1. Introduction
Welcome to Explain Like I'm Five ("ELI5", "we", "us", or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: When you register, we collect your email address, display name, and password (stored securely hashed).
- Queries: The questions and topics you submit for explanation.
- Feedback: Complexity ratings and other feedback you provide.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, interactions with content.
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type.
- IP Address: Used for security, rate limiting, and fraud prevention.
- Cookies: Used for session management and tracking daily usage limits.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
- Providing and improving our explanation generation service
- Managing your account and authenticating your identity
- Enforcing daily usage limits and preventing abuse
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve our service
- Communicating with you about updates and changes
- Complying with legal obligations
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third-party services that help us operate (AI providers, hosting, analytics).
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights.
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
5. Data Retention
We retain your account information as long as your account is active. Generated explanations are stored indefinitely as they form part of our public content library. You may request deletion of your account by contacting us.
6. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for:
- Essential Cookies: Session management, authentication, CSRF protection.
- Functionality Cookies: Remembering your preferences and tracking daily usage.
- Analytics Cookies: Understanding how users interact with our service.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures including encryption, secure connections (HTTPS), password hashing, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information
- Delete your account and associated data
- Object to certain processing activities
- Data portability
9. Children's Privacy
Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us.
10. Third-Party Services
Our service uses the following third-party services:
- Google (reCAPTCHA, OAuth authentication)
- AI providers (Google Gemini, OpenAI) for generating explanations
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: contact@explainlikefive.com