Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 18, 2026
1. Introduction
StackGuides ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.
By using StackGuides, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect information that can identify you ("Personal Information"), including:
- Name and username
- Email address
- Password (encrypted) - for email/password authentication
- Profile information (if provided)
- Profile picture - when you sign up with Google or GitHub, we receive your profile picture URL from these services
2.2 Social Authentication Information
When you choose to sign up or log in using Google or GitHub, we receive the following information from these providers:
- From Google OAuth: Your name, email address, and profile picture URL
- From GitHub OAuth: Your username, email address (if public), and profile picture URL
We do not store your Google or GitHub password. Authentication is handled through OAuth tokens. For more information about how these providers handle your data, please review:
2.3 Payment Information
Payment information is collected and processed by our third-party payment processor (Creem.io). We do not store your complete credit card information on our servers. When you make a purchase, we share the following with Creem.io:
- Product information (guides details)
- Purchase amount
- Your email address (for payment receipts)
2.4 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring website
- Pages viewed and time spent
- Device information
2.5 Session and Activity Tracking
We track your login sessions and account activity for security purposes:
- Login timestamps and IP addresses
- Device information (browser, operating system)
- Session duration and activity patterns
- User agent strings
This information helps us detect unauthorized access and protect your account.
2.6 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and language settings
- Understand usage patterns
- Improve our Services
- Analyze website performance
- Authenticate your login session
EU Cookie Consent: If you are located in the European Union, you will see a cookie consent banner when you first visit our website. This banner allows you to review and consent to our use of non-essential cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
3.1 Service Provision
- Creating and managing your account
- Processing payments and purchases
- Providing access to purchased content - we verify your purchase records to grant access to premium guides
- Sending transactional emails (receipts, account updates, payment confirmations)
- Managing your purchase history and access rights
3.2 Communication
- Responding to your inquiries
- Sending promotional emails (with your consent)
- Notifying you of updates and new features
3.3 Improvement and Analytics
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve our content
- Understanding user preferences
- Developing new features and services
- Ensuring website security and integrity
3.4 Legal Compliance
- Complying with legal obligations
- Protecting against fraud and abuse
- Enforcing our Terms of Service
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We share your information with trusted third parties who assist us in operating our platform:
- Creem.io - Payment processor for processing transactions and payments
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Email service (Amazon SES) for sending transactional and notification emails
- Google OAuth - Authentication service for Google login functionality
- GitHub OAuth - Authentication service for GitHub login functionality
- Hosting services for website infrastructure
- Analytics services to understand user behavior and improve our services
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to:
- Comply with laws and regulations
- Respond to legal process
- Protect our rights and property
- Prevent fraud or ensure security
4.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner.
4.4 With Your Consent
We may share your information with your consent for any other purpose.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Encrypted password storage
- Secure payment processing
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and authentication
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your information for:
- Duration of your account
- As required by law
- As necessary to provide our Services
- Payment records (as required for tax and accounting purposes)
You may request deletion of your account and personal information by contacting us.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
7.1 Access and Portability
- Request a copy of your personal data in JSON or CSV format
- Receive information about how we use your data
- Your exportable data includes: account information, purchase history, session logs, and profile data
7.2 Correction
- Update or correct inaccurate information
- Modify your account settings
7.3 Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal data
- Close your account (contact us)
7.4 Objection and Restriction
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Restrict certain processing activities
7.5 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:
- Right to know what personal information we collect
- Right to delete your personal information
- Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights
8. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
10. Cookies Policy
10.1 Essential Cookies
Required for the website to function properly:
- Authentication cookies - Keep you logged in during your session
- Security cookies - Help protect against fraud and unauthorized access
- Language preference cookies - Remember your selected language (English/Japanese)
- Session management cookies - Maintain your session state
10.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website:
- Page view tracking
- User behavior analysis
- Performance monitoring
10.3 EU Cookie Consent
If you are accessing our website from the European Union, you will see a cookie consent banner on your first visit. This banner allows you to:
- Review all cookies we use
- Accept or reject non-essential cookies
- Change your preferences at any time through a link in the website footer
Essential cookies (required for the website to function) are always enabled as they are necessary for authentication and security.
10.4 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect your ability to use certain features, including logging in and accessing purchased content.
11. Third-Party Links and Services
Our website integrates with third-party services and may contain links to external websites:
Social Login Providers: When you use Google or GitHub to sign in, you are redirected to their authentication pages. Please review their privacy policies:
External Links: Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new policy on our website
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email for significant changes
Continued use of our Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please reach out to us through the "Contact Us" link in the footer of our website.
Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about our data practices.
Thank you for trusting StackGuides with your information.