Last updated: January 15, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Plate Hate ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our website and services (the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to this policy.
1) Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly and automatically when using our Service:
Personal Information You Provide:
- Account Information: Email address, name, and user ID from our authentication provider (Clerk)
- Phone Numbers: When you opt-in to SMS notifications, we collect and verify your phone number
- License Plate Information: License plate numbers and state codes (considered personal information under CCPA)
- Content You Submit: Roasts, comments, and any other content you post
- Location Data: Optional location information you provide with roasts (text descriptions, coordinates)
- Vehicle Information: Optional make, model, and color details you provide
- Consent Records: Timestamps and versions of your consent to terms and privacy policy
Information Collected Automatically:
- Usage Data: Device information, browser type, IP address, pages visited, and interaction patterns
- SMS Metadata: Phone numbers, message content, delivery status, and geographic data from SMS providers
- Log Data: Server logs, error reports, and performance metrics
- Cookies and Tracking: Essential cookies for authentication and service functionality
2) How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Service Operation: Provide, maintain, and improve our platform and features
- SMS Notifications: Send you text messages about roasts mentioning your registered plates (with your consent)
- Content Moderation: Review and moderate user-generated content for safety and compliance
- User Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide customer service
- Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
- Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
- Analytics: Understand usage patterns to improve our service (aggregated and anonymized data)
3) Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third-party vendors who help us operate our service (hosting, SMS delivery, authentication, analytics)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice)
- Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing
4) Your Rights and Choices
CCPA Rights (California Residents):
If you are a California resident, you have the following rights:
- Right to Know: Request information about the personal information we collect, use, and share
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
General Rights:
- SMS Opt-Out: Reply STOP to any SMS to unsubscribe. Reply HELP for help
- Account Management: Update your account information through your profile settings
- Data Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Data Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
How to Exercise Your Rights:
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hate@platehate.co with:
- Your full name and email address
- Description of the right you wish to exercise
- Any additional information needed to verify your identity
We will respond to your request within 30 days (or 45 days if we need additional time).
5) Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services to you
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
- Maintain security and prevent fraud
When you delete your account or request data deletion, we will remove your personal information, though some information may be retained for legal or security purposes.
6) Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use essential cookies and similar technologies to:
- Authenticate users and maintain login sessions
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze service usage and performance
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may affect service functionality.
7) Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Access controls and authentication requirements
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Secure data centers and infrastructure
However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.
8) International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses and adequacy decisions.
9) Children's Privacy
Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately and we will take appropriate action.
10) Third-Party Services
Our Service integrates with third-party services including:
- Clerk: Authentication and user management
- Twilio: SMS delivery services
- PostgreSQL: Data storage and management
- Vercel: Hosting and content delivery
These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.
11) Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will:
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Update the "Last updated" date
- Notify you via email or through our service (for significant changes)
Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12) Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
- Email: hate@platehate.co
- Subject Line: "Privacy Policy Inquiry" or "CCPA Rights Request"
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.