Privacy Policy

Information we collect

We collect only information that is necessary to operate Comparees and provide a useful editorial product to our readers. We collect three categories of information:

1.1 Information you provide directly

When you actively interact with Comparees, you may provide:

• Email address: when you subscribe to our Compare Brief newsletter
• Name and contact details: when you submit a contact form, partnership inquiry, or correction request via our Contact page
• Communication content: messages you send to our editorial team, including questions, feedback, and corrections
• Survey responses: optional responses to reader surveys about preferences and editorial priorities
• Job application materials: resume, cover letter, and work samples when applying for positions via Careers
• Partnership materials: company information, brand details, and partnership goals when submitted via Advertise

1.2 Information collected automatically

When you visit Comparees, our systems automatically collect limited technical information:

• IP address: used for general geographic location (city-level) and security purposes
• Browser and device information: browser type, operating system, device type for compatibility
• Pages visited and time spent: which articles you read and engagement duration, for editorial analytics
• Referring URLs: how you arrived at Comparees (search engine, social media, direct link)
• Click patterns: which links you click, which articles you share, which products you research
• Search queries: what you search for on our site (to improve search and editorial coverage)

1.3 Information from third parties

In limited circumstances, we receive information from third-party services:

• Affiliate networks: aggregated, anonymized conversion data from retailer affiliate programs (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)
• Social media platforms: when you engage with our content via social platforms (analytics only, no personal data)
• Newsletter platform: engagement data from our email service provider (opens, clicks)
• Analytics providers: aggregated audience data from Google Analytics and similar services

How we collect data

Data collection happens through several mechanisms, all of which respect industry-standard privacy practices and applicable laws:

2.1 Direct submission

The most straightforward method: you fill in a form, send an email, or otherwise actively share information. This is always opt-in — you choose what to share and when. Examples include newsletter signups, contact form submissions, and partnership inquiries via our Advertise page.

2.2 Automatic collection via cookies and similar technologies

When you visit our website, certain information is collected automatically through cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. See Section 06 on Cookies & Tracking for complete details. You have meaningful control over this through browser settings and our cookie management tool.

2.3 Server logs

Like virtually all websites, our servers automatically log technical information about each visit — IP address, timestamp, page accessed, user agent string. This is necessary for site operation and security. We retain these logs for limited periods (see Section 08) and use them only for legitimate operational purposes.

2.4 Third-party integrations

Some of our service providers (analytics, newsletter delivery, comment systems) collect data on our behalf. We've reviewed their privacy practices and only work with providers meeting our standards. Each third-party service is listed in Section 13 with their respective privacy policies.

How we use your data

We use collected information for clearly defined purposes, all of which serve to operate and improve Comparees as an editorial product. We use your data for the following purposes only:

3.1 What we don't use your data for

• Selling to third parties: never. Your data is not a product we monetize.
• Cross-site tracking: we don't track you across the broader internet.
• Behavioral advertising: we don't build profiles for ad targeting purposes.
• AI training data: we don't use your data or content to train machine learning models.
• Discriminatory decisions: we don't use data to discriminate based on protected characteristics.
• Manipulation of editorial: individual reader data doesn't influence specific recommendations.

Legal basis for processing

Under GDPR, DPDP, and similar privacy frameworks, we must have a lawful basis for processing personal data. We rely on the following legal bases:

4.1 Consent

For newsletter subscriptions, optional marketing communications, and non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time via unsubscribe links, cookie settings, or by emailing privacy@comparees.com.

4.2 Legitimate interest

For analytics, security, fraud prevention, and improving our editorial product. We balance our legitimate interests against your privacy rights and only proceed when our interest doesn't override your rights. You can object to legitimate interest processing by contacting us.

4.3 Contract performance

For partnership relationships, job applications, and other contractual contexts where data processing is necessary to deliver services or fulfill agreements.

4.4 Legal obligation

When required by applicable laws — tax records, employment records, response to lawful legal demands. We resist overly broad legal demands and only comply with valid legal process.

When we share your data

We share data only in specific, limited circumstances. We never sell your data to third parties. We share information only with:

5.1 Service providers (data processors)

Trusted vendors who help us operate Comparees:

• Newsletter delivery: our email service provider processes subscriber lists to deliver newsletters
• Web hosting: our hosting provider processes server requests and stores site data
• Analytics: anonymized usage data shared with analytics providers for site improvement
• Customer support tools: contact submissions processed through ticketing systems
• Security services: traffic data analyzed for security threats and DDoS mitigation

All service providers are bound by data processing agreements requiring them to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

5.2 Legal disclosures

We may disclose data when legally required:

• Court orders or subpoenas: in response to valid legal process from competent authorities
• Government requests: when we are legally obligated to comply with lawful government demands
• Legal protection: to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our readers and third parties
• Fraud prevention: when sharing is necessary to prevent fraud or illegal activity

We commit to challenging overly broad legal demands and to publishing transparency reports about government data requests we receive (annual basis).

5.3 Business transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified before any such transfer, and the acquiring party will be bound by terms at least as protective as this policy.

5.4 With your consent

Any other sharing happens only with your explicit consent for the specific sharing in question.

Cookies & tracking

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that enable various website functions. We use cookies and similar technologies for specific, limited purposes:

6.1 Types of cookies we use

6.2 Managing your cookie preferences

You have meaningful control over cookies:

• Cookie banner: on first visit, you can accept all, reject non-essential, or customize preferences
• Browser settings: all modern browsers allow you to view, manage, and delete cookies
• Privacy tools: tools like Privacy Badger, Ghostery, or DuckDuckGo can help manage tracking
• Browser extensions: ad blockers like uBlock Origin can prevent many cookies entirely
• Do Not Track: we honor browser "Do Not Track" signals where technically feasible

6.3 Third-party cookies

Some cookies on Comparees are set by third-party services we use (Google Analytics, affiliate networks). We've vetted these providers but their cookie practices are governed by their own privacy policies. You can opt out of most third-party cookies via browser settings or industry opt-out tools.

Affiliate links & tracking

Comparees generates revenue partially through affiliate commissions. When you click an affiliate link to retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, or directly to brands, certain tracking happens:

7.1 What happens when you click affiliate links

• A tracking parameter is added to the URL identifying Comparees as the referring source
• The retailer's tracking cookie is set on your browser (governed by their privacy policy)
• If you make a purchase within the tracking window (typically 24 hours to 30 days), we receive a commission
• We receive aggregated reporting on which products generate sales, but not your personal information

7.2 What we DON'T receive

• Your personal information: name, email, address, payment details — none of this comes to us
• Specific purchase details: we know aggregate sales, not your individual purchases
• Your shopping behavior on the retailer site beyond the initial conversion
• Long-term profile: the affiliate cookie is limited to the retailer relationship

How long we keep your data

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, after which it's deleted or anonymized:

Earlier deletion on request: you can request earlier deletion of your data at any time via privacy@comparees.com, subject to legal retention requirements (some financial and legal records must be kept for fixed periods regardless of request).

How we protect your data

We implement industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

9.1 Technical safeguards

• Encryption in transit: all data transmission uses TLS 1.3 (HTTPS) encryption
• Encryption at rest: stored data encrypted using AES-256 encryption
• Access controls: role-based access; staff see only data necessary for their function
• Multi-factor authentication: required for all staff accessing reader data
• Network security: firewalls, intrusion detection, DDoS protection
• Regular security audits: annual third-party security assessments
• Vulnerability management: continuous monitoring, prompt patching
• Secure development: code review and security testing before deployment

9.2 Organizational safeguards

• Privacy training: all staff receive privacy and security training annually
• Data minimization: we collect only what we need; we delete what we no longer need
• Vendor management: third-party vendors vetted for security practices
• Incident response plan: documented procedures for security incidents
• Breach notification: affected users notified within 72 hours of confirmed breach
• Background checks: staff with access to sensitive data undergo background verification

9.3 Limits of security

No system is perfectly secure, and we don't pretend otherwise. We implement reasonable industry-standard protections, but cannot guarantee absolute security. If a security incident occurs that affects your data, we will:

• Notify you within 72 hours of confirmation via the contact methods we have
• Provide specific information about what data was involved
• Recommend protective steps you should take
• Cooperate fully with regulatory authorities as required
• Publish a public incident report when appropriate

Your rights over your data

You have meaningful rights over your personal information under applicable privacy laws including India's DPDP Act, EU's GDPR, and California's CCPA. We honor these rights regardless of where you live:

10.1 Right to access

You can request a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We'll provide it within 30 days in a portable, machine-readable format. There's no charge for the first request per year.

10.2 Right to correction

If any data we hold is inaccurate or incomplete, you can request correction. We'll process corrections within 14 days of receiving sufficient information to verify the correction.

10.3 Right to deletion (right to be forgotten)

You can request deletion of your personal data. We'll comply within 30 days unless we have a legitimate legal reason to retain certain data (which we'll explain specifically). Some data — anonymized analytics, legally required records — may persist after deletion of identifying information.

10.4 Right to data portability

You can request your data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format that you can transfer to another service. We'll provide this within 30 days at no cost.

10.5 Right to restrict processing

You can request that we limit how we use your data — for example, keep it stored but stop active processing. We'll honor restrictions within 14 days.

10.6 Right to object

You can object to specific uses of your data, especially processing based on legitimate interest. We'll evaluate objections seriously and either honor them or explain why we believe our legitimate interest outweighs the objection.

10.7 Right to withdraw consent

For any processing based on your consent, you can withdraw consent at any time. This doesn't affect lawful processing that happened before withdrawal.

10.8 Right to lodge a complaint

If you believe we've mishandled your data, you can complain to the relevant supervisory authority:

• India: Data Protection Board of India (when established under DPDP Act)
• EU: your local Data Protection Authority
• UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
• California: California Attorney General's Office

International data transfers

Comparees is headquartered in India, but operates a global service. Your data may be processed in several jurisdictions:

11.1 Where your data may be processed

• India: primary data processing location, governed by DPDP Act
• European Union: some services hosted in EU data centers
• United States: some third-party service providers (analytics, email delivery)
• Other regions: occasionally, as specific services require

11.2 Safeguards for international transfers

When data is transferred internationally, we use legally appropriate safeguards:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs): EU-approved contracts ensuring data protection
• Adequacy decisions: transfers only to jurisdictions deemed adequate by relevant authorities
• Data Processing Agreements: contractual protections with all international processors
• Encryption: data encrypted before international transmission
• Vendor assessment: international vendors vetted for privacy practices

11.3 India DPDP Act compliance

For Indian users, we comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, including data localization requirements where applicable, breach notification requirements, and the rights framework established under the Act.

Children's privacy

Comparees is intended for adults making consumer purchase decisions. We don't knowingly collect personal data from children under 18. Our specific commitments:

• Age threshold: minimum age for Comparees services is 18 (or majority age in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher)
• No targeted content: our editorial content isn't directed at children
• No marketing to children: we don't market to or for children
• If we discover children's data: we delete it promptly and notify the parent/guardian when possible
• Parental requests: parents who believe their child has provided data can contact privacy@comparees.com for immediate deletion

For privacy issues specifically affecting minors, parents and guardians can email privacy@comparees.com with subject line "Minor's data" for expedited handling.

Third-party services

Comparees uses several third-party services to operate. Each has its own privacy policy governing how they handle data:

13.1 Service providers we use

13.2 External links

Comparees links to many external websites including brand sites like FabIndia, Nike, Synology, Taj Hotels, and others mentioned in our editorial coverage. This privacy policy doesn't apply to those external sites. When you follow a link to an external site, that site's own privacy practices govern your interaction. We recommend reviewing privacy policies of sites you visit.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. Our commitment to transparency on changes:

• Material changes: significant changes will be announced via email to subscribers and prominent notice on the site at least 30 days before taking effect
• Minor changes: updates that don't materially change your rights will be reflected with an updated "Last updated" date
• Version history: previous versions of this policy will be maintained and available on request
• Email notification: newsletter subscribers will be notified of material changes in our regular communications
• Continued use: continued use of Comparees after changes constitutes acceptance, but you can always withdraw consent

Current version: dated May 19, 2026. Previous version: dated January 12, 2026 (available on request).

How to contact us

For any privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests, contact us through any of the following channels:

15.1 Privacy-specific contact

• Privacy email: privacy@comparees.com (fastest response for data rights)
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@comparees.com (for complex privacy matters)
• General editorial contact: see Contact page for full directory

15.2 Postal address

For formal legal correspondence:

Comparees Privacy Office
Bandra West, Mumbai
Maharashtra, India · 400050

15.3 Response times

• Privacy rights requests: response within 30 days (often faster)
• Security incident reports: acknowledgment within 24 hours
• General privacy questions: response within 5 business days
• Urgent matters: same business day when received before 4 PM IST

15.4 Related policies

For complete context on how Comparees operates:

• Methodology — how we research and rate products
• Affiliate Disclosure — our revenue model transparency
• Terms of Service — terms governing use of Comparees
• About — who we are and what we do
• Contact — general editorial and partnership contact