This explains what we collect when you use pastpaperhub.com, why, and what you can do about it. We've tried to write it in plain English rather than legal boilerplate.
The short version
- You can read and download every paper without giving us anything
- We use Google Analytics to see which pages are used, and Google AdSense to show ads
- Both set cookies; you can refuse the non-essential ones
- The focus timer stores your settings in your own browser, not on our servers
- We never sell your data
What we collect
When you just browse
Standard analytics only: pages viewed, roughly where you are (country or city level), your device and browser, and how you arrived. This is aggregated and doesn't identify you.
When you contact us
Your name, email and message, kept so we can reply and so we can see if a problem keeps coming up. We don't add you to any mailing list from a support message.
When you create an account
Your email and a password we store hashed, plus whatever you save — bookmarks, notes, order history.
When you buy something
Delivery details and order contents. Card details are handled entirely by our payment provider and never reach our servers.
Stored in your browser
The focus timer keeps your session length, daily goal and streak in your browser's local storage. It stays on your device, we can't read it, and clearing your browser data removes it.
Cookies and advertising
We use cookies for three things: making the site work, understanding usage through Google Analytics, and showing ads through Google AdSense.
Google may use cookies to show ads based on your previous visits to this and other sites. You can turn off personalised advertising in Google's Ads Settings, and manage cookies in your browser at any time. Refusing non-essential cookies doesn't restrict any paper on this site.
Most people using this site are school age. We don't knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13, and you don't need an account to use any of the free resources. If you're under the age where you can consent on your own in your country, ask a parent or teacher before creating an account or buying anything. Parents who believe we hold a child's information can write to us and we'll delete it.
Who we share with
We don't sell personal data. We share only what's needed with services that run the site:
- Google — Analytics and AdSense
- Google Drive — where paper files are stored and served
- Our payment provider — for shop orders
- Our hosting provider — to serve the site
We may also disclose information where the law requires it.
How long we keep things
Analytics is retained for 14 months. Support emails are kept for two years. Account data stays until you delete your account. Order records are held for seven years because tax rules require it.
Your rights
You can ask us for a copy of what we hold, ask us to correct it, ask us to delete it, or object to how we use it. Write to us and we'll respond within 30 days.
Security
The site runs over HTTPS, passwords are hashed, and access to data is limited to people who need it. No system is perfectly secure, but we take it seriously.
Changes
If we change this policy we'll update the date above, and we'll say so on the site if the change is significant.
Contact
Any question about privacy: contact us.