SparQ Exchange Privacy Policy

<p>SPARQ EXCHANGE Privacy Policy Last Updated: Apr 17, 2026 SparQ Social LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") operates the SparQ Exchange platform ("Platform"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information from Creators, Brands, and visitors who interact with the Platform. 1. Information We Collect 1.1 Information Provided by Creators When a Creator applies to or participates in SparQ Exchange, we may collect: Full legal name and contact information (email address, phone number) Podcast name, description, and RSS feed URL Social media handles and links Audience demographics and download/listener metrics (self-reported and verified) Payment information provided through Stripe (bank account details, tax identification number) Content samples and episode history Communications with the Company through the Platform 1.2 Information Provided by Brands When a Brand creates an account or subscribes to a plan, we may collect: Business name, address, and industry Contact person name, email address, and phone number Payment information provided through Stripe (credit card or bank account details) Campaign briefs, brand assets, and creative materials Communications with the Company through the Platform 1.3 Automatically Collected Information When you use the Platform, we may automatically collect: Device information (browser type, operating system, device identifiers) Usage data (pages visited, features used, actions taken) IP address and approximate location Cookies and similar tracking technologies 2. How We Use Your Information We use collected information for the following purposes: Operating and maintaining the Platform Processing Creator applications and managing Creator profiles Matching Creators with Brand campaigns Processing payments and payouts through Stripe Communicating with users about campaigns, placements, account updates, and platform changes Generating anonymized and aggregated analytics for campaign reporting Enforcing our Terms of Service and Creator Agreement Complying with legal obligations, including tax reporting (e.g., IRS Form 1099-NEC) Improving the Platform and developing new features 3. Payment Processing and Stripe We use Stripe as our third-party payment processor. When you provide payment information (credit card, bank account, or other financial details), that information is collected and processed directly by Stripe in accordance with Stripe's Privacy Policy and security standards. We do not store full credit card numbers or bank account numbers on our servers. We receive limited information from Stripe, such as the last four digits of a card or bank account, transaction status, and payout confirmation, for the purpose of managing your account and providing customer support. By using the Platform, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, available at stripe.com. 4. How We Share Information 4.1 Between Creators and Brands When a Creator is matched with a Brand campaign, we share limited Creator information with the Brand, including podcast name, audience overview, and content samples. We do not share Creator's personal contact information, payment details, or compensation rates with Brands. Similarly, we share relevant campaign details and brand information with Creators for the purpose of producing sponsored content. We do not share Brand payment details or internal business information with Creators. 4.2 Service Providers We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Platform, including: - Stripe for payment processing - Email and communication tools for notifications and outreach - Analytics providers for platform usage insights - Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only for the services they provide to us and in accordance with this Privacy Policy. 4.3 Legal Requirements We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or government request. We may also disclose information to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Company, our users, or the public. 5. Data Retention We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account closure or Creator removal from the platform, we retain records for a reasonable period to comply with legal obligations (including tax reporting requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Anonymized and aggregated data that cannot identify individuals may be retained indefinitely for analytics and reporting purposes. 6. Data Security We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption of data in transit and at rest, access controls, and regular security assessments. No method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. 7. Your Rights and Choices Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information: Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements Opt-Out: Opt out of non-essential communications at any time To exercise these rights, contact us at info@sparqsocial.co. We will respond to requests within 30 days. 8. Cookies and Tracking The Platform may use cookies and similar technologies to maintain session state, remember preferences, and collect usage analytics. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Platform functionality. 9. Children's Privacy The Platform is not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor, we will take steps to delete it promptly. 10. Changes to This Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes via email or through the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. 11. Contact Information For questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact: SparQ Social LLC Email: info@sparqsocial.co Atlanta, Georgia</p>