Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

• Account information: Name, email address, and profile picture provided during registration or via social login
• User content: Stories, comments, reactions, and other content you create or upload on the platform
• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the Service, search queries, and interaction patterns
• Device information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and device identifiers
• Communications: Messages you send to our support team or feedback you submit

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Service
• Personalize your experience and surface stories relevant to your interests
• Send transactional emails (account confirmations, password resets) and, where you have opted in, product updates and newsletters
• Analyze usage patterns to improve features and fix issues
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted vendors who assist us in operating the Service (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics, email delivery), bound by confidentiality agreements
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with advance notice to affected users
• With your consent: In any other case where you have given us explicit permission

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you request deletion of your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or compliance purposes. Data held in backups is purged on the same schedule.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights with respect to your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you
• Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities, including direct marketing

To exercise any of these rights, email us at [email protected].

7. Cookies

Story Circle uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain session state, remember your preferences, and understand how the Service is used. We use:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and core functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand aggregate usage patterns (e.g., page views, feature adoption)

You can control cookie behavior through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may impair the functionality of the Service.

8. Security

We take the security of your data seriously. Story Circle employs industry-standard measures including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS), hashed credential storage, and access controls limiting who within our organization can access personal data. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete such information promptly. If you believe a child under 13 has submitted information to us, please contact us at [email protected].

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out: