Privacy policy

Introduction

VetUGC ("we," "our," or "us") operates the VetUGC platform at vetugc.com (the "Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Platform.

By using VetUGC, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Platform.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Waitlist Registration:

• Email address

• Name (optional)

• User type (Creator or Brand)

• Referral source

Creator Account Information:

• Email address

• Username

• Display name

• Biography

• Profile image

• Contact links (portfolio, social media)

• Work samples/portfolio links

Brand Account Information:

• Email address

• Company name

• Contact name

• Business information

Review Content:

• Written feedback and ratings

• Project descriptions

• Completion dates

• Proof documents (contracts, communications, payment receipts)

• Response text from creators

Dispute Information:

• Dispute reasons and descriptions

• Supporting evidence and documentation

• Communications with our support team

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Usage Data:

• IP address

• Browser type and version

• Device information

• Operating system

• Pages visited and time spent

• Referring/exit pages

• Click data and interaction patterns

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• Session cookies (required for platform functionality)

• Analytics cookies (to understand usage patterns)

• Preference cookies (to remember your settings)

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

2.1 Platform Operation

• Create and manage user accounts

• Display creator profiles publicly

• Publish and display reviews

• Process dispute requests

• Facilitate communication between users and our support team

2.2 Communication

• Send waitlist notifications and launch announcements

• Send account-related emails (verification, password reset)

• Notify users of new reviews or responses (if opted in)

• Respond to support inquiries

• Send important platform updates and policy changes

2.3 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve features

• Monitor platform performance and fix bugs

• Conduct research and development

• Generate aggregate statistics (never identifying individuals)

2.4 Security and Fraud Prevention

• Detect and prevent fraudulent activity

• Identify fake reviews or abuse

• Enforce our Terms of Service

• Protect user safety and platform integrity

2.5 Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations

• Respond to lawful requests from authorities

• Enforce our rights and protect against liability

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 Public Information

The following information is publicly visible on the Platform:

• Creator profiles (username, display name, bio, profile image, contact links)

• All reviews (ratings, feedback, project details, brand names)

• Creator responses to reviews

• Average ratings and review counts

Important: Once published, reviews and profiles are publicly accessible and may be indexed by search engines.

3.2 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who help us operate the Platform:

• Cloud hosting providers (data storage and servers)

• Email service providers (transactional emails)

• Analytics providers (Google Analytics, Plausible)

• Payment processors (if applicable)

• Customer support tools

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

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to:

• Court orders or subpoenas

• Legal processes or government requests

• Enforcement of our Terms of Service

• Protection of our rights, property, or safety

• Investigation of fraud or security issues

3.4 Business Transfers

If VetUGC is involved in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and provide choices regarding your information.

3.5 With Your Consent

We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

4. Data Retention

4.1 Active Accounts

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services.

4.2 Deleted Accounts

When you delete your account:

• Your personal information is removed from our active database

• Your profile becomes anonymized (displayed as "[Deleted Creator]")

• Reviews remain public but are no longer attributed to your name

• We may retain certain information for legal compliance, fraud prevention, or dispute resolution

4.3 Backup Retention

Deleted data may persist in backup systems for up to 90 days before permanent deletion.

4.4 Legal Retention

We may retain information longer when required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., resolving disputes, enforcing agreements).

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

5.1 Access and Portability

• Request a copy of your personal information

• Export your data in a structured format (JSON/CSV)

5.2 Correction

• Update or correct inaccurate information in your profile settings

• Contact us to correct information you cannot edit directly

5.3 Deletion

• Delete your account at any time through account settings

• Request deletion of specific information (subject to limitations)

• Note: Reviews and public content may remain even after account deletion

5.4 Objection and Restriction

• Object to processing of your information for certain purposes

• Request restriction of processing in specific circumstances

5.5 Withdraw Consent

• Opt out of marketing emails (unsubscribe link in every email)

• Disable non-essential cookies through your browser

5.6 Lodge a Complaint

• Contact your local data protection authority if you believe we've violated your privacy rights

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

We will respond to requests within 30 days, though some requests may take longer depending on complexity.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

6.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)

• Encryption at rest for sensitive data

• Secure password hashing

• Regular security updates and patches

• Access controls and authentication

6.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Limited employee access to personal data

• Background checks for team members with data access

• Regular security training

• Incident response procedures

6.3 Limitations

No system is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

7. International Data Transfers

VetUGC is based in [Your Country/State]. If you access the Platform from outside this location, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in our operating jurisdiction or where our service providers are located.

By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

8. Children's Privacy

VetUGC is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us at privacy@vetugc.com.

9. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

10.1 Right to Know

You can request disclosure of:

• Categories of personal information collected

• Sources of information

• Business purposes for collection

• Categories of third parties with whom we share information

• Specific pieces of information collected about you

10.2 Right to Delete

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

10.3 Right to Opt-Out

We do not sell personal information. If our practices change, we will update this policy and provide an opt-out mechanism.

10.4 Non-Discrimination

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.

To exercise CCPA rights: Email privacy@vetugc.com with "CCPA Request" in the subject line.

11. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

11.1 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information based on:

• Contract performance: To provide Platform services

• Legitimate interests: To improve the Platform, prevent fraud, and ensure security

• Legal compliance: To comply with legal obligations

• Consent: For marketing communications (where required)

11.2 Data Controller

VetUGC is the data controller for your personal information.

11.3 Data Protection Officer

For GDPR inquiries, contact: dpo@vetugc.com

11.4 Supervisory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our practices

• Legal or regulatory requirements

• New features or services

How We Notify You:

• Post updated policy on the Platform with a new "Last Updated" date

• Send email notification for material changes (to your registered email)

• Display prominent notice on the Platform for 30 days

Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@vetugc.com
Support Email: hello@vetugc.com
Mailing Address:
VetUGC
[Your Business Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Country]

Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5-7 business days.

14. Specific Disclosures

14.1 Review Content

Important Notice: Reviews you write, ratings you submit, and responses you post are public and permanent. They may be:

• Viewed by anyone on the internet

• Indexed by search engines (Google, Bing, etc.)

• Shared on social media

• Cached by web archives

Think carefully before posting. While you can dispute reviews that violate our policies, you cannot delete reviews you've written after submission.

14.2 Proof Documents

Proof documents uploaded for ghosting reviews are:

• Stored securely and not publicly displayed

• Accessible to our moderation team for verification

• May be shared with disputing parties during investigations

• Deleted 90 days after dispute resolution

14.3 Analytics

We use privacy-focused analytics (e.g., Plausible Analytics or similar) that do not track individual users or use invasive tracking methods. Analytics data is aggregated and anonymized.

By using VetUGC, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated above and applies to all users of the VetUGC Platform.