Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RateMyDesigner.com ("we," "our," or "the Platform") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services. By accessing or using RateMyDesigner.com, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Account registration data (name, email address, hashed password)
• Profile information (role, professional details)
• Reviews and ratings you submit, including your certification that they are genuine
• Designer profiles you create or claim
• Communications with us (support requests, dispute submissions, feedback)
• Payment information (processed by Stripe — we do not store card numbers)

Information Collected Automatically

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns (analytics)
• Referring URLs and search terms
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (with your consent where required)

3. How We Use Your Information

• Operate and maintain the Platform
• Process and display reviews and ratings
• Verify user identities and prevent fraudulent activity
• Communicate with you about your account and updates
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Enforce our Terms of Service and community guidelines
• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests
• Display advertising through Google AdSense (subject to Google's privacy policy)

4. We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, trade, license, or otherwise monetize your personal information to third parties. This is a firm policy and does not change based on your location, subscription status, or any other factor.

California residents: under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We have nothing to opt out of — we do not sell your data. You also have the right to request access to, deletion of, and portability of your personal data by contacting us at privacy@ratemydesigner.com.

5. Sharing of Information

We share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Public Reviews: Reviews you submit are displayed publicly on designer profiles. Your display name is visible; your email is never shared publicly.
• Dispute Proceedings: If a designer submits a formal legal dispute or court-ordered subpoena, we may be required to disclose the identity of a review's author to comply with legal process.
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate the Platform (Supabase for hosting/database, Stripe for payments, Google for analytics and advertising) under strict data processing agreements. These providers are prohibited from using your data for their own purposes.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets — you will be notified before your data is transferred.
• With Your Consent: Any other sharing requires your explicit permission.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication and platform operation. Cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how the site is used. You may decline these.
• Advertising cookies: Google AdSense may place cookies to show relevant ads. You may manage them at adssettings.google.com.

You may decline non-essential cookies using the consent banner displayed when you first visit the site.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide our services. Reviews remain on the platform indefinitely unless removed through our dispute resolution process or upon valid legal request. You may request deletion of your account by contacting us at privacy@ratemydesigner.com. Note that reviews you submitted may be retained if they are subject to active disputes or legal proceedings.

8. Your Rights and Choices

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information via your account settings.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal data (subject to legal retention requirements).
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
• Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
• Cookie Controls: Manage non-essential cookies through our consent banner or your browser settings.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@ratemydesigner.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (TLS/SSL), encrypted password storage (bcrypt via Supabase Auth), Row Level Security (RLS) on all database tables, and strict access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security and encourage you to use a unique, strong password for your account.

10. Children's Privacy

RateMyDesigner.com is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we discover a minor has provided us with personal information, we will delete it promptly.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites (designer portfolios, social media profiles). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We embed Google AdSense for advertising; Google's use of your data is governed by Google's Privacy Policy.

12. International Data Transfers

Our servers are located in the United States. If you are accessing the Platform from outside the US, your data may be transferred to and processed in the US. By using the Platform, you consent to this transfer. We ensure appropriate safeguards for any international transfers.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. For material changes, we will notify registered users via email. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, contact us at: privacy@ratemydesigner.com