Home/Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 April 2026
Effective date: 1 January 2026

FreeToolVault ("we", "us", "our") operates the website freetoolvault.com. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data. We are committed to transparency and to full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

1. Files and Documents You Process

FreeToolVault processes all files — PDFs, images, and any other documents — entirely within your web browser using JavaScript. No file you work with is ever transmitted to our servers or any third-party server. We have no file upload endpoints. All processing occurs locally in your browser's memory (RAM), and output files are downloaded directly from your browser to your device. We never see, store, or have access to any file you process on FreeToolVault.

2. Information We Collect

We collect minimal information:

  • Server logs: Like all websites, our hosting provider (Netlify) automatically logs basic access information including IP addresses, browser type, referring URL, and pages visited. These logs are retained for up to 30 days and used only for security and performance monitoring. We do not use these logs to identify individual users.
  • Cookies from advertising: Google AdSense places cookies on your device to serve relevant advertisements. These cookies are set by Google, not by FreeToolVault. See Section 4 for details.
  • Local storage: FreeToolVault uses your browser's localStorage to remember your dark/light mode preference. This data stays on your device and is never transmitted anywhere.

We do not use analytics platforms (no Google Analytics, no Hotjar, no Meta Pixel). We do not have user accounts. We do not collect names, email addresses, or any personal information directly.

3. Google AdSense and Advertising

FreeToolVault is funded by advertising through Google AdSense (publisher ID: ca-pub-9046181750703855). Google AdSense uses cookies and web beacons to serve advertisements based on your browsing history and interests. This is called interest-based advertising.

Google's advertising cookies include but are not limited to: NID, DSID, IDE, DoubleClick, and related advertising identifiers. These cookies collect information about your visits to FreeToolVault and other websites to provide relevant advertisements.

You can opt out of interest-based advertising from Google at: google.com/settings/ads

For more information about how Google uses data when you use our site: Google's Privacy & Terms

4. Third-Party Services

FreeToolVault uses the following third-party services:

  • Netlify — Our website hosting provider. Netlify processes server access logs. Privacy policy: netlify.com/privacy
  • Google AdSense — Our advertising provider. Google processes cookie data for ad personalisation. Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
  • Google Fonts — We load the Inter and JetBrains Mono fonts from Google Fonts. Google logs font requests. Privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy
  • Unpkg / jsDelivr CDN — We load the pdf-lib and qrcode.js libraries from CDN providers. These providers log request data. No personal information is shared.

No other third-party services, tracking pixels, or social media SDKs are used on FreeToolVault.

5. POPIA Compliance (South Africa)

Under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), FreeToolVault operates as follows:

  • Lawful basis: Any personal information processed (via AdSense cookies) is based on legitimate interest in providing a free advertising-funded service.
  • Data minimisation: We collect the minimum information necessary. We do not collect or store any file content processed by our tools.
  • Right of access: You may request details of any personal information we hold. As we hold no user accounts and do not collect personal information directly, there is typically no personal data to disclose.
  • Right to opt out: You may opt out of interest-based advertising via Google's Ad Settings. You may block cookies using your browser settings or a privacy extension.

6. Children's Privacy

FreeToolVault is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through our site, please contact us immediately.

7. Data Retention

We do not store user data. Netlify server logs are retained for up to 30 days. Google AdSense cookie data is retained according to Google's own data retention policies. localStorage data (your dark mode preference) is retained on your device until you clear your browser data.

8. Security

FreeToolVault is served over HTTPS. Because we do not store file data or personal data on our servers, the attack surface for data breaches is minimal. Your files are processed in your browser's isolated JavaScript sandbox and never transmitted.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We recommend reviewing this page periodically.

10. Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact us at: hello@freetoolvault.com

FreeToolVault is operated by Emmanuel Nyoni, Johannesburg, South Africa.