1. Information We Collect

At  MapleTools Canada, we are committed to transparency about what data we collect and why. We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide our services effectively. Understanding what data we collect helps you make informed decisions about using our platform.

1.1 Files You Upload

When you use our PDF conversion tools, we temporarily process your files to provide the conversion service. Your files are not stored on our servers and are processed securely to ensure your privacy and data protection. All uploaded files are automatically deleted within 1 hour of processing, and we maintain zero-knowledge architecture meaning our staff cannot access your documents during processing. This applies to all PDF tools including PDF to Word, PDF Merger, and PDF Compressor.

1.2  Calculator Data

Calculator inputs from our mortgage calculator, BMI calculator, and other tools are processed locally in your browser when possible. We do not store calculation results unless you explicitly save them to your account. For  calculators that require server-side processing (such as CRS calculator with detailed reports), data is processed in real-time and immediately discarded after results are delivered. We never use your calculation data for marketing, analytics, or any purpose beyond providing your requested results.

1.3 Account Information

If you create an account, we collect your email address and encrypted password. We may also collect your name and preferences to personalize your experience. Account creation is optional – most tools work without registration. For users who choose to create accounts, we store: email address (required for login and password recovery), display name (optional), language preference, timezone, and saved calculator results (if you choose to save them). We use industry-standard bcrypt encryption for passwords, and we never store passwords in plain text.

1.4 Usage Analytics

We collect anonymized usage data to improve our services, including: pages visited, tools used, time spent on site, browser type, device type, and general location (city/province level only). We use Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled, meaning your exact IP address is never stored. This data helps us understand which tools are most popular, identify bugs, and prioritize new features. You can opt out of analytics tracking using browser extensions like uBlock Origin or by enabling "Do Not Track" in your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information solely to provide and improve our services. We never sell your data to third parties or use it for purposes beyond what's described in this policy. Here's exactly how we use each type of data:

• File Processing: To convert, merge, compress, or edit your PDFs as requested. Files are processed in secure, isolated environments and deleted immediately after conversion.
• Calculator Results: To perform calculations and display results. Data is processed in real-time and not retained unless you explicitly save results to your account.
• Account Management: To authenticate your login, recover passwords, and sync preferences across devices. We send transactional emails only (password resets, account confirmations) – never marketing emails unless you opt in.
• Service Improvement: To identify popular tools, fix bugs, optimize performance, and prioritize new features based on usage patterns. All analytics are anonymized and aggregated.
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical assistance when you contact us through our help center.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA), respond to legal requests, prevent fraud, and protect our rights and the safety of our users.

3. Data Security & Storage

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties except in these limited circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal requirements or court orders
• To protect our rights, property, or safety
• With service providers who help us operate our platform (under strict confidentiality agreements)

5. Cookies & Tracking

We use minimal cookies to improve your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our tools

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality.

6. Your Rights (PIPEDA & GDPR)

Under Canadian PIPEDA and European GDPR regulations, you have comprehensive rights over your personal data. We respect these rights and make it easy to exercise them:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We'll provide this in a readable format (PDF or CSV) within 30 days. This includes account information, saved calculations, and any support tickets you've submitted.
• Right to Correction: Update or correct your information at any time through your account settings, or contact us to make changes. We'll update your data within 48 hours of your request.
• Right to Deletion (Right to be Forgotten): Request deletion of your account and all associated data. We'll permanently delete your information within 30 days, except where we're legally required to retain certain records (e.g., financial transactions for tax purposes).
• Right to Portability: Export your data in a standard, machine-readable format (JSON or CSV) to transfer to another service. Available through account settings or by contacting support.
• Right to Objection: Object to certain data processing activities, such as analytics tracking or promotional emails. You can opt out of analytics using browser settings or by contacting us.
• Right to Restriction: Request that we limit how we process your data while you verify its accuracy or challenge our processing practices.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for any data processing that requires your consent (like marketing emails) at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@mapletoolscanada.ca or use the data management tools in your account settings. We respond to all privacy requests within 30 days as required by law. If you're not satisfied with our response, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or your local data protection authority.

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. International Users

While  MapleTools is based in Canada, we welcome users worldwide. Your data may be processed in Canada, which has been recognized by the European Commission as providing adequate data protection under the GDPR adequacy decision. For users in the European Union, European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, we comply with GDPR requirements including data transfer safeguards, privacy by design, and breach notification obligations. For users in California, we comply with CCPA requirements. For users in other jurisdictions, we apply the same high privacy standards globally. If you're accessing MapleTools from outside Canada, you consent to your data being transferred to and processed in Canada under Canadian privacy laws.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We'll notify users of significant changes via email or prominent website notice.

10. Contact Us

11. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you within 72 hours as required by PIPEDA and GDPR. Notifications will be sent via email to your registered address and will include: what data was affected, when the breach occurred, what we're doing to address it, and steps you can take to protect yourself. We maintain comprehensive security incident response procedures and conduct regular security audits to prevent breaches. To date, MapleTools has never experienced a data breach affecting user information.

12. Third-Party Services

We use carefully selected third-party services to operate MapleTools. These services have access to limited data only as necessary to perform their functions:

• Hosting: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Canada region for secure, Canadian-based hosting
• Analytics: Google Analytics with IP anonymization for usage statistics
• Payment Processing: Stripe for secure payment processing (for Pro/Business plans)
• Email Delivery: SendGrid for transactional emails (password resets, account confirmations)
• Customer Support: Zendesk for support ticket management

All third-party services are bound by strict data processing agreements and are prohibited from using your data for their own purposes. We regularly review our third-party vendors to ensure they maintain adequate security and privacy standards.