ShortBooks Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 14, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how ShortBooks collects, uses, stores, and protects your information when you use our platform, including reading, publishing, purchasing, and account-related services.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

• Email address
• Name or display name
• Account role (reader or author)
• Password (securely hashed, never stored in plain text)

Payment Information

Payments are processed through Stripe. ShortBooks does not store full payment details. Stripe may collect billing details such as name, address, and payment method information.

Usage Data

• Login activity
• Purchase activity
• Content interactions (reading, publishing, editing)
• Device and browser information

Security & Legal Logs

• IP address
• User agent
• Authentication attempts
• Legal agreement acceptance records
• Parent consent verification (if applicable)

2. How We Use Information

• Provide and operate the platform
• Process payments and subscriptions
• Enforce legal agreements and platform rules
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Improve platform performance and features
• Communicate important updates and account-related notices

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data as necessary to:

• Provide the Service
• Fulfill contractual obligations
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect platform security and integrity

4. Sharing of Information

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

• Payment processors (e.g., Stripe)
• Hosting and infrastructure providers
• Email and communication providers
• Legal authorities when required

5. Data Retention

We retain data as long as necessary to operate the platform, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Certain records (such as legal acceptances and financial transactions) may be retained longer for compliance reasons.

6. Account Security

We implement technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure, and you are responsible for maintaining your account credentials.

7. Minors

ShortBooks allows minor accounts only with required parental or guardian consent. If a minor account is detected without proper consent, it may be restricted or removed. Parent consent records are stored for verification and compliance purposes.

8. Your Rights

You may have the right to:

• Access your data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion where legally permitted
• Request limitation of processing

9. Cookies and Tracking

We may use cookies or similar technologies to maintain sessions, improve functionality, and analyze usage. These are required for core platform functionality.

10. Third-Party Services

Third-party services (such as Stripe) operate under their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for third-party practices.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updates.

12. Contact

For privacy-related questions, contact us through the platform support system.