PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

VidWire ("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 platform connecting citizen journalists with media organizations.

By using VidWire, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address, display name, organization name (for media orgs), and password.
• Wallet Information: Public wallet addresses for cryptocurrency payments (we never store private keys).
• Profile Information: Profile photos, bio, location preferences, and notification settings.
• Submitted Content: Video footage, including associated metadata such as timestamps, GPS coordinates, and device information.
• Communications: Messages sent through our platform, support inquiries, and feedback.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, actions taken, and time spent on the platform.
• Log Data: IP addresses, access times, and referring URLs.

2.3 Video Metadata

When journalists submit video footage, we extract and process metadata including:

• GPS coordinates and location data (if embedded)
• Recording timestamp
• Device make and model
• Technical video properties (resolution, duration, codec)

Important: Journalists can enable "Anonymous Mode" and "Metadata Stripping" in their settings to protect their identity and remove identifying information from submissions.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain our platform
• Process transactions and send related information
• Verify the authenticity of submitted content
• Connect journalists with media organizations
• Facilitate licensing transactions and payments
• Send notifications about bounties, offers, and sales
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Media Organizations (Buyers)

When footage is listed on the marketplace, we share:

• Video previews and teasers (watermarked)
• Location information (city/region level, unless more specific is approved)
• Timestamp and category information
• Journalist's public profile (unless in Anonymous Mode)

4.2 Upon License Purchase

After a successful transaction, buyers receive access to full-resolution footage with original metadata (unless Metadata Stripping is enabled by the journalist).

4.3 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Cloud storage providers (Cloudflare R2)
• Payment processors (blockchain-based escrow)
• Analytics services
• Email delivery services

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.

5. Journalist Privacy Protection

We recognize the unique privacy needs of citizen journalists, especially those covering sensitive topics. We offer:

• Anonymous Mode: Hide your identity from buyers. Transactions are processed without revealing your name or profile.
• Metadata Stripping: Automatically remove EXIF data, GPS coordinates, and device information from your videos before sharing with buyers.
• Delayed Publication: Set a time delay before your footage is listed, allowing you to leave the area safely.
• Secure Communications: End-to-end encrypted messaging via Telegram bot.

6. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

VidWire uses blockchain technology (Base network) for payments. Please note:

• Blockchain transactions are public and immutable
• Wallet addresses may be linked to your account
• We do not have access to or store your private keys
• USDC transactions are processed through smart contracts

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS) and at rest
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure cloud infrastructure with geographic redundancy

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Specifically:

• Account data: Until account deletion + 30 days
• Transaction records: 7 years (for legal/tax compliance)
• Video footage: Until removed by journalist or account deletion
• Log data: 90 days

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your personal data
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict processing of your data
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@vidwire.tv or through your account settings.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

11. Children's Privacy

VidWire is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

12. 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 policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we will provide additional notice via email or platform notification.

13. Contact Us

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