PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: Aug 22, 2025
CarCompass.com (“Website”) is operated by Birkdale Creations Ltd. (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We respect your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information in compliance with PIPEDA (Canada), with transparency for users subject to U.S. state privacy laws (including CPRA) and European/UK standards (GDPR/UK GDPR).
1) Information We Collect
You provide:
• Account details (name, email)
• Optional profile info (e.g., city/region)
• Content you save or submit (favorites, shortlists, garage vehicles, community posts/messages)
• Support requests or feedback
Collected automatically:
• Device/log data (IP address, browser/OS, referring URL, pages viewed, timestamps)
• Cookies/SDKs and similar technologies (see “Cookies & Similar Technologies”)
• Approximate location (derived from IP)
From third parties:
• Analytics/advertising partners (e.g., Google Analytics, Google AdSense)
• Affiliate/referral partners (e.g., Amazon Associates, dealership/OEM partners you choose to visit)
• Aggregated/specification data providers (e.g., ChromeData/J.D. Power) – vehicle/spec data, not your payment data
We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information. We do not process payment data at this time.
2) How We Use Your Information
• Operate, maintain, and improve the Website and features (search, compare, favorites, garage, community)
• Provide and secure your account; respond to support requests
• Understand usage and performance (analytics)
• Show and measure advertising (including interest-based ads via partners)
• Send transactional/service messages (e.g., account or technical emails)
• Enforce terms, prevent fraud/security incidents, and comply with law
GDPR/UK GDPR legal bases: performance of contract, legitimate interests (e.g., site security, service improvement), consent (cookies/ads where required), and legal obligations.
3) Cookies & Similar Technologies
We use cookies/SDKs to:
• Enable essential site functions (authentication, preferences)
• Analyze traffic and usage (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Deliver/measure advertising (e.g., Google AdSense)
Where required, a cookie consent banner lets you accept, reject, or manage categories. You can also control cookies in your browser settings. We honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals in applicable regions.
Manage preferences: [Cookie Settings link]
4) Advertising, “Sell” and “Share” Disclosures (CPRA)
We do not sell personal information for money.
We may “share” personal information as defined by the CPRA—e.g., identifiers and internet activity with third-party advertising partners for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Your choices (California & certain U.S. states):
• Use our Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information link: [DNSMP link]
• We honor GPC signals as an opt-out preference
• Adjust ad settings with Google and industry tools (YourAdChoices / YourOnlineChoices)
5) When We Disclose Information
We disclose information to:
• Service providers (hosting, analytics, advertising, email delivery/Mailgun, security, customer support)
• Referral/affiliate partners when you click an outbound link or choose to engage with them (your use is subject to their privacy policies)
• Authorities or others, if required by law, legal process, or to protect rights and safety
• A successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer (subject to this Policy)
We do not sell your personal information. We limit disclosures to what is necessary to operate the service.
6) Data Retention
• Account data: retained while your account is active
• Saved content (favorites, garage, comparisons): retained until you delete it or your account
• Logs/analytics: typically up to 24 months; aggregated/anonymized reports may be kept longer for trends and security
• Backups: limited-duration operational backups may persist
We delete or anonymize data when no longer needed for the purposes above or to meet legal/operational requirements.
7) Your Privacy Choices & Rights
All users:
• Access/update your account information
• Delete saved content or your account
• Manage cookies/ad preferences via the cookie banner and browser controls
Canada (PIPEDA): request access/correction and information about our handling of personal information.
EU/UK (GDPR/UK GDPR): request access, correction, deletion, portability, and restriction/objection; withdraw consent where applicable.
California & certain U.S. states (e.g., CPRA): right to know/access, correct, delete; right to opt out of “sale”/“sharing”; right to limit use of sensitive personal information (not collected); right to non-discrimination.
To exercise rights or submit a request, email: contact@carcompass.com. We will verify your identity. Authorized agents may submit requests with proof of authority. If we decline a request, you may appeal by replying to our decision email.
8) Children’s Privacy
The Website is not directed to children under 13 (or the age required by local law). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child provided personal data, contact us to delete it.
9) International Users & Transfers
We operate in Canada and may process data in other countries where our service providers are located. When transferring personal data internationally, we apply appropriate safeguards (e.g., contractual clauses) consistent with applicable law. By using the Website, you acknowledge these transfers.
10) Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (e.g., encryption in transit, access controls, monitoring). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; please use strong, unique passwords and keep credentials confidential.
11) Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The Effective Date above indicates the latest revision. Material changes will be communicated via the Website or by email (for account holders). Continued use after an update means you accept the revised Policy.
12) Contact Us
Privacy requests: contact@carcompass.com
General support: contact@carcompass.com
Mailing address (operator): Birkdale Creations Ltd., 200-1920 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, M4S3E2
13) Region-Specific Disclosures (Summary)
• California (CPRA): We may “share” personal information for cross-context advertising; use the Do Not Sell or Share link or GPC to opt out. We do not knowingly sell/share for users under 16.
• EU/UK: Lawful bases include consent, contract, legitimate interests, and legal obligations. You may contact your local data protection authority if needed.
• Canada (PIPEDA): You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you have unresolved concerns.
