Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026

1. Overview

SectionLib ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit sectionlib.com — a structural steel section data and engineering tools platform.

2. Information We Do Not Collect

  • We do not require registration or accounts
  • We do not collect names, email addresses, or contact details (unless you voluntarily submit the contact form)
  • We do not store calculation inputs, outputs, or section data queries
  • We do not sell data to third parties for commercial purposes

3. Browser Storage (localStorage)

The website uses your browser's localStorage to save preferences locally on your device:

  • Theme preference (dark/light mode)
  • Favourite sections you have bookmarked
  • Recently viewed sections
  • Cookie consent status

This data is stored entirely on your device and never transmitted to our servers. Clear it at any time via your browser settings (Settings → Clear Site Data).

4. Contact Form

If you use the contact form, the information you provide (name, email, message) is transmitted securely via Formspree solely to respond to your enquiry. We do not add you to any mailing list without explicit consent.

5. Analytics — Google Analytics

SectionLib uses Google Analytics (GA4) to understand aggregate traffic patterns such as page views, session duration, and country of origin. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect this data. The information is anonymised and used only to improve the website. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

6. Advertising — Google AdSense

SectionLib uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense is a third-party advertising service operated by Google LLC. As part of this service:

  • Google and its partners use cookies — including the DART cookie and __gads cookie — to serve ads based on your prior visits to sectionlib.com and other websites on the internet.
  • These cookies allow Google to serve ads relevant to your interests. This is known as interest-based or personalised advertising.
  • Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to users based on their visit to SectionLib and/or other sites on the internet.

Opt out of personalised advertising: You can opt out of Google's use of cookies for personalised ads by visiting Google's Ad Settings or by visiting www.aboutads.info. You can also opt out via the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

For more information on how Google uses data from sites that use its advertising services, see How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services.

7. Cookies Summary

SectionLib uses the following categories of cookies:

  • Functional: localStorage items for theme, favourites, and consent — stored client-side only, never transmitted.
  • Analytics: Google Analytics cookies (e.g. _ga, _gid) for aggregate traffic measurement.
  • Advertising: Google AdSense cookies (e.g. DART, __gads) for interest-based ad serving.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

8. Your Rights — GDPR & CCPA

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) — GDPR: You have the right to access, rectify, or erase personal data we hold about you; the right to restrict or object to processing; and the right to data portability. As we do not collect personal data beyond voluntary contact form submissions, most rights apply to data held by our third-party service providers (Google Analytics, Google AdSense). You can exercise your rights with Google directly via Google's My Account.

If you are a California resident — CCPA: You have the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. SectionLib does not sell personal information. To exercise any rights, contact us via the contact form.

9. Children's Privacy

SectionLib is a professional engineering reference platform not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please use the contact form.