Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Podbloom ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our podcast creator platform.

This policy applies to all users of Podbloom's services, including our website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Information:

• Name and email address (via Google authentication)
• Profile information and preferences
• Billing and payment information (processed by Stripe)
• Support inquiries and communications

Content Information:

• Podcast RSS feed URLs and metadata
• Episode descriptions and show notes from RSS feeds
• Uploaded audio files and media content
• Advertisement content and metadata
• Custom page configurations and settings
• Analytics preferences and processing options

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Technical Data:

• IP address and location data
• Device information (browser, operating system, device type)
• Usage patterns and feature interactions
• Session duration and frequency of use
• Error logs and performance metrics

Cookies and Tracking:

• Essential cookies for platform functionality
• Analytics cookies for usage tracking
• Preference cookies for customization
• Third-party cookies from integrated services

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Google Services:

• Basic profile information from Google OAuth
• Authentication tokens and session data

Payment Processors:

• Subscription status and payment history from Stripe
• Billing information and transaction records

Podcast Platforms:

• RSS feed content, episode descriptions, and metadata
• Public podcast information and statistics

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Content Processing

• Audio Transcription: Convert uploaded audio files to text for advertisement extraction (when selected)
• Episode Description Analysis: Extract sponsor information from RSS episode descriptions and show notes
• Advertisement Extraction: Identify and catalog sponsor mentions, products, and promotional content from both transcripts and descriptions
• Content Organization: Structure and categorize extracted advertisements for easy management

3.2 Service Provision

• Platform Features: Provide editing tools, analytics, and shareable page creation
• Account Management: Authenticate users and manage subscription services
• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance
• Processing Options: Allow users to choose between host-read ad extraction, description-based extraction, or both

3.3 Platform Improvement

• Analytics: Understand usage patterns to improve features and performance
• Development: Develop new features and enhance existing functionality
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Quality Assurance: Monitor and improve content extraction accuracy for both audio and text sources

3.4 Communications

• Service Updates: Notify you of important platform changes or issues
• Marketing: Send promotional content (with your consent and opt-out options)
• Support: Respond to your questions and provide assistance
• Legal: Communicate important legal or policy changes

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Personal Information

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties for monetary consideration.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform:

• Google: Authentication and account management
• Stripe: Payment processing and subscription management
• Cloud Infrastructure: Data storage and content delivery (AWS/Google Cloud/similar)
• Transcription Services: Audio-to-text conversion for host-read advertisement extraction
• AI Services: Content analysis and advertisement extraction from both audio transcripts and episode descriptions
• Analytics Services: Platform usage and performance monitoring
• Customer Support: Help desk and communication tools

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes, subpoenas, or court orders
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or illegal activities
• Enforce our Terms of Service

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Access Controls: Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Infrastructure: Secure cloud hosting with regular security updates
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security threats and vulnerabilities

5.2 Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion
• Audio Content: Temporarily stored during transcription processing, then securely deleted
• Transcripts and Descriptions: Retained as necessary to provide services and comply with legal obligations
• Extracted Advertisements: Retained while your account is active to enable platform functionality
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data may be retained indefinitely for platform improvement
• Support Data: Communication records retained for quality assurance and legal compliance

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Processing Preferences: Choose which types of content processing to enable (audio transcription, description analysis, or both)

6.2 Communication Preferences

• Email Settings: Opt out of marketing communications while remaining subscribed to essential service notifications
• Cookie Preferences: Manage cookie settings through browser controls
• Account Settings: Update privacy preferences and data sharing options

6.3 Account Deletion

• You may delete your account at any time through platform settings
• Account deletion will remove your personal information subject to legal retention requirements
• Some anonymized data may be retained for platform improvement purposes

7. Regional Privacy Laws

7.1 GDPR (European Union)

For EU residents, we provide additional protections under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Lawful Basis: We process data based on consent, contract performance, or legitimate interests
• Data Protection Officer: Contact support@podbloom.co for GDPR-related inquiries
• Supervisory Authority: You may file complaints with your local data protection authority

7.2 CCPA (California)

For California residents, the California Consumer Privacy Act provides additional rights:

• Categories of Information: See Section 2 for detailed categories of collected information
• Business Purposes: See Section 3 for detailed information use purposes
• Third Party Sharing: See Section 4 for information sharing practices
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

8. Children's Privacy

Podbloom is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages. If you believe we have collected information from a child under the applicable age, please contact us immediately at support@podbloom.co.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

• Adequacy Decisions: Transfers to countries with adequate privacy protections
• Standard Contractual Clauses: EU-approved contract terms for data protection
• Certification Programs: Participation in recognized privacy frameworks

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

10.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (authentication, security)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use the platform
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

10.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

• Browser Settings: Block or delete cookies through browser preferences
• Platform Settings: Manage non-essential cookies through your account settings
• Third-Party Tools: Use privacy tools and browser extensions

For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:

• Notify Users: Provide notice of material changes via email or platform notification
• Effective Date: Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Continued Use: Your continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance

12. Contact Information

12.1 Privacy Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

• Email: support@podbloom.co

12.2 Data Protection Requests

To exercise your privacy rights or submit data protection requests:

• Email: support@podbloom.co
• Subject Line: Include "Privacy Request" in your subject line
• Verification: We may require identity verification for certain requests

12.3 Security Issues

To report security vulnerabilities or data breaches:

• Email: support@podbloom.co
• Response Time: We will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours