Privacy Policy

We understand that your manuscript contains novel research and intellectual property. Our approach to AI safety is strict and transparent:

• No Model Training: We strictly do not use your manuscripts to train, fine-tune, or improve our AI models. Your research remains yours.
• Vendor Guarantee: We use Google Cloud's Vertex AI (Gemini) which contractually guarantees: "Gemini doesn't use your prompts or its responses as data to train its models." (Read the full policy)
• Isolation: Your data is processed in an isolated environment and is never shared with other users or the public.

Unlike traditional services that store your data indefinitely, we operate on a strict retention policy designed for security:

• 1. Upload & Encryption: Your file is uploaded via a secure, encrypted connection (TLS/SSL).
• 2. Processing: The file is temporarily stored in volatile memory only for the duration of the AI analysis (typically 1-3 minutes).
• 3. Report Generation: Once the analysis is complete, a report is generated and sent to your email.
• 4. 2-Hour Access Window: The results dashboard is available for exactly 2 hours to allow you to download your feedback.
• 5. Permanent Deletion: After 2 hours, the manuscript and the generated report are permanently and unrecoverably deleted from our servers.

We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide our service:

• Manuscript Files: Collected solely for the purpose of generating the review and deleted immediately after the retention period.
• Email Address: Required to deliver your review report and provide customer support.
• Payment Information: If you purchase a premium review, payment details are handled entirely by Stripe. We do not store your credit card information.
• Usage Data: We collect anonymous technical data (browser type, device type) to ensure our website functions correctly.

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Performance of a Contract: To provide the manuscript review service you requested and deliver the report.
• Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, ensure security, prevent fraud, and analyze usage trends.
• Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal requests.

We partner with industry-leading providers to ensure the security and reliability of our service. We share data with them only as necessary to perform specific functions:

• Google Cloud Platform (Vertex AI): For AI processing and secure cloud infrastructure. (US-based)
• Stripe: For secure payment processing. (US-based)
• PostHog: For anonymous product analytics and usage tracking. (EU/US-based)
• Tawk.to: For customer support chat functionality.

Our servers and third-party service providers (such as Google Cloud) are primarily located in the United States. This means your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside of your own.

• Safeguards: We ensure that any international transfers comply with applicable laws. Our providers (Google, Stripe) utilize Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or similar mechanisms to ensure data protection.
• Consent: By using our service and uploading your manuscript, you acknowledge and consent to this transfer.

We implement enterprise-grade security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption in Transit: All data is encrypted while moving between your device and our servers.
• Encryption at Rest: Any temporary data stored is encrypted on our servers.
• Access Controls: Our systems are automated. No human employees access your manuscript content unless explicitly requested by you for support purposes.

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on our Service and hold certain information:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly (e.g., maintaining your session).
• Analytics Cookies: We use PostHog to understand how our website is used. These cookies collect information anonymously and help us improve the user experience.

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us.

Depending on your location (including GDPR for EU/UK users and various US state laws), you have specific rights regarding your data:

• Right to Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold (primarily your email address).
• Right to Deletion: You can request that we delete your email address from our records at any time.
• Right to Rectification: You can ask us to correct inaccurate information.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at contact@checkmymanuscript.com.

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The 'Last updated' date at the top of this page will indicate when the latest revisions were made.

If you have any questions about this policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email: contact@checkmymanuscript.com