Privacy Policy

Introduction

Sherlock Technologies Inc., doing business as Ape AI ("Ape AI," "we," "us," or "our"), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal data when you visit our website [ApeAI.com] ("Website"), create an account, or use our services ("Services"). It applies to all personal data collected from you, as defined under applicable data protection laws.

By using our Services or submitting personal data, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with this policy, please stop using our Services and delete your account.

About Us

Ape AI, legally registered as Sherlock Technologies Inc., is the data controller responsible for your personal data and the sole owner of the Website and Services. We collect information in various ways, as outlined below, to provide and improve our Services.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically by posting a new version on our Website. We recommend checking this page occasionally to review any changes. If required by law, we will notify you of significant updates.

Personal Data We Collect

We collect the following types of personal data:

User Accounts

To create an account, you must provide:

  • Email Credentials or Google SSO: Used for sign-in authentication via email address or Google Single Sign-On (SSO). We do not support other third-party sign-in methods (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).
  • Optional Profile Information: You may choose to provide additional details, such as a username, avatar, "About Me" section, Twitter handle, YouTube channel, Facebook profile, Instagram profile, or website link.

Publicly Displayed Information:

  • Username, avatar, "About Me" section, social media links, date joined, and subscription level.

Non-Public Information:

  • Email address and any payment information (see "Payment Information" below).

Paid Subscriptions

For Paid Users (Essential, Plus, Premium, Expert, Elite, or Ultimate Accounts), you must provide:

  • First name, last name, postal address, and payment information (processed by third-party payment processors; we do not store payment details).

Contact Data

We process personal data you provide when contacting us via email, phone, or other methods, including inquiries or support requests.

Device and Usage Data

  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and web beacons to enhance user experience, analyze performance, and combat spam. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
  • Log Files: Include IP addresses, browser type, internet service provider, referring/exit pages, platform type, and date/time stamps for site administration and security.
  • Device Information: Includes IP address (which may indicate your location), device type, operating system, and browser version to prevent spam and abuse.
  • Analytics: We collect pseudonymous data on user interactions (e.g., page views, clicks) via internal analytics or third-party providers (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase) to improve Services.

Data from Third Parties

When signing in via Google SSO, we receive your email address and username from Google. We do not control or assume responsibility for how third parties process your data.

How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your personal data for:

  • Service Delivery: To authenticate accounts, provide Services, process transactions, and customize user experiences (e.g., saving chart settings or preferences).
  • Security: To prevent spam, fraud, and abuse.
  • Communication: To send welcome emails, service-related announcements, or billing notifications (non-optional for Paid Users).
  • Marketing: To send promotional emails about similar products or services, unless you opt out via the "unsubscribe" link or Profile Settings.
  • Social Notifications: To notify you about new followers, likes, or content from followed users, configurable in Profile Settings.
  • Analytics and Improvement: To analyze usage trends and enhance our Services.
  • Legal Compliance: To meet legal obligations, such as tax or audit requirements.

We rely on lawful bases, including contract performance, legitimate interests, and legal obligations. Consent is used only when explicitly required, and you may withdraw it at any time.

When We Share Your Personal Data

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

  • Service Providers: Third parties for payment processing (e.g., Stripe, Braintree), IT hosting, analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase), or marketing support, acting under our instructions.
  • Payment Processors: For Paid Users, payment information is processed securely by third parties. We do not access or store payment details.
  • Affiliated Businesses: For administrative purposes or to provide Services, limited to the original purpose of collection.
  • Legal Authorities: To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.

Public Content

  • Public Profile: Information you choose to make public (e.g., username, avatar, social media links) is visible to other users or visitors.
  • Published Content: Charts, ideas, scripts, or comments you publish are publicly accessible and licensed to us for display. Private content is accessible only via direct links you share.
  • Chats and Messages: Public and private messages are stored and processed to detect spam or prohibited content. Recipients of private messages retain copies, even if you delete them.

Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including TLS encryption, firewalls, and access controls, to protect your data. However, no method is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.

Data Retention

  • Account Data: Retained until you request deletion or as required for legitimate business purposes (e.g., tax, audits, security), up to 10 years.
  • Deletion Requests: When you request account deletion via Profile Settings, we process the request internally, and it may take up to 30 days to remove your data across our infrastructure. Some data (e.g., published ideas, messages) may persist to maintain platform integrity.
  • Marketing Data: Kept until you unsubscribe via the "unsubscribe" link.

User Rights

You have the following rights, subject to applicable laws:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete data via Profile Settings.
  • Deletion: Request account deletion, processed within 30 days (see "Data Retention").
  • Restriction: Limit processing in certain cases (e.g., if data is inaccurate).
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
  • Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent where applicable, without affecting prior processing.
  • Lodge a Complaint: Contact a data protection authority (e.g., EU Data Protection Authorities or the UK ICO).

To exercise these rights, contact us at [Your Contact Email]. We may verify your identity before processing requests.

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the CCPA:

  • Disclosure: Request details about personal data collected or shared in the past 12 months.
  • Deletion: Request deletion, subject to the 30-day processing period.
  • Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate based on your exercise of these rights.

We do not sell personal information or offer financial incentives for data collection.

International Data Transfers

Ape AI, as Sherlock Technologies Inc., operates in the United States and United Kingdom, with data stored in the U.S., EU, or other regions. We ensure appropriate safeguards for transfers to countries with different data protection standards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses. Contact us for details on these safeguards.

Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal or sensitive data (e.g., racial origins, health) from children. If such data is collected, contact us to request deletion.

Third-Party Sites

Our Website may link to third-party sites with independent privacy policies. We are not responsible for their practices and recommend reviewing their policies.

Contact Us

For questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at [email protected]