Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2024

1. Introduction

Sermon Explorer ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information: Name, email address, username, and password when you create an account
Profile Information: Optional profile details you choose to provide
Communication: Information you provide when contacting us for support or inquiries

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, features used, and interaction patterns
Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and IP address
Location Data: General location information based on IP address
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See Section 4 for details

2.3 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect and analyze usage data. This includes:

Page views and navigation patterns
Time spent on pages
Device and browser information
Geographic location (at country/city level)
Referring websites and search terms

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
Process your account registration and manage your account
Send you service-related communications
Analyze usage patterns and improve user experience
Detect, prevent, and address technical issues
Comply with legal obligations
Protect the rights and safety of users

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

4.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us improve your experience on our Service.

4.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the Service to function and cannot be switched off. They include:

Session cookies for authentication
Security cookies for fraud prevention
Preference cookies for user settings

Analytics Cookies

We use Google Analytics cookies to:

Understand how visitors interact with our Service
Collect information about website traffic and usage patterns
Generate reports to help us improve the Service

Google Analytics cookies include:

_ga: Used to distinguish users (expires after 2 years)
_ga_<container-id>: Used to persist session state (expires after 2 years)
_gid: Used to distinguish users (expires after 24 hours)

4.3 Third-Party Cookies

Google Analytics sets cookies on our behalf to:

Track user interactions
Analyze website traffic
Provide insights into user behavior

For more information about Google Analytics cookies, visit: https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies

4.4 Cookie Consent

We only use analytics cookies with your explicit consent. You can:

Accept cookies when prompted by our cookie banner
Decline cookies and still use the Service (with limited functionality)
Change your cookie preferences at any time

5. Google Analytics

5.1 Google Analytics Usage

We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC ("Google"). Google Analytics uses cookies to analyze how users use our Service.

5.2 Data Collected by Google Analytics

Google Analytics collects:

Page views and navigation patterns
Time spent on pages
Device and browser information
Geographic location (country/city level)
Referring websites and search terms
User interactions (clicks, scrolls, etc.)

5.3 Google's Privacy Policy

Google may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize ads in its advertising network. For more information about how Google uses data, visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy

5.4 Opting Out of Google Analytics

You can opt out of Google Analytics by:

Declining cookies when prompted
Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Adjusting your browser settings to refuse cookies

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Data Storage

Your data is stored on secure servers
We implement industry-standard security measures
Data is encrypted in transit and at rest where applicable

6.2 Security Measures

We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including:

Encryption of sensitive data
Regular security assessments
Access controls and authentication
Secure data transmission protocols

6.3 Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities as required by law.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

7.1 Third-Party Services

We may share data with:

Google Analytics: For website analytics (only with your consent)
Service Providers: Companies that help us operate the Service (hosting, payment processing)
Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights

7.2 Data Sharing Limitations

We do not:

Sell your personal information to third parties
Share your data with advertisers without consent
Use your data for purposes other than those described in this policy

8. Your Rights (GDPR and Privacy Rights)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or other regions with privacy laws, you have the right to:

8.1 Access

Request access to your personal data
Receive a copy of your data in a structured format

8.2 Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
Update your account information

8.3 Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data
Close your account and remove associated data

8.4 Restriction

Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

8.5 Data Portability

Receive your data in a portable format
Transfer your data to another service

8.6 Objection

Object to processing of your personal data
Opt out of marketing communications

8.7 Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent for cookie usage at any time
Change cookie preferences in your browser

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: support@sermonexplorer.com

9. Data Retention

9.1 Account Data

We retain your account data while your account is active
After account deletion, we may retain certain data for legal compliance
Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics policies

9.2 Analytics Data

Google Analytics retains data according to Google's data retention policies
You can view retention settings in your Google Analytics account

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will:

Post the updated policy on this page
Update the "Last Updated" date
Notify users of material changes via email or through the Service

Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Information

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

Email: support@sermonexplorer.com
Website: [Contact Page]

For privacy-related inquiries, please include "Privacy Policy" in the subject line.

15. California Privacy Rights

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

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to delete personal information
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us at: support@sermonexplorer.com

By using Sermon Explorer, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.