Effective Date: February 5, 2024
Platform: Auffr (https://auffr.com)
Contact: info@auffr.com
1. Overview
Auffr (“we,” “our,” “us”) operates a link discovery platform that allows registered users to sign up, submit links to websites they find interesting, and discover links submitted by others. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website at https://auffr.com (the “Service”).
By signing up and using Auffr, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Account Information: When you sign up, we collect your email address, chosen username, and password (hashed for security).
- Submitted Links and Metadata: Any URL you submit, along with optional titles, descriptions, tags, or comments you provide.
- User Preferences: Notification settings, content filtering preferences, and profile visibility choices.
- Communications: Messages you send to us (e.g., support requests, feedback).
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, links clicked, time spent on Auffr, submission timestamps, and interaction patterns.
- Device & Browser Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, referral URLs, and unique device identifiers.
- Cookies & Similar Technologies: We use cookies to maintain your session, remember preferences, and analyze platform usage. You may disable cookies via your browser settings, but some features may not function properly.
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- If you sign up via an OAuth provider (e.g., Google, GitHub), we receive only the information you authorize (e.g., email address, name). We do not store your third-party passwords.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Create and manage your Auffr account.
- Publish and display the links you submit to other users (as per your privacy settings).
- Personalize your link discovery feed and recommendations.
- Detect and prevent spam, abusive links, or fraudulent activity.
- Improve platform performance, security, and user experience.
- Send service-related emails (e.g., account verification, password reset, platform updates). You may opt out of non‑essential communications.
- Comply with legal obligations.
4. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
- Publicly Submitted Links: By default, links you submit (and associated metadata) are visible to other registered Auffr users. You may adjust visibility settings per submission if offered.
- Service Providers: We use third‑party services (e.g., hosting, database management, analytics, email delivery). These providers access only the data necessary to perform their functions and are contractually bound to protect your information.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or government request.
- Business Transfers: If Auffr is acquired, merged, or sold, your data may be transferred to the new owner, subject to the same privacy commitments.
- With Your Consent: We may share information for other purposes if you give explicit permission.
5. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location (e.g., GDPR for EU/EEA, CCPA for California), you may have the right to:
- Access – Request a copy of your personal data.
- Correct – Update inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Delete – Request deletion of your account and associated data (subject to legal retention requirements).
- Restrict or Object – Limit how we process your data.
- Data Portability – Receive your data in a structured, machine‑readable format.
- Opt Out of Marketing – Use the unsubscribe link in our emails or contact us directly.
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@auffr.com. We will respond within 30 days.
6. Data Retention
We retain your account information and submitted links as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will remove or anonymize your personal data within 90 days, except where we must retain information for:
- Legal compliance (e.g., fraud investigations).
- Security backups (limited duration).
- Public contributions (e.g., links you submitted may remain under a generic “former user” attribution if required for platform integrity).
7. Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest (AES‑256 for sensitive fields), regular security audits, and access controls. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential.
8. Children’s Privacy
Auffr is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we learn we have done so, we will delete it immediately.
9. International Data Transfers
If you access Auffr from outside the country where our servers are located (e.g., United States), your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in that country. By using Auffr, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses) where required by law.
10. Third‑Party Links
Auffr allows users to submit links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third‑party sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before interacting with them.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you via email (to the address associated with your account) or through a prominent notice on the Auffr website at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of Auffr after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries, data requests, or complaints:
Email: info@auffr.com
By registering for an Auffr account, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.