1. Introduction
FactMatters ("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 fact-checking service. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address, and profile picture
- Content: Text you submit for fact-checking
- Payment Information: Processed securely by Stripe; we do not store credit card details
- Communications: Messages you send to us through contact forms
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Features used, fact-checks performed, timestamps
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
- Cookies: Session cookies and analytics cookies (see Cookie Policy below)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
- Providing and maintaining the fact-checking service
- Processing transactions and managing subscriptions
- Sending service-related emails (e.g., payment receipts, subscription updates)
- Improving and personalizing the service
- Detecting and preventing fraud or abuse
- Complying with legal obligations
4. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Fact-check history is retained for your reference. You can delete your account at any time through the Settings page, which will permanently remove your data from our systems.
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:
- Service Providers: Companies that help us operate (Stripe for payments, email delivery services, cloud hosting)
- AI Providers: Your submitted content is sent to third-party AI services for fact-check processing
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
6. Your Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
- Object: Object to processing of your data in certain circumstances
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, use the Settings page or contact us directly.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including: encryption in transit (HTTPS), secure database storage, access controls, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.
8. International Transfers
Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the EEA. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, to protect your data in accordance with this policy.
9. Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:
Essential Cookies
Required for the Service to function. These include session cookies for authentication and security tokens. You cannot opt out of essential cookies.
Analytics Cookies
With your consent, we use Google Analytics 4 to understand how visitors use the Service. These cookies are only loaded after you accept analytics cookies via our cookie consent banner. You can change your preference at any time by clearing your browser's local storage.
Managing Cookies
When you first visit our site, a cookie consent banner will appear allowing you to accept or decline analytics cookies. Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for the Service to function. You can also control cookies through your browser settings.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|
| next-auth.session-token | Authentication | Session |
| next-auth.csrf-token | Security | Session |
| next-auth.callback-url | Redirect after login | Session |
| cookie-consent | Stores your cookie preference | Persistent (localStorage) |
| _ga, _ga_* | Google Analytics (if accepted) | 2 years |
10. Children's Privacy
The Service is not intended for users under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at our contact page.