Last updated: February 2026

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide

• Account information: Name, email address, company name, and password when you register
• Brand information: Your brand name, aliases, competitors, and tracking prompts you configure
• Payment information: Billing details processed securely through our payment provider (Stripe)
• Communications: Messages you send us via contact forms or email

Information we collect automatically

• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, and actions taken within the Service
• Device information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers
• Tracking results: AI model responses about your brand collected through our monitoring service

2. Payment Data Handling

CiteRank uses Stripe as our payment processor. When you subscribe to a paid plan:

• What we store: Your Stripe customer ID, subscription status, plan type, and billing cycle dates. This allows us to manage your subscription and enforce plan limits.
• What we do NOT store: Credit card numbers, CVVs, bank account details, or any raw payment credentials. This sensitive data is handled entirely by Stripe and never touches our servers.
• PCI compliance: By delegating payment processing to Stripe, we maintain PCI DSS compliance without storing cardholder data in our systems.
• Invoices and receipts: Billing history and invoices are managed through Stripe and accessible via your account settings.

For more information about how Stripe handles your payment data, see Stripe's Privacy Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the Service
• Process your transactions and manage your subscription
• Send service-related communications and updates
• Analyze and improve our Service
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:

• Service providers: Third parties who help us operate the Service (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We require all third parties to respect your data and comply with applicable laws.

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure data centers with physical security measures

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion:

• Personal data is deleted within 30 days
• Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained for analytics
• Certain data may be retained longer if required by law

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Understand how you use our Service
• Improve our Service

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Service functionality.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent

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

9. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with applicable laws.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

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

12. Contact Us

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

• Email: privacy@citerankai.com
• Address: CiteRank Inc., 123 Tech Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

13. Additional Information for EU/UK Residents

If you are in the European Union or United Kingdom, CiteRank Inc. is the data controller. The legal bases for processing your data include:

• Contract performance (providing the Service)
• Legitimate interests (improving our Service, security)
• Consent (marketing communications)
• Legal obligations (compliance requirements)

You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.