🔒 Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us when you create an account, use our services, or contact us for support.

• Account Information: Full name, email address, password, city, and subscription plan
• Profile Information: Phone number, biography, and preferences you optionally add
• Business Listings: Business name, address, phone, website, hours, and description
• Payment Information: Billing processed through Stripe — we never store your credit card number
• Communications: Messages sent through our Mail and Secure Messaging systems
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, and general interaction patterns on the platform

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the CitySpot platform
• Process payments and manage subscriptions through Stripe
• Send transactional emails (receipts, account alerts, password resets)
• Deliver local news, events, and business content relevant to your city
• Respond to customer support requests
• Detect and prevent fraudulent activity
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not use your information for targeted advertising, and we do not sell your personal data to third parties.

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Stripe (payment processing), hosting providers, and email delivery services under strict data processing agreements
• Public Information: Business listings you choose to make public on the directory are visible to all users
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, with appropriate privacy protections

4. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in between sessions
• Remember your city and preferences
• Analyze platform performance and usage patterns
• Prevent fraudulent access

We do not use third-party advertising cookies or cross-site tracking technologies. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not work correctly without them.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted to and from our platform
• Bcrypt password hashing — your password is never stored in plain text
• Payment data handled entirely by Stripe — PCI DSS compliant
• Secure messaging encrypted in transit
• Regular security audits and updates

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct your information through account Settings
• Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data from Settings → Delete Account
• Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]

7. Children's Privacy

CitySpot is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at [email protected].

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you by email and display a notice on the platform at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Continued use of CitySpot after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

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

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 🌐 Website: cityspotdirectory.com