Effective Date: September 9th, 2024
This Privacy Policy describes AdGuard X's information practices for its website and browser extension. We take your privacy seriously and want you to understand exactly what information we collect, how we process that information, which pieces of information you can request us to remove, and how to contact us about this policy. Please read this policy carefully. When it comes to your personal information, most of this policy applies to users who choose to donate to support AdGuard X. If all you do is use the extension, then you're practically, except for an anonymous, unique ID, invisible to us.
Who is responsible for data collection and processing (contacts)?
Controller
The legal person responsible for the collection, processing and/or use of personal information in connection with our websites and products ("Controller") is:
What is personal information?
The purpose of data protection is to protect personal information. Personal information means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ("data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular, by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person. This information includes, for example, details such as name and email address, but also information in connection with payments.
Information AdGuard X collects
Personal information
When you visit the AdGuard X website, we collect IP address, unique ID, logging of some of the button clicks on our website (clicking download, for example) and user event logging data. When the AdGuard X extension communicates with AdGuard X servers, we receive the computer’s IP address. After six months, we will remove any identifying information such as IP address from our log files and databases.
Anonymous information
The AdGuard X extension captures anonymous usage information including, but not limited to, the version number of the extension, preferred language, Acceptable Ads opt-in, opt-in to advanced features like our local content caching service, number of blocked requests, number of ads blocked, and browser and operating system type. The AdGuard X extension also assigns an anonymous, unique ID to each installation. We store aggregate statistics about the installation connected with each user ID indefinitely. We utilize this information to help us identify and fix potential issues with AdGuard X as well as to determine the performance of AdGuard X features.
Extension error information
An error report is automatically sent to AdGuard X's servers whenever an error occurs in the extension. The report contains the anonymous information stated previously along with the current browser version and a description of the error. If a URL exists in the error description, the extension will attempt to remove it. The data is used for troubleshooting and to identify general defects which lead to unexpected crashes or errors. After 7 days, we will remove this information from our log files and databases.
Server logs
Logs for general requests made to adguardx.com or its infrastructure are kept for up to 90 days. These logs include the IP address, browser, operating system, and page address. We will anonymize the IP address by using a hash to encrypt this information and we will immediately delete the original IP address. This data is used to generate usage statistics as well as to investigate potential security issues. After 90 days, we will remove this information from our log files and databases.
Logs for payment processing requests are kept in accordance with Romanian tax law retention periods and will be deleted after the end of the respective retention period. Information in these logs includes IP address, email (if provided), address (if provided), name (if provided), browser type and version, operating system, payment amount, payment type, card type, expiration date, and last four digits of the card if a card is used. This data is used to provide insights into the financial performance of AdGuard X.
Analytics
AdGuard X uses Google Analytics to aggregate information about traffic patterns and how our website and extension are used. We limit the data sent to Google Analytics, and only do so to improve our extension and website. You can find information about Google Analytics’ data collection practices, as well as its privacy policy here.
For users in the European Union and European Economic Area
We use Google Analytics on our Website, a web analysis service of Google Inc. ("Google"). Google Analytics uses so-called "cookies" (text files which are stored on your computer and which enable you to analyze your use of our Website). The information generated by the cookie on your use of our Website (including your abbreviated IP address) is transmitted to a Google server in the United States and is stored there. Google will use this information to assess your use of our Website, to compile reports on the activities for us, and to provide more services connected with use of our Website and the internet. It is also possible that Google may transmit this information to third parties if this is required by law or if third parties process this information on behalf of Google.
You can deactivate Google Analytics by means of a browser add-on if you do not want to participate in Website analysis. You can download this here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de
How AdGuard X processes and discloses collected information
We try to make AdGuard X better
We use the collected usage and analytics information to maintain and improve the AdGuard X extension and website, gain insight into how our services are being used, and in our efforts to prevent fraud. The information is only used internally.
Your information is not for sale
AdGuard X never has and never will sell your personal information to any third party without your consent. We sometimes share anonymized and aggregated information that cannot be associated with an individual with third parties or the public.
AdGuard X discloses personal information as required by law
AdGuard X complies with all valid legal requests and court orders issued by Romanian authorities. Whenever possible, we will notify you of any requests for your information using the email stored in our system. In some situations, we may be prohibited from contacting you about a request or order, for example, if the request is subject to legal obligations of confidentiality under Romanian law. AdGuard X has never received a request under any provisions of Romanian national security laws or similar legislation that would require non-disclosure of such a request. If this changes in the future, we will update this section accordingly.
AdGuard X discloses personal information as part of business development
As part of the further development of our business, it may happen that the structure changes. The legal structure may be adapted, subsidiaries, business units, or components may be created, bought, or sold. In such transactions, user information may be shared with the transmitted part of the company. In the event of a transfer of personal information, the Controller will ensure that it is done in accordance with this privacy policy and the GDPR and applicable EU laws.
We will not transfer your personal data to third parties as a matter of course without letting you know in advance. We will ask for your prior permission unless the transfer of such data is permitted by GDPR or any other applicable EU laws.
Data security
All personal and usage information that AdGuard X collects is stored in our databases, and AdGuard X takes reasonable steps to keep it secure. That said, no database or server is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data in our system or while being transmitted over the Internet. Our best effort is given, but you use AdGuard X's website and browser extension at your own risk.
What is the legal basis?
We collect and process your personal information in compliance with the GDPR and the applicable EU laws.
Collection and processing is based on your consent: Art. 6 (1) a GDPR, Art. 4 (11) GDPR
We will always ask for your consent to collect and process your personal information for the aforementioned specific purposes unless the collection and processing of your personal information is permitted by statutory laws. Where you have provided us with your consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for the aforementioned specific purposes, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Collection and processing is necessary for taking steps prior to entering into a contract: Art. 6 (1) b GDPR
The collection and processing of your personal information may be necessary for the performance of a contract to which you may be a party. Prior to entering into such contract, the collection and processing of your personal information may also be necessary in order to take steps at your request. This applies to installation and the use of our extension as well as any payment processing in connection with donations.
Collection and processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Controller is subject: Art. 6 (1) c GDPR
Collection and processing of your personal information may be necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject under EU laws or the laws of an EU Member State.
Collection and processing is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests: Art. 6 (1) f GDPR
The collection and processing of your personal information may be necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests. We collect and process server logs for technical reasons, such as, but not limited to, preventing denial-of-service attacks. Denial of service is typically accomplished by flooding the targeted machine or resource with superfluous requests in an attempt to overload systems and prevent some or all legitimate requests from being fulfilled. Preventing such overloads of our systems and any security issues by denial-of-service attacks is in your and our vital interest, and therefore we use the website logs. We use information collected and processed via subscription downloads, extension update checks, emergency notifications, and feedback data sent by you, for technical reasons, such as, but not limited to, ensuring the security of the extension version used by you. Ensuring the security of our extension is in your and our vital interest, and therefore we use such data. Furthermore, we collect and process such data to ensure that our website and extension are constantly improved and adjusted to the changing requirements for efficient usability and the technical environment. Ensuring the usability of our websites and our extension is in your and our vital interest, and therefore we use such data.
What rights do you have?
In compliance with the GDPR and the applicable EU laws, and to the extent legally permitted, you have the following rights to protect your personal information collected and processed by us:
Information, access, rectification, and restriction rights
Naturally, you have the right to receive, upon request, information about the personal information stored by us about you and information about how we collect, process, and store your personal information. Where that is the case, you have the right to gain access to such personal information stored by us. You have the right to request from us the rectification of your inaccurate personal information. Taking into account the purposes of collecting and processing your data, you have the right to have incomplete personal information completed. You have the right to request a restriction of processing.
Right to data portability
You also have the right (1) to receive all personal information concerning you and which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and (2) to transmit that data to another controller.
Right to erasure of your data
You have the right to demand from us the erasure of your personal information, where – inter alia – one of the following grounds applies:
- If we no longer need your personal information for the aforementioned purposes.
- If you withdraw your consent on which the collection and processing are based and where there are no other legal grounds for the collection and processing.
- If you object to the collection and processing and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the collection and processing.
Please note, if data needs to be retained for legal purposes pursuant to Art. 17 (3) GDPR, we will restrict the use of the respective data.
Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work, or place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the collection and processing of personal information relating to you infringes the GDPR.
Right to object to the processing of your data
You have the right to object at any time to the collection and processing of your personal information on grounds relating to your particular situation, when collection and processing are based on our legitimate interest (Art. 6 (1) f GDPR).
Right to withdraw your consent at any time
You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time when you have provided us with your consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for one or more specific purposes.
Product & Ads
About AdGuard X
AdGuard X is an ad blocker that prevents ads from thousands of sources from being displayed on your computer. It also blocks aggressive pop-ups. AdGuard X is NOT foolproof; ad networks use new domains every day, and we update our blocking list to keep up.
Monetization with Sponsored Search Ads
AdGuard X monetizes by inserting Sponsored Search ads in the North of Google Serp. When you click on these ads, we get a revenue-sharing portion of each click. These results are not provided by Google. These search results are based on the keyword you used on Google.
Sponsored Search results are not available in all markets.
Monetization with affiliate links
AdGuard X monetizes by using affiliate links. When you click on one of our partner's links, we use an affiliate link provider and get a percentage of the purchase fee in return. We do not have any visibility or tracking into your purchase.
Affiliate links are not available in all markets.
Ads Opt out
You may opt out of any monetization by disabling or uninstalling the extension.
Changes and updates to this policy
AdGuard X reserves the right to change this policy for any reason, and may make small, inconsequential changes to this policy with or without notice. Each time this policy is changed we will revise the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. When substantial changes are made to the disclosure of your personal information, AdGuard X will attempt to notify you through the email that was provided during the payment process. Your continued use of the AdGuard X website or browser extension constitutes your agreement to this Privacy Policy and any revisions or updates.
Contact
You can always contact us with questions or feedback about our privacy policy here.