Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

FairCite ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our bot detection, analytics, and content intelligence services. We process data to help publishers understand AI bot traffic and monetize their content effectively.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Publisher Account Information

When you register for FairCite services, we collect:

• Name and email address
• Company/organization information
• Website URLs and domain information
• Account preferences and settings

2.2 Bot Detection Data

To provide our core bot detection services, we process:

• Request Metadata: HTTP headers, user agent strings, request methods, response codes
• Technical Identifiers: IP addresses, browser fingerprints, bot signatures
• Content Access Patterns: URLs accessed, timestamp data, frequency patterns
• Bot Classification Data: Identified bot types (GPTBot, ClaudeBot, etc.), AI company attribution
• Performance Metrics: Response times, bandwidth usage, server performance

2.3 Analytics and Usage Data

We collect aggregated data to provide insights:

• Traffic volume and patterns
• Content consumption metrics
• Bot behavior analytics
• Geographic distribution of bot traffic
• Content valuation metrics for AI training

2.4 Website Visitor Data

Important: We do not collect personal information about your website visitors. Our services focus exclusively on bot detection and do not track, profile, or store data about human users visiting your website.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

• Real-time bot detection and classification
• Analytics dashboard and reporting
• Content intelligence and valuation
• API access and middleware functionality
• Account management and customer support

3.2 Service Improvement

• Enhancing bot detection algorithms
• Developing new AI company identification capabilities
• Improving platform performance and reliability
• Creating industry benchmarks and insights

3.3 Business Operations

• Providing customer support
• Sending service-related communications
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Managing user accounts and access

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Data

FairCite does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or bot detection data to third parties for marketing purposes.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share data with trusted service providers who assist with:

• Cloud hosting and infrastructure (AWS, Cloudflare)
• Email communications
• Customer support tools
• Analytics and monitoring services

4.3 Aggregated Industry Data

We may publish aggregated, anonymized industry reports and benchmarks that do not identify individual publishers or their specific data.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, to protect our rights, or to ensure the safety and security of our services.

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures:

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Role-based access with multi-factor authentication
• Infrastructure Security: Enterprise-grade cloud security with regular audits
• Data Isolation: Customer data segregated and protected
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous security monitoring and threat detection
• Incident Response: Established procedures for security incident handling

6. Data Retention

We retain data based on the following policies:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for 2 years after termination
• Bot Detection Data: Retained according to your service plan (30 days to 1 year)
• Aggregated Analytics: May be retained indefinitely for service improvement
• Support Communications: Retained for 3 years for service quality purposes

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information and bot detection data
• Export your data in machine-readable formats
• Receive copies of data we process about your websites

7.2 Correction and Deletion

You may:

• Update your account information at any time
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your account and associated data

7.3 Control and Consent

• Opt out of marketing communications
• Adjust data processing settings in your account
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

7.4 Regional Privacy Rights

Additional rights under GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws:

• Right to object to processing
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities
• Right to opt-out of sale (CCPA) - Note: We do not sell personal information

8. International Data Transfers

FairCite operates globally with data processing occurring in the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions where applicable.

9. Children's Privacy

FairCite services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential website functionality and security
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• User preferences and session management

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our services.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our platform.

12. Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or through our platform. Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at:

15. Data Protection Officer

For EU data subjects, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@faircite.com for any questions regarding the processing of your personal data or this Privacy Policy.