Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

This application exists to help people share their stories and discover that they are not alone. We understand that some experiences may be deeply personal or painful. Protecting your privacy is a core priority.

1. Purpose of this Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the app, you agree to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

  • Email address (used only for login and account communication)
  • Password (securely hashed; never stored in plain text)
  • Handle or display name
  • Country (optional)

2.2 Story Data

  • The stories you write, including title, text, and visibility setting
  • Embeddings generated from your story text (numerical representations used to find similar stories)
  • Story metadata such as timestamps and optional language tags

2.3 Technical Data

  • IP address and basic browser/device information
  • Log data for security and reliability (e.g., failed login attempts, errors)
  • Time and date of interactions with the service

3. How We Use Your Information

  • To operate your account and secure your login
  • To save, display, and manage your stories
  • To generate AI-based similarity suggestions
  • To improve the safety and performance of the app
  • To communicate with you about account-related matters

4. Story Visibility and Control

You decide how each story is shared:

  • Private – only you can see it
  • Members only – only logged-in users can see it
  • Public – visible to anyone

You may edit or delete your stories at any time.

5. AI and Embeddings

The app uses AI to convert your story into an embedding so it can find stories with similar themes. Embeddings do not contain your identity or personal information — they only capture patterns in text.

If a story is private, it will not be used to suggest content to other users.

6. Sharing of Your Information

We do not sell your data. We may share limited information only when necessary:

  • With service providers (e.g., secure hosting, email services)
  • When required by law
  • To prevent harm or address security issues

7. Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures including HTTPS, encrypted storage for sensitive data, secure password hashing, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. No system is completely risk-free, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information.

8. Your Choices

  • Edit or delete your story
  • Change story visibility settings
  • Update your account information
  • Request deletion of your account

9. Children

This service is intended for adults. If you are below the age required by your local laws, you should only use this application with the involvement of a trusted adult.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the app means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact

If you have questions about your privacy or how we use your data, please contact us at: contact@oursharedstories.org.