Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to PicStories ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle information when you use our Instagram story viewer service at picstories.co (the "Service").

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data. By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Instagram Usernames: When you search for an Instagram profile, you provide us with the username you wish to view. This information is used solely to fetch the publicly available Instagram content and is not stored permanently in our databases.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Log Data: Like most websites, our servers automatically collect certain information when you access our Service, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referral source, page views, and timestamps.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage patterns, and improve our Service.
• Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Service. This includes information about pages visited, time spent on pages, and user interactions.

2.3 Information We DO NOT Collect

• We do NOT require you to create an account or provide personal information like your name, email address, or phone number.
• We do NOT collect or store your Instagram login credentials.
• We do NOT track which specific Instagram stories you view.
• We do NOT create personal profiles about you.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide and maintain our Instagram story viewer service.
• Service Improvement: To understand how users interact with our Service and improve functionality, performance, and user experience.
• Analytics: To monitor usage patterns, track the number of visitors, and analyze trends.
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and abuse.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

4. How We Share Your Information

We value your privacy and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: We work with third-party service providers (such as hosting providers, analytics providers like Google Analytics) who help us operate our Service. These providers have access to information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated to protect your information.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or if we believe such action is necessary to comply with legal obligations.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Instagram

Our Service accesses publicly available Instagram content through Instagram's platform. We only access information that is publicly available to anyone on the internet. Your use of Instagram is governed by Instagram's own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

5.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze how users interact with our Service. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about your use of the Service. You can learn more about how Google uses data at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

5.3 Supabase

We use Supabase to store aggregated, non-personal data about which Instagram profiles are most frequently viewed on our platform (for sitemap generation). This data does not include any information about individual users.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect the information we collect from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
• Industry-standard security practices

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you disable cookies, some features of our Service may not function properly.

7.2 Do Not Track

Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that lets you tell websites you do not want to have your online activities tracked. We currently do not respond to Do Not Track signals.

7.3 Data Access and Deletion

Since we do not collect or store personal information beyond temporary logs, there is typically no personal data to access or delete. If you have concerns about your data, please contact us at privacy@picstories.co.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under the age of 13. 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, and we will take steps to remove such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside your country, state, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

12. Your Consent

By using our Service, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Service.