RigorCheck Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RigorCheck ("we," "us," or "our") values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our software and services. By using RigorCheck, you agree to the practices described here.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following information when you use RigorCheck:

• Account information: Name, email, and login credentials
• Payment information:Payment information: Processed securely via third-party providers (RigorCheck does not store credit card numbers)
• User content: Manuscripts, documents, and any files you upload to RigorCheck
• Usage data: Features used, session activity, and analytics to improve the Software
• Communication: Emails, support requests, and other correspondence

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Software
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Improve RigorCheck, including bug fixes and feature updates
• Communicate with you about your account, updates, and support requests
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or share your uploaded content with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Data Storage and Security

• Your data is stored securely on our servers.
• We take reasonable technical and administrative steps to protect your data.
• We cannot guarantee absolute security, so you use the Software at your own risk.

5. User Content

• You retain full ownership of any files or content you upload.
• By uploading content, you grant RigorCheck a limited license to store, process, and display it solely to provide the Software and related services.
• We may use aggregated, anonymized data for research or product improvement, but it will not identify you or your work.

5a. Use of Large Language Models (LLMs)

RigorCheck uses the Gemini API from Google to analyze user-submitted content. When you upload a manuscript or document:

• Your content is sent securely to the Gemini API for processing.
• According to Google's current policy, neither RigorCheck nor Google permanently store your submitted content beyond what is needed to generate the immediate evaluation. Temporary processing or caching may occur, but your raw content is not retained long-term.
• Outputs returned from the API are provided only to you through the Software.

By using this feature, you agree to the Gemini API Terms of Service, which govern Google's processing of your content. Please check that page for the most current terms, as Google may update its policies at any time.

Do not submit sensitive, confidential, or personally identifiable information through RigorCheck if you do not wish it to be processed in this way.

6. Third-Party Services

• Payments and subscription management are handled by third-party processors such as Stripe or PayPal. Their privacy policies apply to payment information.
• We may use other third-party tools for analytics or software hosting. Data shared with these services is limited to what is necessary to provide the Software.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience and understand how RigorCheck is used.

7a. Analytics

We use Ahrefs Analytics to collect anonymized usage data such as pages visited, referral sources, and general browsing patterns. This helps us understand how visitors interact with RigorCheck and improve our service. Ahrefs may set cookies in your browser to facilitate this tracking.

For details on how Ahrefs processes data, please refer to the Ahrefs Privacy Policy.

7b. Cookie Consent

When you first visit RigorCheck, a cookie consent banner will ask for your permission before any analytics tracking is activated. Analytics cookies are only loaded after you provide explicit consent. If you decline, no analytics cookies will be set and no tracking data will be collected.

7c. Managing Your Preferences

• Your cookie preference is stored locally in your browser using localStorage (not as a cookie itself).
• You can withdraw your consent at any time by clearing your browser's local storage for this site, which will cause the consent banner to reappear on your next visit.
• You can also manage or block cookies directly through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features.

7d. Essential Cookies

RigorCheck uses essential cookies for authentication and session management. These cookies are necessary for the site to function and are not subject to the consent mechanism described above.

8. Access, Correction, and Deletion

You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your account and content by emailing rigorcheckapp@gmail.com.

We will respond promptly and comply with legal obligations regarding your data.

9. Children's Privacy

RigorCheck is intended for people 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.

10. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. The "Last Updated" date will reflect the most recent version. Continued use of RigorCheck constitutes acceptance of any changes.

11. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, email: rigorcheckapp@gmail.com