Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Empire ("we," "us," or "our") provides a platform for small businesses. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you use our website, applications, and services. By using Empire, you agree to this policy. We may update it from time to time; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide and information we obtain automatically:

• Account and profile data: name, email, business name, phone, address, and similar details you provide when signing up or using the service.
• Payment and billing data: processed by our payment providers (e.g., Stripe); we may receive limited transaction and billing information as needed to provide the service.
• Content and usage data: jobs, customers, invoices, marketing content, and other data you create or upload; how you use the platform (features used, actions, logs).
• Device and technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and similar technical data when you access our services.
• Cookies and similar technologies: we use cookies and similar technologies to operate, improve, and personalize the service and for analytics.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Empire platform and customer support.
• Process payments and manage your account and subscription.
• Send service-related communications, updates, and (with your consent or where permitted by law) marketing.
• Personalize your experience and develop new features and offerings.
• Analyze usage, perform analytics, and ensure security and fraud prevention.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements.

We may use aggregated or de-identified data for product improvement, analytics, and other business purposes without restriction.

4. Google API Services and Google User Data

Empire uses Google API Services, including Google Sign-In, so you can sign in with your Google account and we can provide you with a seamless experience. Our use of Google user data is governed by this Privacy Policy and the Google APIs Terms of Service. We will only request the Google user data we need, use it for the purposes described here, and we will notify you and obtain your consent if we need to use it in a new or different way in the future. This policy may be updated from time to time; the current version is always linked from our app and website.

For more on Google's requirements for app privacy policies, see: https://support.google.com/cloud/answer/13806988.

Google user data we collect

When you use Google Sign-In or other Google API Services with Empire, we may collect Google user data that you authorize us to access. This may include:

• Profile information (e.g., name, email address, profile picture) that you have provided to Google and authorize us to access.
• Other Google user data only to the extent necessary to provide or improve Empire's functionality (e.g., for authentication, account linking, or features you explicitly enable).

How we use Google user data

We use Google user data solely to provide and improve the Empire application's functionality. We use it for purposes such as authenticating your identity, managing your account, and providing the services you request. We do not use Google user data for targeted advertising, selling to data brokers, determining credit-worthiness, lending, or for any purpose other than providing or improving user-facing features of Empire.

Sharing and disclosure of Google user data

We do not sell, transfer, or disclose Google user data to third parties for purposes other than providing or improving Empire's functionality. We may share Google user data only with service providers who assist us in operating the application (e.g., hosting, authentication) and who are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations. We do not use or transfer Google user data for personalized advertising, retargeting, interest-based advertising, or for creating databases or training AI models unrelated to the operation of Empire.

Protection of Google user data

We implement reasonable security procedures and technical and organizational measures to protect the confidentiality and security of Google user data, including encryption where appropriate. We restrict access to Google user data to those who need it to provide or support the service.

Retention and deletion of Google user data

We retain Google user data for as long as necessary to provide the Empire service and as required by law. When the retention period no longer applies, we delete or destroy such data. You may request deletion of your Google user data by contacting us or through your account settings; we will process such requests in accordance with applicable law and Google's policies.

5. Facebook (Meta) Products and Data

Empire may use Facebook (Meta) products and APIs—for example, to let you sign in with Facebook, connect your Meta Business account, or create and manage Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns through our platform. Our use of data received from or shared with Meta is governed by this Privacy Policy and the Meta Platform Terms. We will only request the data we need, use it for the purposes described here, and we will notify you and obtain your consent if we need to use it in a new or different way. This policy may be updated from time to time; the current version is always linked from our app and website.

For Meta's expectations for developer privacy policies, see: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/development/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy/.

What information we collect from or via Meta

When you use Facebook Login, connect a Meta Business account, or use Meta-related features in Empire, we may collect:

• Profile information you authorize (e.g., name, email, profile picture) for authentication and account linking.
• Business and advertising account data necessary to create, manage, or optimize ad campaigns (e.g., ad account IDs, page or business info) when you choose to connect those accounts.
• Usage and technical data related to your use of Meta-integrated features within Empire (e.g., which features you use, logs).

How we process that information and why

We process Meta-related data to provide and improve Empire's functionality: to authenticate you, link your accounts, run and manage Facebook/Instagram ad campaigns you request, and support those features. We do not use this data for purposes unrelated to operating and improving the Empire service (e.g., we do not use it for Meta’s or third-party advertising in ways that go beyond what you configure in our platform). We may use aggregated or de-identified data for product improvement and analytics as described elsewhere in this policy.

How you can request deletion of your data

You may request deletion of data we hold that was received from or associated with Meta (e.g., profile data, linked account data) by contacting us at [email protected] or the contact details in Section 11 (Contact Us). We will process your request in accordance with applicable law and Meta's policies. You can also disconnect or remove Facebook/Meta permissions in your Empire account settings or in your Meta account settings where applicable.

6. Sharing of Information

We may share your information with service providers (hosting, payments, email, analytics) who assist in operating our business, subject to confidentiality and data protection commitments. We may share information to comply with law, protect rights and safety, or in connection with a merger, sale, or restructuring. We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing. We may share aggregated or de-identified data at our discretion.

7. Data Retention and Security

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service, comply with law, and resolve disputes. We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data; however, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Choices and Rights

You may update account details in your settings, opt out of marketing emails via the link in those emails, and manage cookies through your browser. Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or port your data, or to object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact us. We will respond as required by applicable law. Some rights may be limited where we have a legitimate interest or legal obligation.

9. International Transfers

Your information may be processed in the United States or other countries where we or our service providers operate. By using Empire, you consent to such transfer. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards where required by law.

10. Children

Our service is not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us so we can delete it.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at [email protected] or the address provided on our website or in your account. We will address your request in accordance with applicable law.