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Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2, 2026

Your Privacy is Our Priority

HardwareTest (accessible via hardwaretest.org and its associated browser extension) is designed with privacy in mind. Raw test inputs such as keystrokes, microphone audio, camera video, and controller events are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to our servers. Ordinary page requests, aggregate analytics events, advertising requests when enabled, and explicit network-test requests may still occur.

1. Information We Collect

1.1. Analytics Data (Website Only)

We use Google Analytics 4 and Vercel Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This data is aggregated and anonymized. It includes:

  • Pages visited and time spent on each page.
  • Browser type, device type, and operating system.
  • Geographic location (Country/City level only).
  • Referral source (how you found our website).

We do not track individual users or link this data to any personally identifiable information.

Google Analytics 4 events are limited to aggregate product metrics such as page views, test starts, test completions, outbound clicks, affiliate clicks, sponsor clicks, and donation clicks. We do not send raw test inputs, keystrokes, microphone audio, camera video, controller identifiers, or precise mouse movement paths to analytics.

1.2. Advertising

The site may use advertising, affiliate links, sponsorships, or donation links to support hosting and development. If third-party ads are enabled, ad partners may use cookies or similar technologies according to their own policies. Specifically:

  • If third-party ads are enabled, ad partners may use cookies or similar technologies according to their own policies.
  • You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings (https://adssettings.google.com).
  • If affiliate or sponsor links appear, they will be disclosed where relevant.

Advertising, affiliate, or sponsorship relationships do not affect diagnostic results or editorial recommendations.

1.3. Chrome Extension Data

If you use the HardwareTest Chrome Extension:

  • The extension does not collect, store, or transmit any user data, browsing history, or personal information.
  • It operates solely as a launcher to open the diagnostic tools on our website.
  • It does not require any special permissions (such as reading data on all websites).

2. How We Handle Test Data (Local Processing)

Most tool processing is performed locally on your device using client-side JavaScript. Network latency tools intentionally send requests to estimate browser-visible request round-trip time.

Input Data: Mouse clicks, keyboard presses, and scroll events are detected locally to provide visual feedback. This data vanishes the moment you close the tab.

Microphone Access: For the Audio Test, we may request permission to access your microphone to visualize audio levels. This audio stream is processed strictly within your browser's memory and is never recorded, uploaded, or shared with us or any third party.

No "Phone Home": We do not store raw diagnostic inputs or a hardware health profile. Aggregate analytics events may include page views, test starts, test completions, and selected rounded metrics when analytics is enabled.

3. Cookies

Analytics, advertising, or affiliate services may use cookies or similar technologies according to their own policies and configuration. Browser privacy controls, add-ons, and ad blockers can limit these requests without affecting the core functionality of most tools.

4. Third-Party Services

We utilize trusted third-party services to keep our website running:

  • Google Analytics 4 and Vercel Analytics: For aggregate traffic and product-usage analysis.
  • Vercel / Netlify: For secure website hosting and content delivery.
  • Advertising or affiliate partners: Only when active, to support the free tools and hosting costs.

These services operate under their own privacy policies.

5. Data Security

We avoid uploading raw diagnostic inputs such as keystrokes, microphone audio, camera video, and controller events. Our website is served via HTTPS to protect the connection between your browser and our content delivery network.

6. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

Although we collect minimal to no personal data, we respect your rights:

  • Right to Know: You can request details about the data we collect (as outlined in this policy).
  • Opt-Out: You can opt out of analytics tracking by using browser privacy controls, add-ons, or ad blockers.

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is a general audience tool and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. We will notify users of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices, please contact us via email at:

Email: support@hardwaretest.org