Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to Circles. We're committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your data. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your personal data.

Circles is designed to work for both authenticated users (with accounts) and anonymous users (without accounts). This policy applies to both types of users.

Information We Collect

For Anonymous Users

• A session identifier stored in a cookie to maintain your session across visits
• The name you choose to use when creating or joining events
• Events you create or participate in
• Messages, votes, and other interactions within events
• Basic usage analytics to improve the service

For Authenticated Users

• Email address (used for authentication and account recovery)
• Profile information you choose to provide (name, avatar)
• All information listed above for anonymous users

For Paid Subscribers

• Stripe customer ID and subscription status
• Billing email and metadata shared by Stripe (if provided)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Circles service
• Enable you to create, join, and participate in events
• Facilitate coordination and communication with other event participants
• Send you notifications about events you're participating in (if you opt in)
• Improve and optimize the service
• Prevent abuse and ensure the security of the platform

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• With other event participants: When you join an event, other participants can see the name you're using and your interactions within that event
• With service providers: We use trusted third-party services to help operate Circles (hosting, analytics, email delivery). These providers are contractually bound to protect your data
• Payment processing: If you subscribe to Pro, payment details are handled by Stripe. We receive subscription status and customer identifiers, not full card details
• For legal reasons: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Circles, our users, or others

Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Anonymous sessions: Your session data is retained for 90 days of inactivity, after which it may be deleted
• Account data: We retain your account data until you request deletion or delete your account
• Event data: Events and their associated data are retained indefinitely unless explicitly deleted by the event creator

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your data: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correct your data: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Delete your data: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export your data: Download your event data in a portable format
• Opt out: Unsubscribe from notifications at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us (contact information below).

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your session and keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Understand how you use Circles to improve the service

Essential cookies (for session management) cannot be disabled. You can control analytics cookies through your browser settings.

Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit and at rest, secure authentication, and regular security audits. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Circles is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of Circles after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at:

privacy@circles.jroth.space