Privacy Policy
Last updated:
This Privacy Policy explains how Websums ("we", "our") handles information when you use this website.
Who we are
Websums is operated by EllaByte, which is the data controller responsible for your information under UK data protection law. You can reach us at hello@websums.com for any privacy query, including the requests described under Your rights below.
What we collect
Calculations entered into our tools are processed entirely in your browser. The figures you type β incomes, prices, balances, expenses β are never transmitted to us and are never stored on our servers.
We use Google Analytics 4 to understand how the site is used (for example page views, device type, and approximate location derived from your IP address). This data is collected only with your consent, in aggregate, and is not used to identify you personally. Google acts as our processor for this; see how Google uses information from sites that use its services.
We load all fonts and styling from our own servers, so simply viewing a page does not send your details to any third party before you have made a cookie choice.
International data transfers
Google Analytics and Google AdSense are operated by Google, which may process data on servers outside the UK and EEA, including in the United States. Where that happens, transfers are protected by safeguards Google maintains, such as the EUβUS Data Privacy Framework (and its UK extension) and Standard Contractual Clauses.
What stays on your device
The following are stored locally in your browser using localStorage. They never leave your device and we cannot see them:
- Saved calculations ("My Sums") β when you click Save to My Sums, the inputs and labels are written to localStorage on your device. Clearing your browser data, or using a different browser or device, will remove them.
- Preferences β your chosen currency (Β£ / $ / β¬) and light/dark theme.
- Cookie consent choice β whether you accepted or declined non-essential cookies.
You can clear all of this at any time via your browser's site-data settings.
Sharing a calculation
When you use the Share button on a saved calculation, the inputs are encoded directly into the share URL. The link travels with whatever you send it through (message, email) β it does not pass through our servers, and we have no record of who shared what with whom.
Essential vs non-essential storage
UK and EU rules (PECR / GDPR) split browser storage into two categories:
- Essential β required to deliver something you've explicitly asked for. On Websums, this is the browser localStorage described above: your saved sums, your currency and theme preferences, and your cookie consent choice. We don't ask for consent for these because the site can't honour your Save click or remember your settings without them. None of this is sent to us.
- Non-essential β personalised advertising and analytics cookies set by Google. These require your consent.
Advertising and your choice
Websums is supported by ads served via Google AdSense. The banner at the bottom of the page lets you choose how those ads work:
- Accept β Google may set cookies to show ads tailored to your interests (personalised ads). This typically means ads more relevant to you and helps support the site.
- Decline β Google still shows ads, but they will be generic (non-personalised), with no tracking cookies set for ad targeting.
Either way, ads will appear; ad-blocking is something you can do via your browser, not via this banner. We do not set our own first-party tracking cookies. You can change your choice at any time by clearing your browser data and reloading the page.
Google Ads
This site is supported by Google AdSense. Google and its partners may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. You can opt out of personalised advertising from Google at Google Ads Settings, and from many other third-party vendors at aboutads.info or youronlinechoices.eu.
Children
Websums is not directed at children and we do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 16. Personalised advertising is not served to users identified as children.
Your rights
If you are in the UK or EU, you have rights under GDPR including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, and objection. To exercise any of these, contact us at hello@websums.com.
You also have the right to complain to the UK regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), at ico.org.uk, if you are unhappy with how we have handled your data.
Contact
Questions? Email hello@websums.com.