Privacy Policy

The Short Version

We respect your privacy. We use privacy-focused analytics that don't track you personally, our tools process everything in your browser (nothing gets uploaded), and we only collect personal information when you voluntarily contact us.

Who We Are

Dither & Etch is a custom laser engraving service operated in British Columbia, Canada. This policy covers how we handle information on our website, ditherandetch.ca.

For questions about this policy, contact us at [email protected].

Information We Collect

Analytics Data

We use Umami, a privacy-focused, self-hosted analytics platform. Umami is designed to be GDPR and PIPEDA compliant by default.

What Umami collects:

• Page views and referrer URLs
• Browser type and operating system
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Country (derived from anonymized IP)
• Session duration and bounce rate

What Umami does NOT collect:

• Personal information or identifiers
• IP addresses (they're anonymized and not stored)
• Cookies or persistent tracking
• Cross-site tracking
• Fingerprinting data

Umami generates a random visitor ID for each session that cannot be used to identify you personally. This data helps us understand how people use our site so we can improve it.

Our Umami instance is self-hosted, meaning your analytics data stays on our infrastructure and is never shared with third parties.

Information You Provide

When you contact us via email about a commission, you voluntarily provide information like:

• Your name and email address
• Project details and requirements
• Images or reference materials
• Shipping address (if applicable for a commission)

We use this information solely to discuss and complete your commission. We don't sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties except as necessary to fulfill your order (e.g., shipping carriers).

Browser-Based Tools

Our free image processing tools (dithering, background removal, etc.) run entirely in your browser using WebAssembly. Your images are never uploaded to our servers. All processing happens locally on your device.

How We Use Information

• Analytics: To understand site usage and improve the user experience
• Communications: To respond to inquiries and discuss commissions
• Commissions: To create, deliver, and follow up on custom work

Your Choices

Analytics Opt-Out

You can opt out of analytics tracking at any time using the preference controls below. Your choice is saved in your browser and respected on all pages.

Do Not Track

We respect the Do Not Track (DNT) browser setting. If your browser sends a DNT signal, Umami will not track your visit.

Email Communications

We only email you if you've contacted us first. We don't send marketing emails or newsletters.

Data Retention

• Analytics: Aggregated, anonymized data is retained indefinitely for trend analysis
• Commission communications: Retained for business records and to provide ongoing support
• Project files: Retained for a reasonable period after project completion in case of follow-up orders, then deleted

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect information, including using HTTPS encryption for all site traffic and secure email practices. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure.

Third-Party Services

This site may contain links to external services (Instagram, Facebook). Those services have their own privacy policies. We're not responsible for their practices.

We don't use third-party advertising, social media tracking pixels, or embedded content that tracks you.

Children's Privacy

This site is not directed at children under 13. We don't knowingly collect information from children.

Your Rights (PIPEDA)

Under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have the right to:

• Access personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent for data collection
• File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy occasionally. We'll update the "last updated" date when changes are made. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions or concerns about privacy? Email us at [email protected].