Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

Distraction Blocker is a free Windows focus app built and maintained by an independent solo developer. This Privacy Policy explains how your information is handled when you visit our website (distraction-blocker.com) and when you use the Distraction Blocker desktop application.

If you have any questions about this policy, you can reach the developer directly at stefansujdovic@gmail.com.

2. What we collect

We deliberately keep data collection to an absolute minimum. Here's everything, in one place:

2.1 Website analytics (GoatCounter)

To understand how many people visit the site and which pages are useful, we use GoatCounter, a privacy-focused, open-source analytics tool. GoatCounter is designed specifically not to track individuals. It:

• Does not use cookies and does not store any data on your device.
• Does not collect personal information — no names, no emails, no persistent identifiers.
• Does not track you across other websites or build an advertising profile.
• Records only anonymous, aggregated data such as page URLs visited, the referring website, approximate country (derived from your IP, which is not stored), browser type, and screen size.

This information cannot reasonably be used to identify you. You can read more in the GoatCounter privacy policy.

2.2 Your email address (email-gated download)

Before your download begins, we ask you to enter your email address. Providing it is your choice — it's how we stay in touch with people who use the app. When you submit it:

• Your email is recorded in a private Google Sheet that only the developer can access, via Google Workspace / Google Cloud infrastructure.
• We use it only to notify you about important updates, new versions, and fixes to Distraction Blocker.
• We do not send spam, marketing from third parties, or share your address with anyone.
• You can ask to be removed at any time — see Your rights below.

2.3 The desktop app collects nothing

The Distraction Blocker application that runs on your computer is fully local. It has no account system and no built-in analytics. Your block lists (websites and apps), your Pomodoro timer settings, and everything else you configure stay on your machine and are never transmitted to us or to any third party.

3. How we use your information

We use the limited data described above strictly for the following purposes:

• To improve the website and app — understanding aggregate traffic helps us see what's working and where to focus.
• To keep you informed — if you gave us your email, to let you know about meaningful updates to the app.
• To operate and secure the service — making sure the download and site work correctly.

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, automated decision-making, or any purpose beyond what's listed here.

4. Legal basis for processing (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area or the UK, we process your data under the following legal bases:

• Consent — for storing your email address, which you provide voluntarily. You may withdraw consent at any time.
• Legitimate interest — for anonymous, cookie-less analytics that help us run and improve the site without impacting your privacy.

5. Cookies and tracking

This website does not use tracking or advertising cookies. Our analytics provider, GoatCounter, is specifically cookie-free. We may use minimal, essential browser storage only where strictly necessary for the site to function — never to track you.

6. Third-party services

We rely on a small number of trusted services to run Distraction Blocker. Each processes only the limited data described above:

• GoatCounter — anonymous website analytics. (Privacy policy)
• Google (Sheets / Google Cloud) — securely stores the email addresses submitted before download. (Privacy policy)
• Website & download hosting — serves this site and the installer file. Hosting providers may automatically log standard technical request data (such as IP addresses) for security and reliability.

7. Data retention

We keep data only for as long as it serves the purpose it was collected for:

• Email addresses are kept until you ask us to delete them, or until they are no longer needed to communicate about the app.
• Analytics data is aggregated and anonymous, and is retained by GoatCounter according to its own policies.

8. Your rights

You have full control over the information you've shared with us. Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you (i.e. your email address).
• Correct inaccurate data.
• Delete your data ("right to be forgotten").
• Withdraw consent to email communications at any time.
• Object to or restrict certain processing.

To exercise any of these rights, simply email stefansujdovic@gmail.com and we'll take care of it promptly — no forms, no hassle.

9. Data security

We take reasonable, industry-standard measures to protect your information. Email addresses are stored within Google's secured infrastructure, accessible only to the developer. That said, no method of transmission or storage over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's privacy

Distraction Blocker is not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your country), and we do not knowingly collect data from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll delete it.

11. International users

Your information may be processed and stored on servers located outside your country of residence, including by the third-party services listed above. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as the app evolves or as laws change. When we do, we'll revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be communicated by email to those who've subscribed. Continued use of the website or app after an update means you accept the revised policy.