1. Information We Collect

We collect information in several categories to provide, improve, and secure our services.

1.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

• Contact and Inquiry Data: When using our Contact form or sending messages, we collect your name, email address, phone number (if provided), and the content of your message or inquiry (e.g., questions about artworks, artist collaborations, or purchases).
• Transaction and Purchase Data: If you buy or sell artworks (once implemented), we may collect billing/shipping name, address, payment details (handled securely by third-party processors), order history, and related communications.
• Account Data (if applicable in future): Username, password (hashed), profile information, uploaded artwork details, artist bios, or preferences.
• Other Submissions: Any feedback, reviews, artist submissions, or newsletter sign-ups (email and preferences).

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device and Browser Data: IP address, browser type/version, operating system, device identifiers, screen resolution, language preferences.
• Usage and Interaction Data: Pages visited, time spent, navigation paths, referral sources, search terms (if any), clicked links, and interactions with artworks or listings.
• Location Data: Approximate location derived from IP address (not precise GPS unless explicitly provided).
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See detailed Cookies section below.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive data from analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics), payment gateways (if integrated, like Razorpay or Stripe), or social media if you log in/connect via them (subject to their policies).

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your information for legitimate purposes, including:

• To operate and maintain the Site (display artworks, process inquiries, facilitate transactions).
• To communicate with you (respond to messages, send order confirmations, provide support).
• To improve services (analyze usage trends, fix bugs, enhance user experience).
• To personalize content (recommend artworks based on browsing history, if features added).
• For marketing (send newsletters or promotions if you opt-in; we never spam).
• To prevent fraud, enforce terms, comply with legal obligations, or protect rights/safety.
• For advertising purposes (including personalized ads via Google AdSense — see below).

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, local storage, and similar technologies ("Cookies") to enhance functionality, analyze traffic, and deliver relevant content/ads.

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic Site functions (navigation, security, form submissions).
• Performance/Analytics Cookies: Track usage (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand visitor behavior and improve the Site.
• Advertising Cookies: Enable personalized ads based on your interests and browsing.
• Functional Cookies: Remember preferences (e.g., language or dark mode if added).

Google AdSense Specific Disclosure (Required for Compliance):
Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to our Site or other websites on the Internet. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our Site and/or other sites across the Internet. These cookies may track interests, demographics, and online behavior for personalized (interest-based) advertising.

You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may limit Site functionality.

4. Third-Party Advertising and Google AdSense

We may display advertisements on the Site, including through Google AdSense (or similar programs). Third-party ad vendors, including Google, use cookies and other technologies to serve ads tailored to your interests.

Opt-Out Options for Personalized Advertising:
You may opt out of personalized (interest-based) advertising by:
• Visiting Google's Ad Settings page: https://www.google.com/settings/ads
• Using the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out tool: http://www.aboutads.info/choices/
• Or visiting other vendor opt-out pages if additional networks are used (we will update this section if applicable).

Note: Opting out does not stop ads entirely — you may still see generic/contextual ads. For more on Google's practices, see their Privacy Policy.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only:

• With service providers (Netlify for hosting, Google for analytics/ads, payment processors, email services) under strict confidentiality.
• To comply with legal requirements, court orders, or protect rights/safety.
• In business transfers (merger, acquisition) with notice where required.
• With your consent (e.g., sharing artist contact for collaborations).

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards (HTTPS encryption, access controls, regular reviews) to protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no system is completely secure — we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights such as:

• Access, correction, or deletion of your data.
• Opt-out of certain processing (e.g., marketing, personalized ads).
• Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based.
• Non-discrimination for exercising rights (CCPA-style).

To exercise rights, contact us at [your-email@example.com]. We respond to valid requests within applicable timeframes (e.g., 30-45 days). For CCPA/CPRA users: We do not "sell" personal information as defined under California law.

8. International Data Transfers

As an India-based platform, data may be processed in India or other countries (e.g., via Google servers). We ensure appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers where required by law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn of such collection, we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in practices, technology, or law. Updates will be posted here with a revised "Last Updated" date. Significant changes may include notice via email or Site banner. Continued use after changes means acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For privacy concerns, requests, or questions:
Website: https://art-kart.netlify.app/contact