1. Introduction

htmlscout ("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 web application and services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

Name and email address (when you register)
Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
Profile information from GitHub or Google (if you use social sign-in), including name, email, and profile picture

Usage Information

Business searches and website analyses performed
Feature usage and interaction data
Technical information (browser type, IP address, device information)
Location data (latitude/longitude) when you use location-based business search
Performance metrics (page load times, connection type) to improve our service

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and maintain our services
Process your transactions and manage subscriptions
Send you service-related emails (verification, billing, updates)
Improve and optimize our platform
Comply with legal obligations
Protect against fraudulent or illegal activity

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

Stripe: Payment processing (PCI-compliant)
GitHub & Google: OAuth authentication for social sign-in
Resend: Transactional email delivery
Neon: Database hosting (PostgreSQL)
Vercel: Application hosting and web analytics
Google APIs: Business search (Places API), website performance analysis (PageSpeed Insights), and user experience data (Chrome UX Report)
Security Analysis Services: Mozilla Observatory, SSL Labs (Qualys), and threat intelligence services for website security scoring

These services have their own privacy policies and data handling practices. We only share necessary information required for service functionality.

5. Data Security

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

HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
Secure password hashing (bcrypt)
Regular security updates and monitoring
Limited access to personal information

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us. Some information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your personal information
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data
Object to data processing
Data portability
Withdraw consent

8. Cookies

We use the following types of cookies and tracking technologies:

Essential Cookies: Authentication session management (required for login functionality)
Preference Cookies: Your cookie consent choice and display preferences
Analytics: Vercel Analytics for aggregate usage patterns (no personal identification)
Performance Monitoring: Web Vitals metrics to improve page load speeds

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Declining analytics cookies will not affect core functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete that information.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with applicable laws.

11. 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.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: hello@htmlscout.com