Privacy Policy

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect information necessary to provide you with our services:

• Name: Your full name for personalization
• Email address: For account verification, communications, and password recovery
• Password: Encrypted and securely stored using industry-standard hashing algorithms
• Profile picture: Optional, if you choose to upload one
• Username: Your unique identifier on our platform

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect information about your interactions with our service to improve your experience:

• Episodes you listen to and your listening history
• Playback progress and resume positions
• Search queries and browsing behavior
• Playlists you create or follow
• Ratings, reviews, and comments you submit
• Subscriptions to podcasts and categories
• Device information (type, operating system, browser version)
• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Referral source and click patterns

2.3 Device and Technical Information

To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, we collect technical data:

• Device identifiers and hardware models
• Operating system and version
• Browser type and version
• Screen resolution and display settings
• Network connection type (WiFi, cellular)
• Audio quality preferences

2.4 Communications

When you contact us for support or provide feedback, we collect:

• Your name and email address
• The content of your messages
• Any attachments you send us
• Your support ticket history

3.1 Service Delivery

• Provide, maintain, and improve our podcast platform
• Process your account registration and authentication
• Enable audio playback and streaming functionality
• Sync your listening progress across devices
• Remember your preferences and settings

3.2 Personalization

• Provide personalized podcast recommendations based on your listening history
• Suggest relevant content matching your interests
• Customize your homepage and discovery feed
• Remember your playback preferences (speed, volume, etc.)

3.3 Communication

• Send you service updates and important notifications
• Respond to your support inquiries and feedback
• Notify you about new features and improvements
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)

3.4 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to optimize performance
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Conduct research to enhance user experience
• Generate anonymous statistical reports

3.5 Security and Compliance

• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Verify user identities and prevent unauthorized access
• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service

4.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Cloud hosting providers: For data storage and infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
• Content delivery networks: For fast, reliable audio streaming
• Analytics services: For usage analysis and performance monitoring
• Email service providers: For sending transactional and marketing emails
• Payment processors: For handling subscription payments securely

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

4.2 Podcast Creators

We may share anonymized, aggregated listening statistics with podcast creators to help them understand their audience. This data does not identify individual users.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders, search warrants)
• Government or law enforcement requests
• Investigations of potential violations of our Terms of Service
• Situations involving potential threats to public safety

4.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our service before your data is transferred.

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information with other parties when you have given us explicit consent to do so.

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

Required for the service to function properly. These include authentication cookies, session management, and security features. You cannot opt out of these cookies.

Functional Cookies

Remember your preferences such as language, volume settings, playback speed, and theme choice (dark/light mode).

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how users interact with our service by collecting anonymized usage data. We use this information to improve our platform.

Advertising Cookies

Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness (if applicable).

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our service. To learn more about managing cookies, visit your browser's help documentation.

5.3 Do Not Track

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for how to respond to DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT browser signals.

6.1 Access and Portability

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Download: Export your listening history, playlists, and preferences

6.2 Correction and Update

• Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information
• Update your profile information at any time through account settings

6.3 Deletion

• Request deletion of your account and associated personal data
• Delete specific items like listening history or playlists
• Note: Some data may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes

6.4 Opt-Out Rights

• Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
• Personalization: Disable personalized recommendations in settings
• Analytics: Opt out of optional analytics tracking

6.5 Object to Processing

You have the right to object to certain data processing activities. You can exercise this right by contacting us at the address provided in the Contact section.

7.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL
• Password Protection: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with strong salt values
• Access Controls: Strict internal access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Secure Infrastructure: Industry-standard cloud hosting with physical and network security
• Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring for suspicious activity and security threats

7.2 Your Responsibility

While we implement robust security measures, you also play a role in protecting your account:

• Choose a strong, unique password
• Enable two-factor authentication if available
• Do not share your login credentials
• Log out from shared devices
• Report any suspicious activity immediately

7.3 Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by applicable laws, typically within 72 hours of discovering the breach.

8.1 Retention Periods

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Listening History: Retained indefinitely unless you delete it
• Support Communications: Retained for 3 years after resolution
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for 2 years
• Payment Information: Retained as required by law (typically 7 years)

8.2 Account Deletion

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, regulatory, or security purposes.

Contact Information

• Email: privacy@podcastwebsite.com
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@podcastwebsite.com
• Contact Form: Submit a privacy inquiry
• Mailing Address:
  Podcast Website, Inc.
  Attn: Privacy Department
  123 Podcast Lane
  San Francisco, CA 94102
  United States