Privacy Policy

1. Overview

We care about your privacy and want to be transparent about what we collect, why we collect it, and the choices you have. By using KpopAngel, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy.

If you do not agree with this Policy, please do not use the Service. If you have questions, you can always reach us via our Contact page.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: information you provide, information collected automatically, and information from third-party services.

2.1 Information you provide directly

• Account & profile data: such as your name, display name, email address (via Google sign-in), avatar, and any profile details you choose to share.
• Content & interactions: comments, reactions, saved articles, feedback, and any other content you submit to the Service.
• Support communications: information you include when you contact us for support, inquiries, or feedback.

2.2 Information collected automatically

When you use KpopAngel, we may automatically collect:

• Usage data: pages visited, clicks, reading history, search queries, referring URLs, and timestamps.
• Device & log data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, language, and error logs.
• Cookies & similar technologies: small text files stored on your device to keep you logged in, remember preferences, and analyze traffic.

2.3 Information from third-party services

If you sign in with a third-party account (such as Google), we receive certain information from that provider:

• Basic profile details (such as your name, email address, and profile picture) needed to create and operate your KpopAngel account.
• We do not receive or store your third-party password.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain the Service, including account creation, login, comments, reactions, and personalized content.
• Improve and customize your experience by recommending content, understanding what articles are popular, and optimizing site performance.
• Communicate with you about updates, security notices, feature changes, and support responses.
• Ensure safety, integrity, and security by detecting abuse, spam, or suspicious activity.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.

We do not sell your personal information.

4. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, our legal bases for processing your personal data may include:

• Performance of a contract: to provide the Service and related features you request.
• Legitimate interests: to maintain, improve, and secure the Service, prevent abuse, and understand how users engage with content, where these interests are not overridden by your rights.
• Consent: for optional activities (such as certain cookies or marketing), where we rely on your consent, which you may withdraw at any time.
• Legal obligations: to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

KpopAngel uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Keep you signed in and maintain your session.
• Remember your preferences and settings.
• Measure site performance, traffic, and engagement.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable certain cookies, some features of the Service may not work correctly.

6. How We Share Information

We share your information only in limited circumstances:

• Service providers: with trusted vendors who help us operate the Service (for example, hosting, authentication, analytics, and email delivery), under appropriate confidentiality and security obligations.
• Legal requirements: when we believe disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with a law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our assets, subject to appropriate safeguards.
• With your consent: when you explicitly authorize us to share information or connect your account with another service.

7. Data Security & Retention

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including HTTPS encryption in transit and access controls on our systems. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to provide the Service, fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy, or as required by law. When data is no longer needed, we take steps to delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

• Accessing a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Requesting correction or deletion of your personal data.
• Objecting to or restricting certain processing activities.
• Requesting data portability.
• Opting out of marketing communications, where applicable.

To exercise these rights, please reach out through our Contact page. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

If you are in the EEA or UK and believe your rights have been violated, you may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

9. Children's Privacy

KpopAngel is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal data without parental consent, please contact us via the Contact page, and we will take steps to delete such information.

10. International Data Transfers

Our servers and service providers may be located in countries other than your own. As a result, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries that may have data protection rules different from those of your country.

Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) to protect your information in accordance with applicable law.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If changes materially affect your rights or how we process your data, we may provide additional notice (such as posting a banner or sending a notification, where appropriate).

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out via our Contact page.