Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Buried Belief ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, stores and discloses information when you visit buriedbelief.com (the "Site") or use the writing workspace made available to readers of the Buried Belief book (together, the "Services"). By using the Services you agree to this Policy.

1. Who we are

Buried Belief is operated by Mike Martin, trading as Buried Belief, based in the United Kingdom. For any privacy question you can contact us at story@buriedbelief.com.

2. Information we collect

• Account information. When you create an account we collect your email address, an encrypted password (if you use email sign-in), and, if you sign in with Google, your Google account name and email.
• Content you create. Anything you type into the workspace — projects, stories, notes, drafts — is stored so you can come back to it.
• Meeting bookings. If you book a discovery conversation, our scheduling provider collects your name, email and any information you enter into the booking form.
• Usage information. Standard technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, referring pages and interactions with the Site.
• Cookies and similar technologies. See the "Cookies" section below.

3. How we use information

• To provide, maintain and improve the Services.
• To authenticate users, secure accounts and prevent abuse.
• To send account, service and transactional emails (for example password resets).
• To respond to enquiries and provide support.
• To understand how the Site is used and improve it.
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

4. Legal basis (UK/EU users)

We rely on the following lawful bases under the UK GDPR and EU GDPR: performance of a contract (to provide the Services you request), legitimate interests (to run, secure and improve the Services), consent (where required, e.g. for non-essential cookies), and compliance with legal obligations.

5. Sharing your information

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

• Service providers who help us run the Services, including hosting, authentication, database, email delivery and scheduling providers. These providers act on our instructions and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
• Legal and safety recipients where disclosure is required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property or safety of Buried Belief, our users or others.
• Business transfers in connection with a merger, acquisition or sale of assets, in which case appropriate confidentiality safeguards will apply.

6. International transfers

Our providers may process information outside the UK/EEA. Where they do, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or the EU Standard Contractual Clauses.

7. Data retention

We keep account information and workspace content for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymise your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we are required to retain it for legal, tax or security reasons.

8. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, port or restrict processing of your personal information, and to object to certain processing. To exercise any of these rights, email story@buriedbelief.com. UK users can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk).

9. Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections and encrypted password storage. No system is 100% secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies

The Site uses a small number of cookies and similar technologies. Strictly necessary cookies are used to keep you signed in and to remember your preferences. We may also use analytics cookies to understand aggregate usage. You can control cookies in your browser settings; disabling essential cookies may prevent parts of the Services from working.

11. Children

The Services are not directed at children under 16 and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

12. Third-party links

The Site may link to third-party websites. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies and we are not responsible for them.

13. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top will reflect the most recent version. Continued use of the Services after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

14. Contact

Questions or requests: story@buriedbelief.com.