Privacy Policy

CiteMetrix LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the CiteMetrix platform at https://citemetrix.com (the “Service”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Service.

By accessing or using CiteMetrix, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, and website domain when you create an account or sign up for beta access.
• Payment Information: If you subscribe to a paid plan, payment details are processed by our third-party payment processor (Stripe). We do not store your full credit card number on our servers.
• Support Communications: Information you provide when you contact us for support, including email correspondence.

Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform, and interactions with the dashboard.
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers.
• Log Data: Server logs that record requests made to our Service, including timestamps and referring URLs.

Information from Third-Party Services

• Google Search Console: If you connect your Google Search Console account, we access search performance data (queries, impressions, clicks, position) for your authorized properties via the Google Search Console API. See Section 3 for details on our limited use of Google data.
• AI Platform Data: We query AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Google Gemini, Google AI Overviews, and Grok) on your behalf to track brand citations and AI visibility metrics. This data consists of AI-generated responses to queries related to your tracked keywords.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the CiteMetrix platform and its features.
• Generate your ModelScore™, citation reports, and AI visibility analytics.
• Communicate with you about your account, updates, and product changes.
• Process payments and manage subscriptions.
• Monitor platform performance and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

3. Google API Services & Limited Use Disclosure

CiteMetrix’s use and transfer to any other app of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

Specifically:

• We only request access to the Google Search Console data necessary to provide CiteMetrix’s core functionality (search performance analytics and keyword tracking).
• We do not use Google user data for advertising purposes.
• We do not sell Google user data to third parties.
• We do not use Google user data to train artificial intelligence or machine learning models.
• Human access to Google user data is limited to what is necessary for providing and improving the Service, debugging, and complying with applicable law.
• You can revoke CiteMetrix’s access to your Google account at any time through your Google Account Permissions page.

Scopes Requested

CiteMetrix requests the following Google API scopes:

• webmasters.readonly — To read your Google Search Console search performance data (queries, impressions, clicks, and average position).

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors that help us operate the platform, including hosting (Amazon Web Services), payment processing (Stripe), and email communications (MailPoet).
• AI Platform APIs: We send keyword queries (not personal data) to AI platforms to generate citation and visibility reports.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or compliance purposes.

AI citation data and ModelScore history are retained for the duration of your subscription to provide trend analysis and historical reporting.

6. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL).
• Secure credential storage with encryption at rest.
• Access controls limiting who can view user data.
• Regular security reviews of our infrastructure.

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

7. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data.
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
• Revoke Consent: Disconnect third-party integrations (such as Google Search Console) at any time from your account settings.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@citemetrix.com.

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, request its deletion, and opt out of any sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To submit a request, email privacy@citemetrix.com.

European Residents (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, we process your data based on consent or legitimate interest. You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the platform to function (session management, authentication).
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the platform (e.g., Google Analytics).

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect your ability to use the Service.

9. Children’s Privacy

CiteMetrix is not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete it.

10. International Data Transfers

Our servers are located in the United States. If you access the Service from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

11. Changes to This Policy

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

12. Contact Us

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

CiteMetrix LLC
Email: privacy@citemetrix.com
Website: https://citemetrix.com