Privacy policy

Last updated: October 29, 2026

This policy explains what information is handled when you visit Smart Home Website. The short version: the site is a static publication with no accounts, comments or newsletter. We use Google Analytics 4 to understand which pages are useful, and we do not sell personal information.

Who we are

Smart Home Website is an independent publication. For privacy questions or requests, email [email protected].

Information we receive

We do not ask you to create an account or submit a form on this site. If you email us, we receive your email address, the contents of your message and any information you choose to include. We use it to reply and to keep a record of corrections or privacy requests.

We use Google Analytics 4 to collect standard usage data when you visit the site. This may include the pages you view, the site that referred you, your approximate location, your device and browser type, and interactions such as outbound link clicks. Google Analytics may set cookies such as _ga and _ga_*.

Our hosting infrastructure may automatically record standard technical information such as your IP address, browser type, the pages requested and the time of the request. This is used for security, diagnostics and abuse prevention.

Cookies and local storage

Google Analytics uses cookies to distinguish visitors and measure usage. We do not use advertising cookies or enable Google Signals or ad personalization. The light/dark theme preference is stored in your browser's local storage so the site can remember your choice. It is not sent to us.

Our hosting and security providers may also set strictly necessary cookies for delivery and abuse prevention. This site contains links to other websites, including affiliate links where we use them. Those sites may set cookies or collect data under their own privacy policies. We do not control their practices.

Analytics

Google Analytics is provided by Google LLC. We use it to see which articles are read and how readers find the site. We do not use it to identify you personally, and we do not enable Google Signals or ad personalization. Google may process this data in the United States and other countries.

You can block or delete analytics cookies in your browser settings; blocking them does not affect the site's core functionality. You can also install Google's Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. For more information, see Google's privacy policy.

Affiliate links

Smart Home Website is reader-supported and may earn commissions from affiliate links. Affiliate links are disclosed in the article and in the affiliate disclosure. We do not sell personal information. When affiliate programs are active, we will update this policy before adding tracking that affects visitors.

Tips and payments

If you leave a tip, the payment is processed by Stripe. We receive the amount, the date and any email address you provide for a receipt. We never see or store your card number. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Link are handled by Stripe and your device; the site does not receive wallet credentials. Tips are voluntary, do not unlock content and do not change coverage or rankings.

There is also an optional monthly membership on Patreon. Patreon processes those payments and handles your membership details under its own privacy policy; we receive your membership status, the tier and any message you choose to send. Like tips, membership is voluntary, unlocks no content and does not change coverage or rankings.

How information is shared

We do not sell or rent personal information. We use Google Analytics, which processes usage data on our behalf and may use it for its own purposes under its privacy policy. We may also share information with service providers that host the site or handle email, only as needed to operate the publication, or when required by law.

Retention

Email correspondence is kept for as long as needed to handle the request and maintain correction records. Server logs are kept according to the hosting provider's standard retention period. Analytics data is retained according to the retention period configured in our Google Analytics property.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct or delete personal information we hold about you, or to object to certain processing. Email us to make a request. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

We do not sell personal information or use it for targeted advertising.

Children

The site is not directed at children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes

We may update this policy when the site's practices change. The date at the top shows the latest revision. Material changes will be noted on this page.

Questions? Contact us.