Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 4, 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Science Talk ("we," "us," or "the Service") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following information when you use the Service:

OAuth Profile Information

When you authenticate via Bluesky or Twitter, we collect:

  • Your handle (username)
  • Your display name
  • Your profile avatar/photo
  • Your email address (if provided by the OAuth provider)
  • Your bio/description (if provided)

User-Generated Content

We store content you voluntarily post on the Service, including:

  • Posts (links, text posts, questions)
  • Comments and replies
  • Votes (upvotes/downvotes)

Usage Information

We automatically collect basic technical information such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Access times and dates

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain the Service
  • Authenticate your identity and manage your account
  • Display your profile information and content to other users
  • Process invitations you send to new users
  • Improve and optimize the Service
  • Enforce our Terms of Service and community standards

4. Information Sharing

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

  • Public Content: Posts, comments, and profile information you share are visible to other users of the Service
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests
  • Service Protection: We may share information to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Service and its users

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on servers located in the United States. We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

We use HTTP-only cookies for session management and authentication purposes.

6. Third-Party Services

We use OAuth authentication provided by Bluesky and Twitter. When you authenticate, you are subject to the privacy policies of those platforms. We only receive the profile information they provide through their OAuth APIs.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you wish to delete your account, please contact us through the Service.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Opt out of receiving communications from us

To exercise these rights, please contact us through the Service.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through the Service.