Privacy Policy

Introduction

BC Strategic Services LLC ("we," "our," or "us") operates CartoRank, a local SEO platform that helps businesses improve their local search visibility. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

By using CartoRank, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Contact us through our contact forms
• Use our services or features
• Participate in surveys or promotions

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number, address)
• Business information (company name, industry, location details)
• Account credentials (username, password)
• Payment information (processed securely through third-party processors)
• Google Business Profile data (when you connect your account)

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website
• Device identifiers

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. These may include:

• Essential cookies for website functionality
• Analytics cookies to understand usage patterns
• Marketing cookies for personalized advertising
• Preference cookies to remember your settings

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Providing and maintaining our services
• Processing transactions and managing accounts
• Communicating with you about our services
• Sending newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Improving our website and services
• Analyzing usage patterns and trends
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security
• Complying with legal obligations
• Responding to customer support requests

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and providing our services, including:

• Cloud hosting and storage providers
• Payment processors
• Email service providers
• Analytics and marketing platforms
• Customer support tools

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Legal process or government requests
• Court orders or subpoenas
• Protection of our rights and property
• Investigation of potential violations of our terms
• Protection of user safety

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.

Google Services Integration

CartoRank integrates with Google services to provide local SEO insights and management tools:

Google Business Profile

When you connect your Google Business Profile, we access and store:

• Business profile information (name, address, phone, website)
• Reviews and ratings data
• Photos and business posts
• Performance metrics and insights

Data Security

All Google API interactions are secured with OAuth 2.0 authentication, and we store only the minimum necessary data to provide our services. You can revoke access at any time through your Google account settings.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted data storage
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Employee training on data protection
• Incident response procedures

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

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Factors affecting retention periods include:

• The nature of the data and services provided
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Contract terms and business needs
• User account activity and engagement

When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information
• Update or correct inaccurate information
• Review and modify your account settings

Data Portability and Deletion

• Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Close your account and associated data

Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing communications
• Manage newsletter subscriptions
• Control notification settings

Cookie Management

You can control cookies through your browser settings and our cookie consent banner. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules

Children's Privacy

CartoRank is not intended for use by children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information from our systems promptly.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these external sites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit to understand how they collect, use, and protect your information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you of significant changes via email or website notice
• Provide a summary of key changes when appropriate

Your continued use of our services after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and using your personal information depends on the specific context:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our services
• Legitimate Interests: Improving our services, security, and analytics
• Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations and requirements
• Consent: Marketing communications and optional features

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time where we rely on consent as the legal basis for processing your personal information.