Introduction

Welcome to ZGen's Privacy Policy. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our social media platform and services.

By using ZGen, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use ZGen, you provide us with:

• Account Information: Username, display name, email address, password, profile picture, banner image, bio, and location
• Profile Preferences: Interests, language preferences, and privacy settings
• Content: Posts, comments, messages, photos, videos, and other materials you share
• Payment Information: When you purchase advertising or professional features, payment details are processed by secure third-party providers
• Communications: Messages, support requests, and feedback you send to us

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use ZGen, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Posts you view, profiles you visit, searches you perform, and features you use
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address, and unique device identifiers
• Location Data: General location based on IP address (not precise GPS unless you grant permission)
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, pixels, and local storage to enhance your experience
• Engagement Metrics: Likes, comments, shares, saves, and time spent viewing content

1.3 Information From Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Authentication providers (if you sign up using third-party services)
• Analytics and advertising partners
• Publicly available sources

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

2.1 Provide and Improve Our Services

• Create and manage your account
• Display your profile and content to other users
• Enable communication between users
• Process payments for ads and professional features
• Provide customer support
• Improve and optimize our platform
• Develop new features and services

2.2 Personalization and Recommendations

• Recommend content, users, and topics based on your interests and activity
• Personalize your feed using our recommendation algorithm
• Suggest connections based on mutual follows and shared interests
• Show relevant advertisements

2.3 Safety and Security

• Detect and prevent spam, fraud, and abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service and community guidelines
• Protect against security threats
• Verify accounts and combat fake accounts
• Investigate suspicious activity

2.4 Communications

• Send notifications about activity on your account
• Provide updates about our services
• Respond to your inquiries and requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)

2.5 Legal and Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to law enforcement requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Resolve disputes

3. How We Share Your Information

We share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Public Information

Information you share publicly on ZGen (posts, profile information, comments) is visible to other users and may be searchable through the platform. Public posts may also be visible to non-users.

3.2 With Your Consent

We share information when you explicitly consent or direct us to share it.

3.3 Service Providers

We work with third-party service providers who help us operate ZGen, including:

• Cloud hosting and storage providers
• Payment processors
• Analytics services
• Customer support tools
• Email and notification services

These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and may only use your information as needed to perform their services.

3.4 Business Transfers

If ZGen is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

3.5 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or if we believe it's necessary to:

• Comply with legal process or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the safety of our users or the public
• Prevent illegal activity or security threats

3.6 Aggregated Data

We may share aggregated or anonymized information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you for research, analytics, or marketing purposes.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Needed to provide you services
• Required by law, contract, or similar obligations
• Necessary for legitimate business purposes (security, fraud prevention)

When you delete your account, we delete or anonymize your information within 90 days, except where we must retain it for legal compliance or legitimate business needs.

5. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Update: Correct or update your information through account settings
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export: Download your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information

5.2 Privacy Settings

You can control your privacy through account settings:

• Make your account private or public
• Control who can comment on your posts
• Manage notification preferences
• Block or mute users
• Control data sharing preferences

5.3 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or adjusting your notification settings.

5.4 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit some functionality of the platform.

6. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication systems
• Regular security audits and testing
• Access controls and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection

However, no system is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Children's Privacy

ZGen is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@zgen.app and we will delete such information.

Users between 13 and 18 should have parental or guardian consent before using ZGen.

8. International Data Transfers

ZGen operates globally, and your information may be transferred to, stored, or processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

ZGen may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing them with your information.

10. Algorithm and Data Processing

ZGen uses algorithms to personalize your experience, including:

• Feed Ranking: We analyze your engagement patterns, interests, and connections to show relevant content
• User Recommendations: We suggest users to follow based on mutual connections and shared interests
• Content Discovery: We recommend trending topics and popular content
• Ad Targeting: We show ads based on your interests and activity (you can control this in settings)

Our algorithms process your activity data to improve recommendations. You can influence these recommendations by adjusting your interests and engagement patterns.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will notify you by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)
• Displaying a notice on the platform

Your continued use of ZGen after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

13. Regional Specific Rights

13.1 European Economic Area (EEA) and UK

If you are located in the EEA or UK, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

13.2 California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected
• Know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Opt out of the sale of personal information
• Request deletion of personal information
• Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Note: ZGen does not sell your personal information to third parties.