Privacy Policy

Please read this document carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities when using our platform.

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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 06/01/2025
Last Updated: 06/01/2025

1. Introduction

[Your Company Name] ("we," "us," or "our") operates a content management platform that connects clients with professional writers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform accessible at [ctg-writers.com] (the "Service").

By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you register and use our Service, we may collect:

Account Information:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Password (encrypted)
  • User role (Client, Writer, Admin)
  • Phone number (optional)
  • Professional background information (for Writers)

Profile Information:

  • Professional bio and qualifications (for Writers)
  • Company or institution name (for Clients)
  • Skills and expertise areas
  • Profile photo (optional)

Project Information:

  • Project requirements and specifications
  • Content submissions and revisions
  • Communication messages within projects
  • Project feedback and ratings

Financial Information:

  • Payment method details (processed by secure payment processors)
  • Transaction history
  • Earnings and expense records
  • Tax-related information (as required)

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

Technical Information:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information (type, operating system)
  • Log files and usage data
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

Usage Information:

  • Pages visited and features used
  • Time spent on the platform
  • Click patterns and navigation paths
  • Search queries and preferences

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Payment processors (transaction confirmations)
  • Authentication services (if you use social login)
  • Email service providers (delivery confirmations)

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

  • Create and manage user accounts
  • Facilitate project creation and management
  • Enable communication between Clients and Writers
  • Process payments and manage financial transactions
  • Provide customer support

3.2 Service Improvement

  • Analyze usage patterns to improve platform functionality
  • Develop new features and services
  • Conduct research and analytics
  • Monitor and ensure service quality

3.3 Communication

  • Send service-related notifications
  • Provide project updates and status changes
  • Share important announcements and policy changes
  • Respond to inquiries and support requests

3.4 Security and Compliance

  • Prevent fraud and unauthorized access
  • Enforce our Terms of Service
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect user safety and platform integrity

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Within the Platform

  • Project Collaboration: Clients and assigned Writers can see relevant project information and communications
  • Admin Oversight: Platform administrators may access user information for support, quality assurance, and platform management purposes
  • Financial Reporting: Aggregated financial data may be used for platform analytics (without personal identifiers)

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in:

  • Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
  • Email communications (Mailgun, SendGrid, etc.)
  • Cloud hosting and storage (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
  • Analytics and monitoring tools
  • Customer support platforms

These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service
  • Prevent fraud or other illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. We will notify users of any such change in ownership or control.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures including:

  • Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption using industry-standard protocols
  • Access Controls: Role-based access with multi-factor authentication
  • Regular Security Audits: Periodic security assessments and vulnerability testing
  • Secure Infrastructure: Hosting on secure, monitored cloud platforms
  • Employee Training: Regular security awareness training for all team members

5.2 Data Backup and Recovery

  • Regular automated backups of all data
  • Secure backup storage with encryption
  • Disaster recovery procedures
  • Business continuity planning

5.3 Incident Response

We maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any potential security breaches and will notify affected users as required by applicable law.

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information we hold
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format
  • View your account settings and privacy preferences

6.2 Correction and Updates

You can:

  • Update your profile information at any time
  • Correct inaccurate personal data
  • Modify your communication preferences

6.3 Deletion and Account Closure

You may:

  • Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal and operational requirements)
  • Close your account and remove your profile
  • Opt out of non-essential communications

6.4 Data Minimization

We collect and retain only the information necessary for service provision and legal compliance.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality and security
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform
  • Marketing Cookies: Used for relevant advertising (where applicable)

7.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

  • Browser settings (most browsers allow cookie blocking)
  • Our cookie preference center (where available)
  • Opt-out tools provided by analytics services

8. Data Retention

8.1 Account Data

  • Active accounts: Data retained while account remains active
  • Inactive accounts: Data may be retained for up to 2 years after last activity
  • Closed accounts: Most data deleted within 90 days (some financial records retained longer for legal compliance)

8.2 Project Data

  • Completed projects: Content and communications retained for up to 3 years
  • Financial records: Retained for up to 7 years for tax and legal compliance
  • Dispute-related data: Retained until disputes are resolved

8.3 Legal Requirements

Some data may be retained longer to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce our agreements.

9. International Data Transfers

9.1 Data Processing Locations

Your information may be processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure adequate protection through:

  • Appropriate safeguards and contractual clauses
  • Data processing agreements with service providers
  • Compliance with applicable data protection regulations

9.2 Regional Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws, including:

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents
  • Other applicable regional privacy laws

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

11. Marketing Communications

11.1 Opt-In and Opt-Out

  • We will only send marketing communications with your consent
  • You can opt out of marketing emails at any time
  • Service-related communications (account updates, project notifications) cannot be opted out while using the Service

11.2 Communication Preferences

You can manage your communication preferences through:

  • Account settings
  • Unsubscribe links in emails
  • Contacting our support team

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with external services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

13. Data Protection Officer

For users in jurisdictions that require a Data Protection Officer, you can contact our DPO at:

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

14.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. Significant changes will be communicated through:

  • Email notifications to registered users
  • Prominent notices on our platform
  • Updated effective dates on this policy

14.2 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Information

15.1 General Privacy Inquiries

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

15.2 User Rights Requests

To exercise your privacy rights:

  • Email: info@ctg-writers.com
  • Use our online request form: [privacy-request-url]
  • Include your account information and specify your request type

15.3 Security Concerns

To report security issues:

16. Regulatory Information

16.1 Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For EU users, our legal basis for processing includes:

  • Contractual Performance: Processing necessary for service provision
  • Legitimate Interests: Platform improvement and security
  • Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements
  • Consent: For marketing communications and optional features

16.2 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including:

  • Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
  • Right to delete personal information (subject to exceptions)
  • Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated above and governs our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information.

For the most current version of this Privacy Policy, please visit [privacy-policy-url]