ShordalLabs ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use Scholar Metric (the "Platform").

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, password, and profile information you provide during registration.
• User Content: Articles, comments, documents, and other materials you submit to the Platform.
• Communications: Messages, feedback, and correspondence you send to us.
• Profile Information: Academic affiliations, credentials, research interests, and other optional profile details.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and hardware settings.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, click patterns, and interaction with content.
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies, pixels, and similar technologies (see our Cookie Policy).
• Log Data: Server logs including access times, referring URLs, and error information.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

• Authentication providers (e.g., Google) if you sign in using third-party services.
• Publicly available academic databases and institutional directories.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide, operate, maintain, and improve the Platform.
• To create and manage your account.
• To process and display your User Content.
• To communicate with you about the Platform, updates, and support.
• To personalize your experience and provide relevant content.
• To analyze usage patterns and improve Platform functionality.
• To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues.
• To enforce our Terms and Conditions and other policies.
• To comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.

3. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information with the following parties:

3.1 Public Information

Certain information is publicly visible, including your profile information (as configured), User Content, comments, and activity on the Platform.

3.2 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, customer support, and payment processing.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, safety, or the rights of others.

3.4 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We may retain certain information for legitimate business purposes, legal compliance, dispute resolution, or to enforce our agreements. User Content may remain on the Platform even after account deletion, as permitted by our Terms and Conditions.

5. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements and legitimate interests.
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format.
• Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications and certain data processing activities.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at the information provided below.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

8. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.