Privacy Policy

1. Scope of this policy

This policy applies to HostScout.ca and information collected through the operation of the website, including information submitted through contact features and technical information generated when the site is accessed.

HostScout is an independent Canadian web hosting research and comparison website. The site does not require visitors to create an account to read hosting comparisons, research or guides.

2. Privacy commitment and PIPEDA

HostScout is committed to handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other Canadian privacy requirements that apply to its activities.

Personal information is collected only for identified and reasonable purposes, limited to what is needed for those purposes, and retained only as long as reasonably necessary or legally required.

3. Information HostScout may collect

Information you provide

If you contact HostScout, the information you choose to provide may include your name, email address, message and any other information included in your correspondence.

Technical and usage information

Like most websites, the web server and supporting infrastructure may automatically record technical information such as an IP address, browser type, operating system, requested page, referring page, date and time, response status and diagnostic information. These records can be used for website security, abuse prevention, troubleshooting and reliability.

Information from external services

If HostScout uses a third-party service to deliver a website feature, that service may process limited information needed to provide it. The type of information depends on the service and can include an IP address, browser information or information you choose to submit.

4. How personal information may be used

Personal information may be used for purposes reasonably connected with operating HostScout, including:

• responding to questions, feedback or privacy requests;
• maintaining the security, availability and reliability of the website;
• investigating technical problems, abuse or attempted misuse;
• administering features that a visitor requests;
• maintaining necessary business and correspondence records; and
• complying with applicable legal obligations.

HostScout does not sell personal information to advertisers.

5. Cookies and similar technologies

Cookies are small files or browser storage mechanisms that can be used for website functionality, preferences, measurement or referral attribution. HostScout does not currently intend to use first-party behavioural advertising or cross-site profiling cookies on the public site.

For a detailed explanation of current cookie practices, affiliate referral cookies and browser controls, see the standalone Cookie Policy.

6. Affiliate links and external websites

HostScout contains links to independent hosting companies, server providers, domain registrars, government resources and other external websites. When you leave HostScout, the destination website may collect information or set its own cookies according to its own policies.

Affiliate partners may use referral cookies or other attribution methods after you arrive on their website. HostScout does not control the privacy practices of those independent providers.

7. Service providers and data location

HostScout is operated in Canada and is designed with Canadian privacy and data residency considerations in mind. Website operation can still involve third-party service providers for functions such as hosting, DNS, security, fonts, email, forms or other technical services.

Some service providers may process limited information outside Canada. When personal information is processed in another country, it may be subject to the laws and lawful-access requirements of that jurisdiction. HostScout does not represent that every third-party request or service is processed exclusively in Canada unless that has been specifically verified.

8. Disclosure of personal information

Personal information may be disclosed to a service provider when reasonably necessary to deliver a requested service or operate the website. Service providers are expected to handle information for the purpose for which it was provided and subject to their contractual and legal obligations.

Information may also be disclosed where required or permitted by law, including in response to a valid legal process, or where reasonably necessary to protect the security, rights or property of HostScout or others.

9. Retention and disposal

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate security or administrative needs, or to satisfy applicable legal requirements.

When information is no longer required, reasonable steps should be taken to delete, anonymize or securely dispose of it where practical.

10. Security safeguards

Reasonable technical and administrative safeguards are used to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration or loss of personal information. Safeguards can include access controls, software updates, server security, encrypted connections and limited access to administrative systems.

No method of transmission or storage on the Internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. Privacy breaches

If a privacy breach involving personal information occurs, HostScout will assess the circumstances and take reasonable steps to contain and investigate the incident. Where applicable law requires notification to affected individuals or a privacy regulator, those requirements will be followed.

12. Access, correction and deletion requests

Subject to applicable law and permitted exceptions, an individual may request access to personal information held about them and ask that inaccurate or incomplete information be corrected.

A visitor may also request deletion of personal information where deletion is appropriate and not prevented by a legal, security or record-retention requirement. Identity may need to be verified before information is disclosed, changed or deleted.

Requests should be directed to the Privacy Officer through the Contact page.

13. Quebec privacy requirements

Where HostScout's activities are subject to Quebec's private-sector privacy law, including amendments commonly referred to as Law 25, applicable Quebec privacy requirements will be followed.

This can include transparency about technologies used to identify, locate or profile individuals, consent requirements that apply to certain technologies, and additional rights or obligations that apply to personal information connected to business activities in Quebec.

14. Commercial electronic messages and CASL

If HostScout sends commercial electronic messages, applicable requirements under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) will be followed. Marketing messages will be sent only where there is the required consent or another lawful basis, and messages subject to CASL will include an unsubscribe mechanism as required.

15. Children's privacy

HostScout is a general web hosting research website and is not designed to knowingly collect personal information from children. If information is believed to have been submitted by a child inappropriately, the Privacy Officer can be contacted to review the matter.

16. Changes to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated as HostScout adds or changes website features, service providers or data practices. The last-updated date at the top of this page will be revised when material changes are made.

17. Contact

Questions, complaints or requests about privacy can be directed to Kenny B, Privacy Officer, through the HostScout Contact page.