Welcome to StarCafe ( "we", "our", or "us"). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect limited information to improve our services. This may include:

• Account & Sign-In Data: When you create an account, we use Firebase Authentication (a Google service). If you sign in with Google, we receive your basic profile information (Google ID, display name, and email address); if you sign up with email and password, we store your email address and a securely managed credential. We do not see or store your password.
• Profile & Activity Data: We store the data needed to run your account — such as your username, chosen title/frame, bookmarks, followed novels, comments, membership and Shard balance, streaks, and badges — in our database (Google Cloud Firestore).
• In-App Purchases: If you buy Shards in our mobile app, the payment is processed by the Apple App Store or Google Play. We receive a purchase confirmation (such as a transaction/receipt token) to credit your Shards, but we do not receive or store your card or payment details.
• Email Correspondence: If you contact us via email, we may receive your name, email address, and message content.
• Usage Data: We may collect non-personal data such as IP addresses, browser type, and pages visited to analyze site performance.
• Cookies & Local Storage: We may use cookies and local storage to enhance site functionality and improve user experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected data for:

• Improving website performance and user experience.
• Responding to messages and inquiries.
• Analyzing site traffic and engagement trends.

3. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services to improve our website, display ads, and analyze usage. These services may collect data independently, such as IP addresses, cookies, and browsing behavior.

• Firebase (Google): We use Firebase Authentication and Cloud Firestore to manage sign-in and store your account data. See Firebase's Privacy & Security.
• Google AdSense: Displays ads on the website and may use cookies and tracking technologies for personalized advertising. You can opt out via Google Ad Settings.
• Google Analytics: Tracks website usage to help us understand visitor interactions. Google may collect data such as IP addresses and browsing activity. See Google's Privacy Policy for more information.
• Google AdMob: In our mobile app, rewarded ads are served through Google AdMob, which may use device identifiers and cookies for advertising. See Google's advertising policies.
• hCaptcha: We use hCaptcha to protect sign-ups and comments from bots. hCaptcha may process data such as your IP address and browser information to tell humans from bots. See hCaptcha's Privacy Policy.
• Apple App Store & Google Play: In-app Shard purchases are processed by Apple or Google. Your payment details are handled by them, not by us; we only receive a purchase confirmation to credit your Shards.

Inappropriate ads: We aim to show only family-friendly ads and have disabled adult categories with our advertising partners. Because ad inventory rotates and is served by third parties, an unsuitable ad may occasionally slip through. If you ever see an inappropriate or adult ad, please send a screenshot to contact@starcafe.me or message us on Facebook, and we'll settle it as quickly as possible.

4. Your Rights & Choices

You can:

• Disable cookies in your browser settings.
• Opt out of Google Ad personalization here.
• Request data deletion for any personal data you have provided via email.

5. Data Retention

• We do not store email correspondence permanently. Messages are deleted periodically once they are no longer needed.
• Usage data is analyzed in an aggregated, anonymous manner and does not identify individual users.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Please check this page periodically for any changes.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us through:

• 📧Email:
  contact@starcafe.me