Privacy Policy

Last updated: 5/1/2025

Welcome to World Explorer! This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose information about you when you use our website (https://exploretopics.world/).

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Search Terms: We store the search terms you enter locally in your browser to provide features like restoring previous searches. This data is not typically sent to our servers unless necessary for the search functionality itself (e.g., interacting with the AI).
• Usage Data: We may collect anonymous usage data through standard web analytics tools (like Google Analytics, if implemented) to understand how users interact with our site and improve its functionality. This may include IP addresses (often anonymized), browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited.
• AI Interaction Data: When you use the AI features (search summary, interesting facts), the search terms you provide are sent to the third-party AI service (e.g., Google Generative AI) to process your request. We do not store the AI-generated responses long-term on our servers, but the AI provider may have its own data retention policies. Please refer to the privacy policy of the AI service provider for more details.
• Cookies: We may use essential cookies for website functionality (like theme preferences). If we implement analytics or advertising, those services may use their own cookies.

How We Use Information

• To provide and improve our website and AI features.
• To personalize your experience (e.g., theme settings).
• To understand how our website is used and make improvements.
• To display advertisements (if using AdSense or similar services).
• To comply with legal obligations.

Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We share information with third-party services that help us operate our website, such as AI providers (Google Generative AI) and hosting providers (e.g., Netlify, Vercel). These providers have access to information only to perform tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for other purposes.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
• Analytics and Advertising Partners: If we use services like Google Analytics or AdSense, these partners may collect information directly via cookies or other tracking technologies.

Third-Party Services

Our website uses third-party services, including:

• Google Generative AI: Powers the summary and fact generation. Review Google's AI Privacy Policy.
• Unsplash/Picsum Photos: Used for placeholder images. Review their respective privacy policies.
• Hosting Provider (e.g., Netlify, Vercel, Firebase): Hosts the website.
• Google AdSense (if implemented): Displays advertisements. Review Google's advertising policies.
• Affiliate Programs (if implemented): Links to third-party merchants. Clicks may be tracked by the affiliate network.

Your Choices

• You can clear your browser's local storage to remove stored search terms.
• You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
• You can opt-out of targeted advertising through industry opt-out programs (e.g., NAI, DAA).

Security

We take reasonable measures to protect information from loss, theft, misuse, and unauthorized access. However, no internet transmission is completely secure.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: [Your Contact Email Address - Replace This]