Privacy Policy

Civlyn Privacy Policy Last Updated: March 1, 2026 Effective Date: March 1, 2026 Civlyn ("we", "the platform" or "Civlyn") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your Personal Information when you visit or use our mobile application Civlyn ("App"). We comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA, as amended by the CPRA) and other applicable US privacy laws. If you are located in California or other states with privacy rights, you have specific rights (see Section 5). 1. Information We Collect We only collect information necessary to provide services, maintain platform harmony, and enhance user experience. Categories of collection include: • Account & Authentication Information: Email, username, password (encrypted). During optional voluntary real-name authentication, we may collect name, ID photos, or third-party verification data (such as information from ID.me or similar services), solely for verifying identity and granting authentication badges and comment/voting weight. Real-name data is strictly encrypted, stored in isolation, and used only for internal platform weight calculation. It is not displayed publicly unless you explicitly choose to do so. • Usage Data: Device type, IP address, OS, App version, access time, browsing behavior, followed topics/institutions/public figures, voting records, and comment content (stored after moderation). • Interaction Data: Voting, commenting, liking, and reporting records, used for content sorting and community harmony maintenance. • AI-Assisted Data: To generate objective topic summaries, we use AI tools to process public-source data (non-personal data), which may indirectly involve your interaction patterns to optimize recommendations (anonymized). • Technical Data: Cookies, logs, crash reports, used for App stability and improvements. We do not collect sensitive personal information (such as race, health, financial data) unless you voluntarily disclose it in comments (but such content will be strictly moderated). 2. How We Use Your Information • To provide, maintain, and improve App features (account management, topic feeds, voting, comment display). • To verify voluntary real-name authentication and increase the weight and priority of authenticated users' content. • To moderate comments against our community harmony standards (initial AI screening + manual review). • To prevent abuse, fraud, hate speech, or behaviors that violate the Community Manifesto. • To analyze usage trends (anonymized aggregated data) and optimize recommendation algorithms. • To send required notifications (such as new topics, replies, moderation results). 3. How We Share Your Information We do not sell your personal information (as defined under CCPA). We only share it in the following cases: • With service providers (cloud storage, AI moderation tools, identity verification services), limited to necessary use and under strict data processing agreements. • To comply with laws, respond to court orders, or protect the safety of the platform/users. • During company mergers, acquisitions, or asset transfers (we will notify you and ensure the successor complies with this policy). • Anonymized aggregated statistics used for research or public reports. Real-name authentication data is never shared with third parties unless required by law. 4. Data Storage and Security • Data is primarily stored on servers in the United States. • We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS in transit, AES-256 at rest), access controls, and regular security audits. • Real-name data is isolated and encrypted, accessible only by a very small number of authorized personnel. • Retention Period: Necessary data is retained while the account is active. Upon account deletion, personal data is deleted within 30 days unless required by law (anonymized interaction records may be retained for community statistics). 5. Your Privacy Rights (Especially California Residents) Under CCPA/CPRA, you have the right to: • Right to Know: Request categories and details of personal information we have collected/used. • Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (with certain exceptions such as legal retention). • Right to Correct: Correct inaccurate personal information. • Right to Opt-Out of "Sale": We do not sell data, but you may contact us at any time to exercise your right. • Non-Discrimination: Exercising your rights will not result in degraded service. To submit a request: submit via "Settings > Privacy and Data > Privacy Request" in the App, or email privacy@civlyn.com. We will respond within 45 days (extendable by another 45 days). Processing will follow identity verification. 6. Children's Privacy The App is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If discovered, we will delete it immediately. Please contact us to report. 7. International Users The App is primarily intended for US users. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of data to the US (which may have different privacy standards than your location). When GDPR applies to EU/UK users, we comply with relevant requirements. 8. Changes to the Policy We may update this policy. We will notify you of material changes via in-app notifications or email. Continued use constitutes acceptance of the updates. 9. Contact Us For any privacy-related questions, please contact: Email: privacy@civlyn.com Thank you for trusting Civlyn. We are dedicated to making this "Forest of Civilization" a safe and harmonious home.