Privacy Policy

At Search.ai, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our GEO Audit platform and services available at https://the-search.ai.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, as well as information automatically collected when you use our service:

Information You Provide:

• Account Information: Your name, email address, company name, and website URL when you request an audit report
• Payment Information: Credit card and billing details are collected by Stripe (our payment processor). We do not store your card details
• Communication: When you contact us, we collect any information you provide in your message
• Audit Requests: Website details, specific audit parameters, and project information you submit

Information Automatically Collected:

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, clicks, and interactions with our platform
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers
• Analytics: Through Meta Pixel and similar analytics services, we collect information about your browsing activity
• Cookies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and remember your preferences

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To generate and deliver your GEO audit reports within the timeframe specified for your plan
• Payment Processing: To process payments through Stripe and maintain transaction records
• Communication: To send confirmation emails, audit reports, receipts, and respond to your inquiries
• Service Improvement: To analyse usage patterns and improve our audit methodology and platform features
• Marketing: To send information about updates or new features (which you can opt out of anytime)
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud or security issues

3. Payment Processing

Stripe Handling: All payment processing is handled securely by Stripe, a PCI DSS Level 1 compliant payment processor. Stripe handles your credit card information according to the Stripe Privacy Policy.

We retain transaction records (transaction ID, amount, date, and your email) for accounting and customer service purposes, but not your actual card information.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

We May Share Information With:

• Stripe: Your name, email, and transaction information for payment processing
• Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist in delivering our services (hosting, analytics, email delivery) under confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Business Transfer: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5. Cookies and Analytics

Cookies: We use cookies to improve your experience. These include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for our site to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how you use our service (via Google Analytics and similar tools)
• Marketing Cookies: To track conversions and improve advertising (Meta Pixel)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect functionality.

Meta Pixel: We use Meta Pixel to track user interactions and conversions. Meta Pixel collects data about your browsing activity. See Meta's Privacy Policy for details.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Audit Reports & Associated Data: Retained for 24 months from delivery to ensure you can access your reports
• Payment Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting compliance (Australian law requirement)
• Account Information: Retained until you request deletion or your account becomes inactive for 3 years
• Analytics Data: Retained for 25 months for service improvement analysis

7. Your Rights

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: You can request a copy of all personal information we hold about you
• Right of Correction: You can request we correct inaccurate information
• Right of Deletion: You can request we delete your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Right to Opt Out: You can unsubscribe from marketing communications or disable non-essential cookies
• Data Portability: You can request your data in a portable, commonly-used format

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at audit@the-search.ai with your request. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS/SSL encryption for all data in transit
• Secure data storage with access controls and encryption at rest
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee training on data protection and privacy practices
• Incident response procedures for potential data breaches

Note: While we use reasonable security measures, no method is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we discover such information has been collected, we will delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and, where appropriate, by sending you a notice or requesting your consent.

Your continued use of the service following the posting of a revised Privacy Policy means you accept and agree to the changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: