Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

"If I Was Honest" ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address and password (hashed)
• Journal Entries: Content you write, including text, tags, and metadata
• Profile Information: Any optional profile details you choose to add

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the Service
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address (anonymized)
• Cookies: Session cookies for authentication and preferences

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Authenticate your account and prevent fraud
• Send important service updates and security alerts
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Respond to your support requests
• Comply with legal obligations

We DO NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share your private journal entries with anyone without your explicit consent
• Use your content for advertising purposes
• Share your data with data brokers

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Password Security: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with high cost factors
• Access Controls: Strict internal access controls limit who can view data
• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits and updates

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Anonymous Sharing

When you choose to publish an entry anonymously to the public feed:

• The content becomes publicly visible but is not linked to your account
• No personally identifiable information is included
• You cannot edit or delete published entries (to maintain anonymity)
• We strip metadata that could identify you

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account:

• Your private entries are permanently deleted within 30 days
• Your account information is permanently deleted within 30 days
• Anonymous published entries remain public (as they cannot be linked back to you)
• Backup copies are purged within 90 days

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of all data we have about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data
• Export: Download your journal entries in a portable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from non-essential communications

To exercise these rights, email us at privacy@ifiwashonest.com

8. Third-Party Services

We use limited third-party services to operate the Service:

• Database Hosting: Firebase Firestore for data storage
• Hosting: Netlify for application hosting

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may only use it to provide services to us.

9. Cookies

We use essential cookies to:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Provide security features

We do NOT use tracking cookies or third-party advertising cookies.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we discover that we have collected information from someone under 18, we will delete it immediately.

11. International Users

Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer and processing.

12. Legal Disclosure

We may disclose your information if required by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or abuse
• Respond to emergencies involving danger of death or serious physical injury

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Service. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at:
Email: privacy@ifiwashonest.com