Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 22, 2024

TheDebated ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our website and services.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide:

• Account Information: Username, email address, password (encrypted), age, political affiliation, bio
• Profile Information: Avatar image (optional)
• Content: Debate posts, comments, challenge positions, debate messages
• Payment Information: When money debates are enabled, payment details are processed by Stripe (we do not store credit card numbers)
• Communications: Contact form submissions, support emails

Automatically Collected Information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on site
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Cookies: Session cookies for authentication and site functionality

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our services
• Create and manage your account
• Display your posts, comments, and debate participation
• Process payments for money debates (when available)
• Send important notifications about your debates and account
• Improve site functionality and user experience
• Prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Public Information:

The following information is publicly visible:

• Username and political affiliation
• Profile bio and avatar
• All posts, comments, and debate messages
• Debate challenge details and positions
• Voting history and scores

We Share Information With:

• Service Providers: Hosting services, payment processors (Stripe when money debates are enabled), AI services (Groq for fact-checking)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

We Do NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share your email address publicly
• Share your password (it's encrypted)
• Share payment details (handled securely by Stripe)

4. Third-Party Services

Stripe (Payment Processing):

When money debates are enabled, we use Stripe to process payments. Your payment information is handled by Stripe according to their privacy policy: https://stripe.com/privacy

Groq AI (Fact-Checking):

We use Groq's AI API to provide fact-checking. Content you fact-check may be sent to Groq's servers. Groq's privacy policy: https://groq.com/privacy-policy/

5. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to:

• Keep you logged in (session cookies)
• Remember your preferences
• Provide CSRF protection
• Analyze site usage

You can disable cookies in your browser, but this may affect site functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement security measures including:

• HTTPS/SSL encryption for all connections
• Password hashing (bcrypt)
• CSRF and XSS protection
• Secure session management
• Regular security updates

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Use our service at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
• Public Content: Posts and comments remain visible unless you delete them
• Deleted Accounts: Personal information is removed; public content may be anonymized but retained
• Logs: Server logs retained for 90 days

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update incorrect information in your profile
• Deletion: Request account deletion (contact us)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional emails
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@thedebated.com

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, contact us immediately.

10. International Users

TheDebated is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S. By using our service, you consent to this transfer.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under GDPR:

• Right to access and portability
• Right to rectification
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the new policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification (for significant changes)

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests:

• Email: privacy@thedebated.com
• Contact Form: Contact Us

15. Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@thedebated.com