We do not sell personal data, and we don't share it for anyone else's marketing. Data flows only to the service providers that make the site work: Google (analytics) and Vercel (hosting), each acting as a processor under its own terms. We may disclose information if the law requires it.
Children's privacy
Stackmerit is a resource for people evaluating business software. It is not directed to children, and it is not intended for use by anyone under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, email us at hello@stackmerit.com and we will delete it. This is consistent with the U.S. Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Your choices and rights
Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR in Europe or the CCPA in California), you may have the right to access, correct, or delete the personal data a business holds about you, and to opt out of its sale (we don't sell it). To exercise any of these, email hello@stackmerit.com and we will respond. You can also:
- Opt out of Google Analytics across all sites with Google's browser opt-out add-on.
- Block or clear cookies in your browser settings; the site still works without them.
- Send a "Do Not Track" signal from your browser, which we honor by not adding any tracking beyond what is described here.
Data security and retention
The site is served over HTTPS, and we apply standard security headers (including a strict Content-Security-Policy). We keep analytics data only as long as it is useful for understanding traffic trends, in line with Google Analytics retention settings, and we don't build long-term profiles of individual readers.
International visitors
We operate the site from, and our providers process data in, the United States and other countries. If you visit from outside the U.S., you understand your data may be processed in the U.S. under this policy.
Changes to this policy
If we change how we handle data, we'll update this page and move the effective date above. Material changes will be reflected here before they take effect.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email hello@stackmerit.com, or see our terms of service and affiliate disclosure.