1. What We Collect
We collect only the information needed to run the service:
- Account info — email, display name, and username when you sign in via Google OAuth.
- Content you create — stories, chapters, characters, messages, and media uploads.
- Reading analytics — anonymized session-based metrics (page views, chapter reads, completion rates) to help authors understand their audience. We hash IP + User-Agent to generate session IDs; we never store raw IP addresses.
- Email addresses — when readers subscribe to author updates or join the waitlist.
2. How We Use Your Data
- To authenticate you and keep your account secure.
- To display and distribute the stories you publish.
- To show authors aggregated, anonymized analytics about their stories.
- To send email notifications when readers subscribe to your updates (only if they opt in).
- To improve the platform and fix issues.
3. Cookies & Storage
We use a single session cookie to keep you logged in. We also use local storage for reader preferences (e.g., dark/light theme). We do not use third-party advertising cookies or trackers. We use Umami for privacy-focused, cookieless analytics on public pages.
4. Third-Party Services
- Google OAuth — for authentication. Subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
- AWS S3 — for storing media uploads (images/videos).
- Umami — for anonymous, privacy-focused analytics on public story pages.
5. Data Retention
We keep your account and content until you delete them or close your account. Analytics data is retained indefinitely in aggregated form. If you delete a story, all associated chapters, characters, messages, and media are permanently removed.
6. Your Rights
You can:
- Update your display name in your profile.
- Delete any story, chapter, or character you created.
- Request account deletion by contacting us.
- Unsubscribe from author emails at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email.
7. Children's Privacy
TextStories.site is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.