1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how RawGag ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our service. By using RawGag, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your email address for authentication purposes. We generate a random username for you, which you can change. We do not require or store your real name.

User-Generated Content

When you upload content (images, GIFs, videos) or post comments, this content is stored and made publicly available on the platform. Your username is displayed alongside your content.

Usage Information

We collect information about how you interact with the Service, including pages visited, features used, voting activity, and timestamps. This helps us improve the Service.

Device Information

We may collect information about your device, including IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Authenticate users and manage accounts
• Display user-generated content
• Send service-related communications (e.g., login codes)
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and basic functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Service (only with your consent)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or by using our cookie consent banner. Note that disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using certain features.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Cloud storage: To store uploaded media files
• Email service: To send authentication codes
• Analytics: To analyze usage (with your consent)

These services have their own privacy policies governing their use of your data.

6. Public Content

Important: Content you upload to RawGag (posts, comments, votes) is publicly visible. Your username is displayed with your content. Do not share personal or sensitive information in your uploads or comments. Once content is public, it may be viewed, shared, or cached by others and search engines.

7. Data Retention & Account Deletion

We retain your account information and content for as long as your account is active.

When you delete your account:

• Your email, username, avatar, and profile information are permanently deleted
• Your votes, saved posts, collections, and notifications are deleted
• Your posts and comments are kept but anonymized — the author will display as "[deleted]"
• This preserves community conversations while removing your personal information

You can delete your account at any time from Account Settings. Publicly shared content may also persist if it has been shared or cached by others.

8. Your Rights

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

• Access the personal information we hold about you (visible in your profile)
• Correct inaccurate information (edit username, bio, avatar in Settings)
• Delete your account and associated personal data (Settings → Danger Zone)
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Withdraw consent for optional processing (e.g., analytics)

Most of these actions can be performed directly in your Account Settings. For other requests, please contact us through the platform.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers.

12. 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.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us through the appropriate channels on the platform.