Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

CitationCore ("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 Shopify application.

By installing and using CitationCore, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Store Information

When you install CitationCore, we collect:

• Store name and domain
• Store owner email (for account management)
• Product catalog data (titles, descriptions, tags, prices)
• Store locale and currency settings

2.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• App usage statistics and feature interactions
• Scan results and optimization history
• Credit usage and subscription status

2.3 AI Analysis Data

To provide our services, we process:

• Product information for AI visibility analysis
• Brand profile data you provide
• Generated content and optimizations

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the CitationCore service
• Analyze your store's AI visibility across platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity)
• Generate optimized product content and recommendations
• Track competitors and market positioning
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Send important service updates and notifications
• Improve and develop new features
• Provide customer support

4. Data Sharing and Third Parties

4.1 AI Service Providers

To analyze your AI visibility, we send product and brand information to AI platforms including:

• Google (Gemini API)
• OpenAI (ChatGPT API)
• Anthropic (Claude API)
• Perplexity AI

These services process data according to their own privacy policies. We only share the minimum information necessary to perform visibility analysis.

4.2 Service Providers

We may share data with trusted service providers for:

• Cloud hosting (Vercel, Supabase)
• Payment processing (handled by Shopify)
• Analytics and monitoring

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.

5. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Upon uninstalling the app:

• Store data is marked for deletion within 48 hours
• Scan history and optimizations are permanently deleted within 30 days
• Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained for analytics

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL)
• Encryption of sensitive data at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure cloud infrastructure

7. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Restriction: Request limited processing of your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@citationcore.com

8. Cookies and Tracking

CitationCore uses essential cookies required for the app to function within Shopify. We do not use third-party tracking cookies or advertising cookies.

9. Children's Privacy

CitationCore is a business application and is not intended for use by individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including standard contractual clauses where applicable.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the app. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or concerns, contact us at: