Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you use Autism Scout, we collect information you voluntarily provide, including:

• Account Information: Email address, password, and any optional profile details
• Conversation Data: Messages you send to the AI, including questions, concerns, and personal information you choose to share
• Payment Information: Billing details processed through Stripe (we do not store full credit card numbers)
• Feedback: Ratings, reviews, or other feedback you provide about the Service

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you use our Service, we automatically collect certain information:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, and interaction patterns
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to remember preferences and improve experience

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

2.1 Provide and Improve the Service

• Deliver AI-powered responses to your questions
• Maintain conversation history for continuity across sessions
• Personalize your experience based on past interactions
• Improve AI accuracy and response quality
• Develop new features and functionality

2.2 Process Payments

• Process subscription payments through Stripe
• Send receipts and billing notifications
• Prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions

2.3 Communicate With You

• Send service updates and announcements
• Respond to your questions and support requests
• Send optional newsletters or tips (with your consent)

2.4 Legal and Safety

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect against fraud, abuse, or security threats
• Enforce our Terms of Service

3. How We Share Your Information

We do NOT sell your personal information or conversations to third parties.

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party services that help us operate:

• OpenAI: Your messages are sent to OpenAI's GPT-4 API to generate responses. OpenAI's data handling is governed by their own Privacy Policy
• Stripe: Payment processing (Stripe does not share your full credit card details with us)
• Softr: Website hosting and user management
• Pipedream: Workflow automation and data processing
• Brave Search API: Web search functionality for resource lookups

These providers are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, such as:

• To comply with a subpoena, court order, or legal process
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of Autism Scout, our users, or the public
• To prevent fraud or security threats

3.3 Business Transfers

If Autism Scout is acquired, merged, or sold, your information may be transferred to the new owner. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

3.4 With Your Consent

We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active, plus a reasonable period after deletion to comply with legal obligations
• Conversation History: Stored to provide continuity of service. You can delete conversations at any time
• Payment Records: Retained for 7 years to comply with tax and financial regulations
• Usage Data: Typically retained for 24 months unless needed for longer for analytics or legal purposes

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format

6.2 Correction and Updates

• Update or correct inaccurate information in your account settings
• Request correction of information we hold about you

6.3 Deletion

• Delete your account and associated data at any time
• Delete individual conversations from your history
• Request deletion of specific information (subject to legal retention requirements)

6.4 Opt-Out

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails (service emails may still be sent)
• Disable cookies through your browser settings (may affect functionality)

6.5 Object and Restrict

• Object to certain data processing activities
• Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us via TikTok DM at @autismdadaaron during the beta phase. Email support will be available after beta.

7. Children's Privacy

Autism Scout is not intended for use by children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

While the Service provides information about children with autism, it is designed for use by parents and caregivers who are at least 18 years old.

If you believe a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

8. International Data Transfers

Autism Scout is operated in the United States. If you are located outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.

By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use the Service
• Improve performance and user experience
• Provide analytics and measure effectiveness

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function (login, session management)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and choices
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns (may use Google Analytics)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features.

10. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or resources (such as autism organizations, therapy providers, or educational materials). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending an email notification (if we have your email)

Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of personal information collected, used, or shared
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us via TikTok DM at @autismdadaaron.

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal Basis: We process your data based on consent, contract performance, or legitimate interests
• Data Protection Officer: Contact information will be provided if required by law
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: You may file a complaint with your local data protection authority

14. Contact Us About Privacy

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

• Service: Autism Scout (Beta)
• Contact: TikTok DM during beta phase
• TikTok: @autismdadaaron
• Email support will be available after beta phase.