Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ProteinIQ ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our bioinformatics platform and related services (the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect the following personal information:

• Email address and name (via Clerk authentication)
• Account preferences and settings
• Communication history with our support team

2.2 Scientific Data

When you use our bioinformatics tools, we may process:

• Protein sequences and structural data you upload
• Analysis results and computational outputs
• Research project metadata
• File names and formats of uploaded biological data

2.3 Technical Information

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• IP address and general location
• Usage patterns and feature interactions
• Error logs and performance metrics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our bioinformatics services
• Process your scientific data and deliver analysis results
• Authenticate and secure your account
• Improve our algorithms and tools
• Provide customer support
• Send service-related notifications
• Ensure platform security and prevent abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Processing and Storage

4.1 Client-Side Processing

Many of our tools process your data directly in your browser for enhanced privacy and speed. This data never leaves your device unless you explicitly choose to save results to your account.

4.2 Server Storage

When you save results or projects, we store them securely using:

• Encrypted Postgres database (via Prisma)
• Vercel's secure hosting infrastructure
• Industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest

4.3 Data Location

Your data is primarily stored in secure data centers within the United States, operated by our hosting provider Vercel.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

• Clerk: Authentication and user management
• Vercel: Hosting and infrastructure
• Database providers: Secure data storage

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your account and associated data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Restrict processing of your information

6.2 Research Data

You retain full ownership of your scientific data. You can delete your uploaded data and analysis results at any time through your account dashboard.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted database storage
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure coding practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. International Data Transfers

If you are accessing our Service from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our Service, you consent to such transfers.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Information

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

12. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to be informed about data processing
• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights related to automated decision making

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided above.