Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Transparency ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: Name, email address, username
• Profile Information: Optional profile details you choose to share
• Content: Comments, votes, and other user-generated content
• Communications: Messages sent to us via contact forms or support

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns
• Location Data: General location based on IP address (not precise location)
• Cookies and Tracking: Session cookies, analytics cookies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Login: If you sign in via Google, Facebook, or other providers
• Analytics Services: Data from Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our Service
• Process user registration and authentication
• Enable commenting, voting, and social features
• Send notifications about account activity
• Improve our Service through analytics
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• Comply with legal obligations
• Communicate important updates or changes

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data based on:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing
• Contract: To provide services you've requested
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our service and prevent abuse
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

5.2 Limited Sharing

We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: Firebase, Google Analytics, hosting providers
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal process
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale
• Safety: To protect rights, property, or safety of users

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure cloud infrastructure (Firebase/Google Cloud)

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained until account deletion
• Comments/Votes: Retained for platform functionality
• Analytics Data: Anonymized after 26 months
• Log Data: Automatically deleted after 30 days

8. Your Privacy Rights

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

8.1 General Rights

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Data Portability: Request data in a portable format

8.2 GDPR Rights (EU Residents)

• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority

8.3 CCPA Rights (California Residents)

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Authentication, security, basic functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Understanding usage patterns (Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: Remembering preferences and settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect functionality. See our Cookie Policy for details.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

12. Third-Party Services

Our Service integrates with third-party services:

• Firebase/Google Cloud: Backend services and analytics
• Social Login Providers: Google, Facebook authentication
• Government APIs: Congressional bill data (congress.gov)

These services have their own privacy policies governing their data practices.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via email or platform notification. Changes become effective when posted.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Data Protection Officer: [email protected]
• Address: [Private]