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Your data, plainly explained

Privacy policy

This policy explains what SpineCheck collects, why it is needed, what becomes public, and how to request access, correction, or deletion.

Effective 22 July 2026 · Version 1.0

1. Scope

This policy applies when you browse SpineCheck, applaud, nominate a public figure, contribute evidence, request a correction, or use the grievance channel. SpineCheck is a public recognition and public-record platform. It is not intended for private individuals.

2. Information we collect

Information you provide

  • Your name and, where a workflow requests it, an email address.
  • Nomination, correction, evidence, and grievance text.
  • Links to public posts, reporting, videos, and other evidence.
  • Profile images uploaded with a nomination.

Information collected automatically

  • A random applause identifier stored in an HttpOnly browser cookie.
  • Basic request, security, and error logs that may include IP address, device, browser, and time of access.
  • Profile identifier and applause timestamps.

3. How information is used

  • Review and moderate public-figure nominations and evidence.
  • Publish approved attribution, evidence, and recognition profiles.
  • Prevent repeated applause and investigate manipulation or abuse.
  • Process corrections, takedown requests, and grievances.
  • Maintain security, audit records, backups, and service reliability.
  • Comply with lawful obligations and enforce our Terms.

4. What becomes public

Approved profile information, evidence links, explanations, the submitted-by name, recognition status, aggregate applause counts, and correction history may become public. Submitter email addresses, moderation notes, browser identifiers, grievance details, and rejected material are not published unless required by law or permission is obtained.

Do not submit private addresses, phone numbers, identity documents, medical information, or non-public personal details.

5. Cookies and applause

SpineCheck uses a first-party HttpOnly cookie containing a random identifier to limit ordinary repeat applause from the same browser. The cookie does not contain your name or email. Clearing cookies, using private browsing, or changing devices may create a new identifier. See the Community Applause Policy.

6. Storage and service providers

Structured records are stored in Cloudflare D1 and uploaded images in Cloudflare R2. Information may also pass through infrastructure used for hosting, security, logging, and content delivery. Providers process information to operate the service and are expected to apply appropriate safeguards.

7. Retention

Published records and supporting evidence may be retained while relevant to the public record. Pending and rejected submissions, appeals, grievances, security logs, and audit records are retained only as reasonably needed for review, dispute handling, abuse prevention, legal obligations, and system integrity. Backup copies may remain for a limited period after deletion.

8. Your choices and rights

You may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, or information about processing through the website grievance channel. We may need enough information to verify that a request concerns you. Some records may be retained where necessary for legal claims, public-interest documentation, security, or compliance.

9. Children

SpineCheck is not directed to children. Do not submit personal data about a child or allow a child to submit information without appropriate authorization.

10. Legal framework and changes

This policy is designed with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and applicable rules in mind. Applicability and commencement may vary by provision. We may update this policy as the service or law changes and will change the version date when we do.

11. Contact

SpineCheck accepts privacy requests only through its website grievance channel. A private reference is issued so you can track the request without publishing an email address.

Need to challenge content or exercise a right?Use the grievance channel →