Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

TheBatee ("we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our Platform.

This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Data We Collect

2.1 Account Information

• Email address: Required for account creation and communication
• Username: Public identifier for your account
• Name: Optional display name
• Password: Stored as a secure hash (never stored in plain text)
• Profile picture: Optional image upload

2.2 Content Data

• Topics you create
• Comments you post
• Votes and reactions
• Reports you submit

2.3 Usage Data

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referral source
• Language preferences

2.4 Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for authentication and preferences. Third-party services (Google AdSense, analytics) may set additional cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not work.

3. How We Use Your Data

• Provide Services: To operate the Platform, authenticate users, and display content
• Communication: To send account-related emails (verification, password reset)
• Moderation: To enforce our Terms of Service and detect violations
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve the Platform
• Advertising: To display relevant ads via Google AdSense
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and prevent illegal activity

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your data based on:

• Consent: When you create an account and accept these terms
• Contractual Necessity: To provide the services you requested
• Legitimate Interest: To improve the Platform, prevent abuse, and ensure security
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Public Content: Your username, topics, comments, and votes are publicly visible to all users.

5.2 Third-Party Services: We use:

• Neon (PostgreSQL): Database hosting
• Vercel: Platform hosting
• Google AdSense: Advertising
• Email Service Provider: For transactional emails

5.3 Legal Requirements: We may disclose data if required by law, court order, or to prevent harm.

5.4 No Sale of Data: We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

6. Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data is retained as long as your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Data is permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion
• Legal Holds: Data may be retained longer if required by law or for legal proceedings

7. Your Rights (GDPR)

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Erasure: Delete your account and data ("right to be forgotten")
• Portability: Export your data in a machine-readable format
• Object: Object to certain data processing activities
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
• Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at: privacy@thebatee.com

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data:

• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt
• HTTPS encryption for all connections
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication

However, no system is 100% secure. You are responsible for keeping your password confidential.

9. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided data, contact us immediately at privacy@thebatee.com

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or a notice on the Platform. Continued use constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

Email: privacy@thebatee.com

Legal: legal@thebatee.com