Privacy Policy for epistimi

epistimi is an independent project operated by an individual based in Switzerland ("we", "us", or "epistimi"). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and, where applicable, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when you use epistimi's website, platform, or related services (the "Services").

1. Data Controller

epistimi is an independent project operated out of Switzerland.
Contact email: info@epistimi.app

2. Personal Data We Collect

We collect only the personal data necessary to operate and improve the Services.

2.1 Data You Provide

• Name or username
• Email address
• Account information (if accounts are enabled)
• Content preferences, such as topics, categories, or interests you choose or indicate
• Communications sent to us (e.g. support emails)

2.2 Data Collected Automatically

• IP address
• Browser and device information
• Usage data (pages visited, search queries, interactions, timestamps, chatbot interactions)
• Cookies or similar technologies

2.3 Third Party Sources

Limited data may be received from third party service providers (e.g. hosting, authentication, or analytics), only to the extent necessary for the Services.

3. Purpose of Processing

Personal data is processed for the following purposes:

• To provide and operate the Services
• To personalize content and recommendations based on your preferences
• To remember user settings and interests
• To communicate with users
• To improve performance, usability, and relevance of content
• To ensure security and prevent abuse
• To comply with legal obligations

epistimi does not sell personal data and does not engage in automated decision making or profiling.

4. Legal Basis

Under the Swiss FADP and, where applicable, the GDPR, personal data is processed based on:

• Consent, where required
• Performance of a service, where data is necessary to provide functionality
• Legitimate interests, such as maintaining security and improving the project
• Legal obligations, where applicable

5. Cookies

epistimi may use essential cookies and limited analytics to ensure proper operation and understand how the Services are used.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Where legally required, consent is requested before non essential cookies are used.

6. Data Sharing

Personal data may be shared only with:

• Technical service providers (e.g. hosting, analytics, email delivery)
• Authorities, if required by Swiss or applicable foreign law

All service providers are contractually required to process data securely and only for the intended purpose.

7. Data Storage & International Transfers

Personal data may be stored in Switzerland or in other countries.

If personal data is transferred outside Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA), appropriate safeguards are applied, such as:

• Adequacy decisions
• Standard contractual clauses or equivalent protections

8. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide the Services
• Fulfill the purposes described in this Policy
• Meet legal or security requirements

Data is deleted or anonymized once it is no longer needed.

9. Your Rights

Under Swiss data protection law and, where applicable, the GDPR, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

Requests can be sent to: info@epistimi.app

You may also lodge a complaint with the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) or another competent authority.

10. Data Security

Reasonable technical and organizational measures are implemented to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. Children's Privacy

epistimi is not specifically directed at children and is intended for a general audience. While there is no age based restriction preventing children from using the Services, we do not intentionally collect personal data from children.

If we become aware that personal data of a child has been collected without appropriate legal basis or parental consent where required, we will take reasonable steps to delete such data.

Parents or legal guardians who believe that a child has provided personal data to epistimi may contact us at info@epistimi.app.

12. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. The current version will always be available on this page with an updated revision date.

13. Contact

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or data processing practices, contact:
Email: info@epistimi.app