Privacy Policy
Words Counter AI is privacy-first by design. Your text never leaves your browser.
1. Who we are
This website (wordscounterai.com) is operated by Chris Clark, based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. For privacy enquiries you can contact us at hello@wordscounterai.com.
For the purposes of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, we are the data controller for any limited personal data processed via this website.
2. What data we process
2.1 Text you paste into the counter
The text you paste or type into the counter tool is processed locally in your browser only. It is not transmitted to us, stored on any server, or shared with any third party. When you close or refresh the page, the text is gone.
2.2 Standard server logs
Our hosting provider (Netlify) automatically logs basic technical information when you visit the site, including:
- Your IP address (typically truncated)
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring URL and pages visited
- Date and time of visit
These logs are kept for security, performance and abuse-prevention purposes and are not used to identify you personally.
2.3 Analytics and advertising data
If you accept cookies (see our Cookie Policy), Google may collect data via Google Analytics and Google AdSense, including:
- Pages viewed and time on page
- Approximate location (country/city level)
- Device and browser information
- Anonymised user identifiers used for ad personalisation and frequency capping
3. Lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR, our lawful basis for processing the limited personal data above is:
- Legitimate interests — for security logs and basic site operation.
- Consent — for analytics cookies and personalised advertising. You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing cookies in your browser or using our cookie banner controls.
4. Cookies
We use a small number of cookies for essential site functionality, anonymous analytics and advertising. Full details, including how to opt out, are in our Cookie Policy.
5. Third-party services we use
The following third parties may process limited data when you use our site:
- Netlify Inc. — website hosting and CDN. Privacy notice.
- Google LLC — Google AdSense (advertising) and Google Analytics. Privacy & Terms.
- GoDaddy — domain registration only; does not see visitor traffic.
6. Advertising and Google AdSense
This site is monetised in part by Google AdSense. AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to show ads that are relevant to you. Specifically:
- Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site.
- Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this and other sites.
- You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.
- You can opt out of third-party vendor use of cookies for personalised advertising at aboutads.info or Your Online Choices (UK).
7. Your rights under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right of access — request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
- Right to rectification — request correction of inaccurate data.
- Right to erasure — request deletion of your data.
- Right to restrict processing — limit how we use your data.
- Right to object — object to processing based on legitimate interests.
- Right to data portability — receive your data in a portable format.
- Right to withdraw consent — at any time where we rely on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, email hello@wordscounterai.com. We will respond within one calendar month.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
8. Data retention
We do not retain text you paste into the counter — it never reaches our servers. Server logs are retained by our hosting provider for up to 30 days. Analytics data is retained by Google for the period set in our Google Analytics settings (default 14 months).
9. International data transfers
Some of our service providers (including Google) are based outside the UK and EEA. Where this is the case, we rely on UK approved Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent safeguards to protect your data.
10. Children's privacy
Our service is intended for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect any changes. Significant changes will be flagged on the homepage.
12. Contact
For any questions about this policy or your data: hello@wordscounterai.com.