Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

Our Commitment to Privacy

At The Podosphere, we take your privacy seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our platform.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Email address, name, and profile details when you create an account
  • Company Claims: Business information when claiming a company profile
  • Company Social Handles: Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and other social media handles for companies
  • User Content: Reviews, PodStacks, and other content you create
  • Communications: Messages you send to us via contact forms or email

Information Collected Automatically

Performance Analytics

  • Vercel Analytics: We collect performance metrics to improve site speed:
    • Core Web Vitals (page load times, interaction delays, visual stability)
    • Resource loading times
    • No personal information is linked to these metrics
    • This helps us identify and fix performance issues

Browser Storage

We use localStorage (not cookies) to store:

  • Theme Preferences: Your chosen light/dark mode setting
  • Cached Company Logos: To improve page load speed
  • No tracking data: This storage is purely functional, not for tracking

Technical Data

  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (mobile/desktop)
  • Operating system
  • General location (country level only)
  • Network connection quality (for performance optimization)

Payment Information

When you upgrade to a paid subscription:

  • Payment Processing: Handled entirely by Stripe, our payment processor
  • What we store: Only your Stripe customer ID and subscription status
  • What we DON'T store: Credit card numbers, billing addresses, or payment details
  • Security: All payment data is encrypted and processed according to PCI DSS standards
  • Stripe's Privacy: Review Stripe's Privacy Policy for their data handling

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain our services
  • Process company claiming requests
  • Manage your subscription and billing
  • Send important service updates (not marketing)
  • Improve site performance based on analytics
  • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • Ensure platform security and prevent abuse
  • Optimize the user experience based on technical data

Data Storage and Security

Where Your Data is Stored

  • Database: Supabase (encrypted at rest and in transit)
  • Authentication: Secure, industry-standard authentication via Supabase Auth
  • Performance Data: Aggregated in Vercel Analytics (anonymous)
  • Payment Data: Stored by Stripe (we never see full payment details)

Security Measures

  • SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Limited access to personal data (authorized personnel only)
  • Secure password requirements
  • Infrastructure protected by CloudFlare

Your Rights

Under GDPR and similar regulations, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
  • Object: Object to certain processing of your data
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

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

Third-Party Services

We integrate with these third-party services:

Cookies and Tracking

  • No Traditional Cookies: We don't use tracking cookies
  • localStorage Only: We use browser localStorage for functional purposes only:
    • Saving your theme preference
    • Caching resources for performance
    • No cross-site tracking
  • No Advertising Networks: We don't show ads or use ad tracking
  • No Social Media Pixels: No Facebook, Twitter, or other social media tracking pixels
  • No Google Analytics: We don't use Google Analytics or similar invasive tracking

Data Retention

  • Account Data: Retained while your account is active
  • Deleted Accounts: Personal data removed within 30 days of account deletion
  • Performance Metrics: Aggregated and anonymized, retained for 90 days
  • Payment Records: Retained as required for tax and legal compliance (typically 7 years)
  • localStorage Data: Cleared when you clear your browser data
  • Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer if required by law

Children's Privacy

The Podosphere is not intended for users under 16 years of age. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 16.

International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in:

  • United States (Vercel, Stripe)
  • European Union (CloudFlare endpoints)
  • We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for all transfers

Marketing Communications

  • No Spam: We don't send marketing emails unless you explicitly opt-in
  • Service Updates Only: We only send essential service notifications
  • Unsubscribe: You can opt-out of all non-essential communications

Data Breach Procedures

In the event of a data breach:

  • We will notify affected users within 72 hours
  • We will notify relevant authorities as required by law
  • We will provide information about what data was affected
  • We will outline steps we're taking to prevent future breaches

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We'll notify you of significant changes via:

  • Email to your registered address
  • Prominent notice on our platform
  • Update to the "Last updated" date above

Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or concerns:

Email: privacy@thepodosphere.com
Website: https://www.thepodosphere.com
Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours

Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries:
Email: privacy@thepodosphere.com

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

  • Consent: For account creation and optional features
  • Contract: To provide services you've requested
  • Legitimate Interest: For security, fraud prevention, and performance improvement
  • Legal Obligation: When required by law

Your privacy matters. We're committed to being transparent about our data practices while providing you with the best podcast discovery experience.

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