Privacy and cookies

This page explains what information Aspecten collects, how it is used, and the choices you have. If something is unclear, write to [email protected].

• Browsing. Readers who do not sign in get no cookies at all. Ordinary server logs (IP address, browser type, pages requested) are kept only for security and to trace faults.
• Signing in. When you sign in, two functional cookies are set: a session cookie and a small marker that remembers you have signed in. Neither tracks you elsewhere. No advertising or third‑party tracking cookies are ever placed.
• Accounts. An account stores a display name, an email address, a hashed password, your favourites, site notifications, and any comments you write.
• Comments. Every comment is read by a moderator before it appears publicly. While it waits, only you see it marked “awaiting moderation”. The moderator sees the comment text, the display name, the email address tied to your account, and the program page it was left on.
• Deleting your information. You can ask for your account and comments to be removed by writing to the contact address above.
• What we never do. Aspecten never sells, rents, or trades personal data, and never embeds third‑party advertising trackers.

Server logs

Like most sites, the server records each request in a short‑lived log entry: the IP address the request came from, the browser’s user‑agent string, and the page or file requested. These logs are kept for a limited period to investigate errors, spot misuse, and keep the site running. They are not used to build browsing profiles and they are not shared with anyone outside the running of the site.

Children

Aspecten is a catalogue of Mac software aimed at a general readership. It is not designed for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has created an account, please let us know so we can remove it.

Changes to this policy

If this page changes — because the site adds a feature, or the way something works is clarified — the updated version will be posted here. The date at the bottom tells you when it was last revised. Where a change is significant, we may also mention it with a short site notice, but no marketing emails are sent for that or any other purpose.

Comments and moderation

Comments exist to let readers share observations about a program. Once you submit a comment, it is held in a moderation queue. A moderator reviews it alongside your account’s display name and email address, and the title of the program page it belongs to. The email address is never shown publicly. When the comment is approved, it appears under the program page with your display name. If it is not approved, it is deleted. You can request removal of a published comment at any time by writing to [email protected].

Deleting an account

To have your account and every comment you have written removed from the site, send a request from the email address on the account to [email protected]. We will confirm once it is done. Favourites, notifications and stored account details are deleted together with the account.

Cookies

A visitor who simply browses program pages receives no cookies at all.

When you sign in, Aspecten sets a strictly necessary session cookie so the server can keep you signed in as you move between pages. A second, simple cookie remembers that you have signed in; it contains no personal data and is not readable by other sites. There are no analytics cookies, advertising cookies, or third‑party trackers of any kind. Signing out removes the session cookie immediately; the sign‑in marker remains only so the site can offer the sign‑in form on a return visit. You can clear it any time through your browser settings.

What an account stores

Creating a free account stores the following:

• The display name you choose (shown on comments).
• Your email address (used for moderation context and account recovery; never displayed publicly).
• A hashed password — the plain‑text password is never stored.
• A list of programs you have saved as favourites.
• Site notifications, such as an alert when a favourited program receives an update; these appear only on the site, never by email.
• Comments you submit, along with their moderation status.

What is never done

Aspecten does not sell, rent, or trade personal data. It does not embed trackers from advertising networks or social media platforms. No third party receives your browsing habits from this site. There are no affiliate pixels, no fingerprinting scripts, and no hidden data‑collection layers. The site is run by one person, Pieter de Wit, as a side project alongside UX research work in Utrecht, and keeping it straightforward is the whole point.

Last updated March 2025