Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

When you interact with CivicSummary, we may collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Your name, email address, and encrypted password when you register for an account.
• City Preferences & Usage Data: Your selected cities, meeting categories you follow, and how you interact with content (such as which summaries you read or alerts you open).
• Public Comment Submissions: If you submit a comment through the platform, we store the content, date, meeting ID, and associated metadata.
• Device Information: Browser type, IP address, device identifiers, and operating system for security and analytics purposes.
• Optional Profile Details: ZIP code, interests, or other preferences you choose to provide for a customized experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your data helps us create a civic experience that is personalized, responsive, and impactful. We use your information to:

• Deliver city-specific updates, summaries, and email digests
• Tailor notifications based on your interests and selected cities
• Facilitate public comment submissions to government officials
• Analyze usage trends to improve platform functionality
• Maintain account security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your data is shared only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party services that help us operate the platform (e.g., AWS for hosting, Supabase for database management, SendGrid for email delivery).
• Public Comments: When you submit a public comment through our platform, it may be shared with the relevant government officials and become part of the public record.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental regulation.
• Aggregated Data: Non-identifiable, aggregated data may be used for analytics or transparency reports.

4. Data Storage and Retention

• All data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Account information is retained while your account remains active
• Usage data is retained for up to 24 months for analytics purposes
• Public comments become part of the permanent public record
• You may request account deletion at any time, which will remove all personal data except where legally required to retain

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your personal information. You can:

• Access, update, or correct your account information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Opt out of email communications (except essential service notifications)
• Request a copy of your personal data
• Object to certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@civicsummary.ai or use the account settings in your dashboard.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in to your account
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Provide security features

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain platform features.

7. Children's Privacy

CivicSummary is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures including encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

9. International Data Transfers

CivicSummary is based in the United States. If you access our service from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. or other countries where our service providers operate.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (which we do not do).

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as our services evolve. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our platform. The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revisions.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: