Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Account Information: Email address, username, password (encrypted), and profile details
• Contact Information: Name, email address, and other contact details when you reach out to us
• Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely by our payment providers)
• Communication: Messages you send us and records of our communications

Usage Information

We automatically collect information about how you use our services:

• Link Data: Original URLs, shortened URLs, creation dates, and custom settings
• Analytics Data: Click statistics, geographic location (country/city level), referrer information, device types, and browser information
• Log Information: IP addresses, access times, pages viewed, and actions taken
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers

Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and gather information about usage patterns.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Service Provision

• Creating and managing shortened URLs
• Providing analytics and reporting features
• Generating QR codes and managing link trees
• Processing payments and managing subscriptions

Communication

• Sending service-related notifications and updates
• Responding to customer support inquiries
• Sending marketing communications (with your consent)

Improvement and Security

• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our services
• Detecting and preventing fraud and abuse
• Ensuring service security and preventing unauthorized access
• Conducting research and development

Legal Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws and regulations
• Responding to legal requests and court orders
• Protecting our rights and interests

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
• Email services and communication
• Analytics and monitoring
• Customer support
• Infrastructure and hosting

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or government requests
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of our users
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to equivalent privacy protections.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS and at rest using AES-256
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Authentication: Multi-factor authentication for administrative access
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security threats and unauthorized access

Organizational Safeguards

• Regular security training for employees
• Background checks for personnel with data access
• Incident response procedures
• Regular security audits and assessments

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our service
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our service.

Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) that use cookies to collect information about your use of our service. These services have their own privacy policies.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• Request information about how we use your data

Correction and Updates

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update your account information and preferences

Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to certain types of processing

Marketing Communications

• Opt out of marketing emails at any time
• Manage communication preferences in your account

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for up to 3 years after deletion
• Link Data: Retained indefinitely to ensure shortened links continue to work
• Analytics Data: Retained for up to 7 years for business analytics purposes
• Communication Records: Retained for up to 5 years for customer service purposes
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

International Data Transfers

CITOUT.ME operates globally, and your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws.

When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules
• Certification schemes

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13 years of age (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make changes:

• We will post the updated policy on our website
• We will update the "Last Updated" date
• For significant changes, we will notify you by email or through our service
• Your continued use of our service after changes indicates acceptance

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.