HOW FAST IS EVERYTHING?

Last updated: April 2026

1. Who we are (Data Controller)

How Fast Is ("we", "us", "our") operates the website how-fast-is.com. The data controller for this site is the site owner. For any privacy-related question or to exercise the rights described below, contact us at:

Email: privacy@how-fast-is.com

(Replace this address with your real one before publishing.)

2. What we collect

• Anonymous usage data: pages visited, time spent, approximate location (country/city level), device and browser type — collected via Google Analytics 4 only if you give consent.
• Advertising data: Google AdSense may use cookies and identifiers to show ads relevant to you, only if you give consent.
• Local preferences: your chosen theme and language, stored in your browser's localStorage only — never sent to us.

3. Legal basis (UK GDPR)

We rely on your consent (Article 6(1)(a) UK GDPR) for analytics and advertising cookies. You can give, refuse or withdraw consent at any time through the cookie banner or by clearing your browser data and reloading the site.

4. How we use it

Usage data helps us understand how people use the site so we can improve it. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information.

5. Third parties who may receive data

• Google LLC (Google Analytics & Google AdSense) — see Google's Privacy Policy.
• Netlify — our hosting provider, which automatically logs server requests (IP address, user agent) for security and reliability. See Netlify's Privacy Policy.

6. International transfers

Some of our processors (Google, Netlify) are based in the United States. They rely on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework and Standard Contractual Clauses to ensure equivalent protection for UK and EU personal data.

7. Your rights under UK GDPR

If you are in the UK or EU, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Rectify inaccurate data
• Erase your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Restrict or object to processing
• Data portability — receive a copy of your data
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@how-fast-is.com. We aim to respond within 30 days.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk if you believe your data has been mishandled.

8. California residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information for cross-context behavioural advertising. See the Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information link, also available in the footer.

9. Data retention

We don't retain personal data ourselves beyond Netlify's standard server logs (typically 30 days). Google Analytics retains anonymised data for up to 14 months by our setting. AdSense cookies expire after up to 13 months.

10. Children

The site is suitable for all ages but is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have done so, contact us and we will delete it.

11. Changes

We may update this policy. The date at the top will reflect changes. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information for advertising purposes.

This site uses Google AdSense, which may share information with advertising partners to show personalised ads. To opt out:

1. Click Decline on the cookie banner (or click Reset Cookie Preferences below to bring it back).
2. Visit Google Ads Settings to opt out of personalised ads across Google services.
3. Visit aboutads.info to opt out of multiple advertising networks at once.

If you've already accepted, you can change your choice now:

Reset Cookie Preferences

For other privacy questions, email privacy@how-fast-is.com.

Last updated: April 2026

1. Acceptance

By using how-fast-is.com, you agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the site.

2. Use of the site

The site is provided for education and entertainment. You may use it freely for personal, non-commercial purposes. You agree not to:

• Scrape or redistribute large portions of our content
• Use automated tools that impair site performance
• Attempt unauthorised access to any part of the site

3. Accuracy

We source speed data from peer-reviewed literature, scientific constants, and reputable references. However, this site is for educational entertainment and should not be relied on for scientific or professional purposes. Values shown are typical or peak and may vary.

4. Intellectual property

The design, code, and original written content of this site are ours. Emoji are provided by the operating system. Wikipedia links are to externally owned content.

5. Limitation of liability

The site is provided "as is" without warranty. We are not liable for any damages arising from use of, or inability to use, the site.

6. Changes

We may modify these terms at any time. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

Last updated: April 2026

What are cookies?

Small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help remember preferences and measure usage.

Cookies and storage we use

Strictly necessary (no consent required):

• hfi_theme — your chosen colour theme. localStorage, no expiry.
• hfi_lang — your chosen language. localStorage, no expiry.
• hfi_unit — your chosen speed unit. localStorage, no expiry.
• hfi_cookies — records your cookie consent choice. localStorage, no expiry.

These never leave your device.

Analytics (only if you accept):

• _ga — Google Analytics user identifier. Expires after 2 years.
• _ga_<ID> — Google Analytics 4 session identifier. Expires after 2 years.
• _gid — Google Analytics user identifier. Expires after 24 hours.

Advertising (only if you accept):

• __gads, __gpi — Google AdSense ad measurement and personalisation. Expires after 13 months.
• NID, IDE — Google ad personalisation. Expires after 6-13 months.

Your choices

When you first visit, we ask whether to enable analytics and advertising cookies. We do not load Google Analytics or AdSense at all unless you accept.

You can change your choice at any time by clearing your browser data and reloading the site, or by clicking here to reset preferences.

Managing cookies in your browser

You can also block cookies via your browser settings. You can opt out of Google Analytics specifically using the Google opt-out add-on, and out of personalised Google ads at Google Ads Settings.

Consent Mode v2

This site implements Google's Consent Mode v2. Until you accept, all Google services are signalled to operate in restricted mode (no cookies, no personalisation).

How Fast Is is a passion project exploring the full scale of velocity in the universe — from the imperceptible drift of tectonic plates to the blinding speed of light itself.

Inspired by Scale of the Universe and similar projects, we wanted to create the same sense of awe but for speed — something that touches everything from biology to astrophysics.

A note on accuracy

This website was built using Claude AI. AI can — and sometimes does — get things wrong. The speed values and descriptions have been cross-referenced with sources like Wikipedia and NASA, but if something looks off please double-check before quoting it.

The data

Speeds are sourced from established references including Wikipedia, NASA, and published sports statistics. Speeds are typically peak or well-cited typical values and can vary depending on conditions.