> cat ./privacy-policy.md

This Privacy Policy describes how The Growth Terminal ("we," "us," or "our"), operated at thegrowthterminal.com (the "Website"), collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you visit our Website or use any of our services, including any applications or integrations connected to third-party platforms such as TikTok.

By accessing or using our Website and services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Contact information: name, email address when you subscribe to our newsletter or join our waitlist.
• Account information: any data you voluntarily submit through forms on our Website.
• Communications: messages, feedback, or inquiries you send to us.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device and browser information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type, screen resolution.
• Usage data: pages visited, time spent on pages, referral URLs, click patterns, and other interaction data.
• Cookies and similar technologies: we use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, remember preferences (such as theme settings and reading streaks), and collect analytics data.

1.3 Information from Third-Party Platforms

When you interact with our services through third-party platforms (including but not limited to TikTok), we may receive information made available by those platforms in accordance with their privacy policies and your privacy settings. This may include:

• Public profile information (username, display name, profile picture)
• Content interaction data (likes, shares, comments on our content)
• Demographic or interest-based information provided by the platform

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide and improve our services: deliver content, operate the Website, and enhance user experience.
• Communications: send newsletters, updates, and respond to inquiries (only with your consent).
• Analytics: understand how users interact with our Website to improve content and functionality. We use Google Analytics (GA4) for this purpose.
• Personalization: remember your preferences such as theme settings, bookmarks, and reading history using local storage on your device.
• Legal compliance: comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.
• Security: detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues.

3. How We Share Your Information

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

• Service providers: with trusted third-party vendors who help us operate our Website and services (e.g., hosting, analytics, email delivery), bound by contractual obligations to protect your data.
• Legal requirements: when required by law, legal process, or government request.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
• With your consent: when you explicitly authorize us to share your information.

3.1 Third-Party Services We Use

• Google Analytics (GA4): for website usage analytics. See Google's Privacy Policy.
• Vercel: for website hosting and deployment. See Vercel's Privacy Policy.
• TikTok: for social media integration and content distribution. See TikTok's Privacy Policy.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

• Account/contact data: retained until you request deletion or unsubscribe.
• Analytics data: retained in accordance with Google Analytics' data retention settings (default: 14 months).
• Local storage data: stored on your device and controlled by you (can be cleared via browser settings at any time).

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: request deletion of your personal data. We will comply within 30 days, subject to legal obligations.
• Portability: request your data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
• Withdraw consent: withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Opt-out: unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time using the link in our emails.
• Object: object to processing of your personal data for certain purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@thegrowthterminal.com. We will respond within 30 days.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include encryption, secure hosting, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in compliance with applicable laws, including standard contractual clauses where required.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us at contact@thegrowthterminal.com.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use the following types of cookies and similar technologies:

• Essential cookies: necessary for the Website to function (e.g., theme preferences).
• Analytics cookies: help us understand usage patterns (Google Analytics).
• Functional cookies: remember your preferences and settings (reading streaks, bookmarks via local storage).

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Website.

10. TikTok Platform Data

When using our services in connection with the TikTok platform, the following additional terms apply:

• We access TikTok data only as authorized by you and in accordance with TikTok's Developer Terms of Service.
• We do not sell TikTok user data to third parties.
• We do not use TikTok data for purposes other than those explicitly described in this Privacy Policy.
• We store TikTok-related data securely and delete it upon your request or when it is no longer needed.
• You may revoke our access to your TikTok data at any time through your TikTok account settings or by contacting us.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

• Email: contact@thegrowthterminal.com
• Website: thegrowthterminal.com