This Privacy Policy explains how Circles Co Technologies LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use Circles Community (the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information we collect
Account information. Name, email, password (hashed), and any profile details you choose to add (avatar, bio, role, location, links, skills, portfolio).
Listings and messages. Job and project listings you post, inquiries you send or receive, and messages exchanged through the Service.
Billing information. If you subscribe to a paid plan, our payment processor (Stripe) collects payment details directly. We store a customer ID, plan, status, and invoice records — never full card numbers.
Usage data. Standard server logs (IP, user agent, timestamps) and basic in-app analytics so we can keep the Service running and improve it.
Cookies. We use cookies to keep you logged in and remember preferences. You can control cookies in your browser settings.
2. How we use information
To provide and operate the Service; authenticate you; process payments; send transactional emails (receipts, inquiry notifications, password resets); prevent fraud and abuse; comply with legal obligations; and improve our product.
We do not sell your personal information.
3. How we share information
Other members. Profile information you mark public is visible in the directory and on listings you post. Inquiries and messages are shared with the recipient.
Service providers. We share information with vendors that help us run the Service, including hosting, email delivery (Resend), payment processing (Stripe), error monitoring, and analytics. These providers are bound by contractual confidentiality and data-protection terms.
Legal. We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the Service.
Business transfers. If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
4. Data retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. When you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your account information, profile media (avatar, resume, portfolio uploads), and cancel any active subscription. Some records may be retained as required by law (e.g., billing records for tax purposes).
5. Your rights
Depending on your jurisdiction (e.g., the EU, UK, California), you may have rights to access, correct, export, or delete your personal information, and to object to or restrict certain processing. You can manage most of this directly from your dashboard, or contact us at support@circlesconference.com for help.
6. Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted transport (TLS) and access controls. No system is perfectly secure; if we learn of a breach affecting your information, we will notify you as required by law.
7. Children
The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
8. International transfers
The Service is operated from the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S. and other countries where our service providers operate.
9. Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version with a new "Last updated" date and, for material changes, give reasonable notice (e.g., by email or in-app notice).
10. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy? Email us at support@circlesconference.com.
