Thank you for using this site! LitFuel is the literary social engagement platform where readers, writers, creators, and industry professionals unite to embark on literary adventures, earn credits, unlock content, and connect and chat with fellow lit voyagers to fuel their passion for reading. As a company that strives to bring a community of readers together, one of our main goals is to create a positive experience for all members: readers, authors, publishers, bloggers, librarians, creators, sellers, and other industry professionals.
We wrote this policy to help you understand what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have. Because we’re an internet company, some of the concepts below are a little technical, but we’ve tried our best to explain things in a simple and clear way. We welcome your questions and comments on this policy.
This policy is part of our Terms of Use, by using Litfuel sites, you are agreeing to this policy as part of our Terms of Use.
LitFuel Privacy Notice
Effective: December 15, 2024
Last Revised: December 5, 2024
1. Introduction
At LitFuel, we value your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how LitFuel, LLC ("LitFuel," "we," or "us") collects, uses, and shares your personal information when you use our websites, mobile apps, and other online services (collectively, the "Services"). This includes the LitFuel Progressive Web App (PWA) and our websites: LitFuel.com, LitFuel.co, and LitFuel.me (the "Sites").
2. Key Takeaways
- Public Platform: LitFuel is a public platform where much of the information is accessible to everyone. Even without creating an account, visitors to LitFuel can view publicly available content such as book listings, author profiles, and event information.
- Minimal Information Collection: We collect minimal personally identifiable information. You can browse some content without an account, and we don't require your real name to create an account.
- Data Use for Improvement: We use data to improve the Services and personalize your experience. We don't sell your data.
- Privacy Rights for All: All users have privacy rights, including requesting data copies, account deletion, and information about our policies.
- Transparency: We strive to be transparent about our data practices. If you have questions, please ask!
3. Profiles and Posts Are Public
If you create an account on LitFuel, any information you add to your public profile and the information you post on the Services will be public.
4. Direct Messages Are Private
Content you send to another LitFuel user through Direct Chats/Messages is private between you and the recipient(s). However, please note:
- Limited Access for Safety: Chats/Direct Messages may be accessed by moderators when reported or by LitFuel Trust and Safety staff for investigations into significant violations of the Community Guidelines or as required by law.
5. Updates to this Privacy Notice
We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. We will post any changes on the Sites and may also send you notifications.
6. Personal Information We Collect
Information You Provide:
- Account Creation: When you create an account, we collect your username and collect a password, email address, or phone number for verification. You may also provide optional information like a bio, location, and profile picture.
- Your Communications with Us: We collect your email address or other contact information when you contact us.
- Your Posts: We collect your posts and comments, which are public.
- Your Direct Messages: We store and process your direct messages to enable private communication.
- Transactional Information: If you purchase products or services, we collect payment information using secure third-party processors (e.g., Stripe).
- Partner Information: We collect [specific information] from enrolled partner writers to [explain how you use this information].
Information We Collect Automatically:
- Usage Information: This includes your IP address, user settings, device information, and interactions with the Services.
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to improve your experience, personalize content, and analyze usage. See our Cookie Notice for more details.
Information Collected from Other Sources:
- Linked Services: If you link your LitFuel account with a third-party service, we may receive information about your use of that service.
7. How We Use Personal Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide and Improve Services: Manage your account, provide customer support, and enhance the Services.
- Administrative Purposes: Ensure security, analyze usage, conduct research, and comply with legal obligations.
- Marketing: Provide you with relevant marketing communications.
- With Your Consent: We may use your information for other purposes with your consent.
8. How We Share Personal Information
- Your Posts and Public Profile: Your posts and profile information are public.
- Other Users: We may share information with other users as necessary for the functionality of the Services, such as when you interact with their content or send them Direct Messages.
- Service Providers: We share information with service providers who assist us with payment processing, data hosting, and other essential functions.
- To Protect Us or Others: We may share information to comply with legal obligations, prevent harm, or enforce our rights.
- In a Corporate Transaction: We may share information in connection with a merger, acquisition, or other corporate transaction.
9. How We Protect Your Information
We take measures to protect your information, including:
- HTTPS Encryption: We use HTTPS to protect data during transmission.
- Access Controls: We limit employee access to non-public personal information.
- Data Retention: We store information for as long as necessary for the original purpose or as required by law.
- Offline Data: When you use the LitFuel PWA offline, some data, such as your reading history or downloaded content, may be stored locally on your device. This data is encrypted to protect your privacy.
10. Your Privacy Choices and Rights
- Email Communications: You can opt out of marketing emails.
- Push Notifications: With your consent, we may send you push notifications about new content, events, or other updates. You can manage your push notification preferences in the app settings.
- Mobile Devices: You can manage notification settings and location data collection on your mobile device.
- "Do Not Track": "Do Not Track" is a privacy preference that users can set in some web browsers. However, there is no consistent industry standard for how websites should respond to these signals, and we do not take any action in response to this signal.
- Accessing and Changing Information: You can access and change certain information through the Services.
- Deleting Your Account: You can delete your account at any time.
- Controlling Linked Services: You can control which third-party services have access to your account.
- Controlling Personalized Advertising: You can opt out of personalized advertising.
- Controlling Cookies: You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.
11. International Transfers of Personal Information
LitFuel is based in the United States. By using the Services, you consent to the transfer and storage of information in the United States. We may transfer, process, and store your information anywhere in the world. We will comply with applicable data protection laws when transferring data internationally.
12. How Long We Keep Personal Information
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including providing and improving the Services, resolving disputes, complying with legal obligations, and enforcing our agreements.
13. Supplemental Notice for Certain Jurisdictions
See the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) policy.
14. Security
We make reasonable efforts to protect your information by using physical and electronic safeguards.
15. Children's Personal Information
The Services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
16. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice, please contact us at: info @ litfuel.com
