1) Scope & Audience

Tale Ripple is a read-only storytelling platform. Users cannot create or upload stories; you can browse and read content we provide. This Policy applies to personal information we collect from visitors and registered users of the Service.

2) Information We Collect

A. Information you provide

• Account & contact details: email address, display name (if any), and password or authentication tokens.
• Communications: messages you send to us (support requests, feedback, legal notices).
• Preferences: settings such as language, content filters, and notification choices.

B. Information collected automatically

• Usage data: pages viewed, features used, time spent, referring/exit pages, and clickstream data.
• Device & technical data: IP address, browser type/version, operating system, device identifiers, and cookie identifiers.
• Diagnostics: crash logs, performance metrics, and security event logs.

C. Information from third parties (if enabled)

• Authentication providers: if you choose a third-party sign-in, we receive minimal identifiers (e.g., verified email) necessary to create or log into your account.
• Analytics providers: pseudonymous analytics about how visitors use the Service.

We do not collect sensitive categories of data, nor do we knowingly collect information from anyone under the legal adult age.

3) How We Use Information

We use information to:

• Provide, secure, and maintain the Service (authentication, fraud prevention, debugging).
• Personalize your experience (remember preferences, content layout).
• Analyze usage to improve performance and features.
• Communicate with you (account notices, policy updates, support responses).
• Comply with law and enforce our Terms of Service.

AI notice: Some site features (e.g., search, summaries, or moderation) may use AI. Any outputs may be inaccurate. We do not use your personal information to train public AI models.

4) Legal Bases (EEA/UK only)

Where GDPR applies, we process personal data based on:

• Contract (to provide the Service you request),
• Legitimate interests (security, analytics, improvement),
• Consent (where required, e.g., certain cookies), and
• Legal obligations (compliance and recordkeeping).

5) Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Service, keep you signed in, remember preferences, and perform analytics. You can manage cookies in your browser settings. If required by your region, we’ll present a consent banner for non-essential cookies.

Do Not Track: We currently do not respond to DNT signals.

6) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

• Service providers (hosting, security, analytics, email delivery) under contractual confidentiality and data-use limits;
• Legal and safety purposes (to comply with law, enforce terms, protect rights and safety);
• Business transfers (e.g., merger, acquisition, or asset sale; your information may transfer as part of the transaction).

We do not “share” personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as defined by California law.

7) Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described above, to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Account data is retained while your account is active and then deleted or anonymized within a reasonable period unless we must retain it by law.

8) Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information (encryption in transit, access controls, logging). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

9) International Transfers

We may process information in the United States and other countries. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) for cross-border transfers.

10) Your Rights

A. General

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, object, or port your personal information. You may also withdraw consent where processing relies on consent.

B. California (CPRA)

California residents have the right to know, access, correct, delete, and opt out of “sales” or “sharing” of personal information. We do not sell or share personal information as defined by the CPRA. You will not be discriminated against for exercising your rights.

C. Exercising your rights

Email sysop@taleripple.com with your request and sufficient details for verification. If we cannot verify your identity, we may ask for additional information.

11) Children’s Privacy

The Service is intended only for individuals who are of legal adult age in their jurisdiction. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided information, contact us and we will delete it.

12) Third-Party Links

The Service may link to third-party sites or services. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies; we are not responsible for them.

13) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you (e.g., by email or in-product notice). Your continued use of the Service after the effective date means you accept the updated Policy.

14) Contact Us

Questions, requests, or complaints: sysop@taleripple.com

Mail: PO Box 72, Cedar Hill, TX 75106