Privacy Policy

Sad Index ("we," "us," or "the site") operates sadindex.com, a free, ad-supported data dashboard that tracks the emotional tone of Billboard Hot 100 music alongside public economic indicators. This policy explains what information is collected when you visit, how it is used, and the choices you have. We do not require an account, and we do not ask you for your name, address, or payment details.

Information we collect

We collect only the limited technical data needed to operate and improve the site:

• Usage and device data — pages viewed, referring site, approximate region, browser and device type, collected in aggregate through privacy-respecting analytics.
• Cookies and similar technologies — small files used to remember preferences and to support advertising (see below). You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

The music-chart, audio-valence, and economic figures shown on the site are aggregate public datasets about songs and the economy — not information about you.

Advertising & third-party cookies

We use Google AdSense to display advertising. Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to this site and/or other sites on the internet.

You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. You can also opt out of some third-party vendors' use of cookies for personalized advertising at aboutads.info/choices.

How we use information

Aggregate usage data is used to understand which content is helpful, to keep the site fast and reliable, and to fund the site through advertising. We do not sell personal information.

Data sources

The metrics on Sad Index are derived from publicly available datasets, including the Billboard Hot 100 chart, song audio features, and economic series published by the U.S. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) and similar public sources. These describe songs and the economy, not site visitors.

Children's privacy

Sad Index is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date above.

Contact

Questions about this policy can be sent to privacy@sadindex.com. See also our Terms of Service.