Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Cozyartz Media Group ("we," "us," or "our") operates Michigan Spots, a community-powered discovery game. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Platform. By using Michigan Spots, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Waitlist Signup: Name, email address, Michigan city, user interest type
• Partnership Applications: Name, email, organization name, phone number, city, partnership preferences
• User-Generated Content: Photos, location descriptions, comments, and other content you submit
• Communication: Messages sent to our support or contact channels

2.2 Information from Reddit

When you connect via Reddit, we may receive:

• Reddit username and user ID
• Profile information you choose to share
• Activity within the r/michiganspots community

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on Platform
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (we do not track precise GPS location without your permission)
• Cookies and Tracking: See our Cookie Policy for details

2.4 Payment Information

For partnership payments, we use Stripe as our payment processor. We do not store your full credit card information. Stripe collects and processes payment data in accordance with their privacy policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate and maintain the Michigan Spots platform
• Send launch notifications and platform updates to waitlist members
• Process partnership applications and payments
• Facilitate user interactions and community features
• Display leaderboards, badges, and achievements
• Improve and personalize user experience
• Analyze usage patterns and Platform performance
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations
• Communicate about challenges, events, and partner promotions

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Public Information

The following information may be publicly visible:

• Spots, photos, and descriptions you submit
• Your Reddit username (via Reddit integration)
• Leaderboard rankings and city affiliation
• Badges and achievements earned
• Comments and community interactions

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers:

• Cloudflare: Hosting, database, and infrastructure services
• Stripe: Payment processing for partnerships
• Reddit: Platform integration and authentication
• Analytics Services: Understanding Platform usage and performance

4.3 Partners and Sponsors

We may share aggregated, anonymized data with partners (e.g., "Challenge had 500 participants from 20 cities"). We do not sell personal information to partners or third parties.

4.4 Legal Requirements

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

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure database storage via Cloudflare D1
• Limited access to personal information by authorized personnel
• Regular security assessments and updates

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

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access and update your personal information. Contact us at privacy@michiganspots.com to request access or corrections.

6.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and personal data. Note that some information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., financial records, fraud prevention).

6.3 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking "unsubscribe" in any promotional email or contacting us directly.

6.4 Cookie Management

You can manage cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.

7. Children's Privacy

Michigan Spots is available to users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, contact us at privacy@michiganspots.com.

8. State-Specific Privacy Rights

8.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt out of sale of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

8.2 Michigan Residents

Michigan does not currently have a comprehensive state privacy law. We extend privacy protections to all users regardless of location.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Waitlist data is retained until platform launch and for marketing purposes. Partnership data is retained per contractual and financial record-keeping requirements.

10. International Users

Michigan Spots is operated in the United States and primarily serves Michigan residents. If you access the Platform from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

11. Affiliate Disclosures

11.1 Amazon Associates Program

Michigan Spots is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you click on Amazon product links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us keep Michigan Spots free and continue sharing amazing Michigan adventures.

11.2 Affiliate Relationship Transparency

We only recommend products and services that we believe will be valuable to Michigan explorers. Our affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content or recommendations. All opinions expressed are our own, and we maintain full editorial control over content featuring affiliate links.

11.3 How Affiliate Links Work

• Affiliate links contain a tracking code (our Associates ID: cozyartz05-20)
• When you purchase through these links within 24 hours, we earn a commission
• You pay the same price - there is no additional cost to you
• We earn commission on the entire order, not just the linked product

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent Platform notice. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, contact:
Cozyartz Media Group
Battle Creek, Michigan
Email: privacy@michiganspots.com
General Inquiries: hello@michiganspots.com