Last Updated: December 2024
1. Introduction
At MangaBuddy, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, website, and related services.
By using MangaBuddy, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information from you in several ways to provide and improve our services:
2.1 Personal Information
When you create an account or interact with our platform, we may collect:
- Email address (required for account creation)
- Username and display name
- Password (encrypted and securely stored)
- Profile information you choose to provide
- Communication preferences and settings
2.2 Usage Information
We automatically collect information about how you use our platform:
- Reading history and progress
- Bookmarked manga and favorite series
- Search queries and browsing patterns
- Comments, reviews, and community interactions
- Platform usage statistics and preferences
2.3 Technical Information
We collect technical data to ensure platform functionality and security:
- IP address and general location information
- Device type, operating system, and browser information
- Screen resolution and device capabilities
- Referral sources and access times
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for various purposes:
3.1 Service Provision
- Creating and managing your user account
- Providing access to manga content and platform features
- Saving your reading progress and preferences
- Enabling bookmark and recommendation features
- Facilitating community interactions and discussions
3.2 Platform Improvement
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve user experience
- Developing new features and functionality
- Optimizing platform performance and reliability
- Personalizing content recommendations
- Conducting research and analytics
3.3 Communication
- Sending service-related notifications and updates
- Responding to customer support inquiries
- Notifying you about new chapters or series updates
- Sharing important platform announcements
3.4 Security and Legal Compliance
- Protecting against fraud, abuse, and security threats
- Enforcing our Terms of Service and community guidelines
- Complying with legal obligations and requests
- Maintaining platform integrity and safety
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Your Consent
We will share information when you explicitly consent to such sharing, such as when you choose to make certain profile information public or participate in community features.
4.2 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, including:
- Cloud hosting and data storage services
- Analytics and performance monitoring tools
- Customer support and communication platforms
- Security and fraud prevention services
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, legal process, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Respond to legal requests or court orders
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Protect the rights and safety of our users
4.4 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage
- Secure server infrastructure with regular security updates
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Regular security assessments and monitoring
- Employee training on data protection practices
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining industry-standard protection measures.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:
6.1 Types of Cookies
- Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality and security
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand platform usage and performance
- Advertising Cookies: Support our free service model through targeted advertising
6.2 Managing Cookies
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect platform functionality and your user experience.
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have several rights regarding your personal information:
7.1 Account Management
- Access and update your account information
- Modify privacy settings and communication preferences
- Delete your account and associated data
- Export your data in a portable format
7.2 Communication Preferences
- Opt out of non-essential email communications
- Customize notification settings
- Choose how you receive platform updates
7.3 Data Rights
Depending on your location, you may have additional rights including:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectify inaccurate information
- Right to erase your data under certain circumstances
- Right to restrict or object to processing
- Right to data portability
8. Children's Privacy
MangaBuddy is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
Users between 13 and 18 years old should have parental consent before using our services and providing personal information.
9. International Data Transfers
As MangaBuddy serves users globally, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
10. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When you delete your account, we will remove your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, though some information may be retained for legal or security purposes.
11. Third-Party Links and Services
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our platform.
12. Updates 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. We will notify users of significant changes through:
- Platform notifications and announcements
- Email notifications to registered users
- Updates posted on our website
Your continued use of MangaBuddy after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- General inquiries: [email protected]
- Contact page: Contact Us
We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns and will respond to your inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
14. Your Consent
By using MangaBuddy, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not consent to these practices, please discontinue use of our platform.
Thank you for trusting MangaBuddy with your information. We are committed to maintaining your privacy and providing a secure, enjoyable manga reading experience.
