Privacy Policy | KstarPick

KstarPick ("we", "our", "the Service") respects your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding it.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of data:

Account information: Email address, display name, and password (hashed) when you register.
Usage data: Page views, articles read, time spent, and referring URLs, collected via cookies and analytics tools.
Device data: Browser type, operating system, device category, and IP address (used for geolocation at country level).
Comments & reactions: Content you post on articles, comments, and any reactions or votes you submit.

2. How We Use Your Data

To deliver content and personalize recommendations based on your interests.
To improve site performance and prioritize editorial coverage based on aggregate readership patterns.
To respond to your inquiries, comments, and support requests.
To detect abuse, spam, and security threats.
To comply with legal obligations.

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party tools:

Google Analytics — to understand site usage. Data is anonymized at the IP level.
Google AdSense — to display advertising. AdSense may use cookies to personalize ads. You can opt out at adssettings.google.com.
YouTube embeds — videos embedded on our pages set cookies controlled by YouTube/Google.

4. Cookies

We use first-party cookies for authentication and session management, and third-party cookies for analytics and advertising. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not work without them.

5. Data Retention

Account data is retained as long as your account is active. Comments remain on the site unless you request removal. Aggregate analytics data is retained for up to 26 months.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate data.
Request deletion of your account and associated data.
Object to processing for marketing purposes.
Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, email contact@kstarpick.com.

7. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe we have, please contact us so we can delete it.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be announced on the homepage. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

Questions about this policy: contact@kstarpick.com