Griot Platforms Privacy Policy

Griot Platforms Inc. ("Griot", "we," "our," or "us") created a mobile application designed to help users reflect on their life stories and discover new perspectives through AI-assisted conversations. Users can capture and share moments by uploading images, audio, and other media, and optionally share stories with selected people they know.

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Trust is the foundation of our platform, and we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard the information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you use our mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Services").

1. Services and Information We Collect

By using the app, users are able to:

• Create an account and securely store your personal stories
• Upload photos, audio, and text comments
• Share personal stories with other users

In order to provide such services, we collect information to enable the user experience in a safe and supported way.

By using Griot, you commit to creating and sharing content that:

• Respects the privacy and consent of others.
• Does not contain harmful, illegal, or abusive material.

Personal Information You Provide

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect basic details such as your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and login credentials.
• Reflections and Content: At the heart of Griot are your reflections—including the photos, audio, or videos you bring into the app as stimulus for reflection. Reflections are private by default. They are not shared with others or made public unless you intentionally choose to share them.
• Comments: Comments you add to stories shared with you.
• Communications: When you reach out to us for support, feedback, or general inquiries, we collect the information you provide, such as your name, contact details, and the contents of your message.

Device and Technical Information

When you use the Services, we automatically collect:

• Device type, operating system, and browser information
• IP address and general location (for security and functionality)
• Usage data (e.g., frequency of app use, features accessed, crash logs)

Sensitive Device Access

• Camera and Photo Library: Used only when you choose to capture or upload images or videos. Griot never accesses your photo library without your explicit consent.
• Microphone: Activated only when you record a reflection, add a comment, or give instructions to the app. Recordings are uploaded securely and can be deleted by you at any time.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for limited, legitimate purposes:

• To operate and maintain the Services
• To provide support and respond to inquiries
• To improve features, security, and user experience
• To communicate updates, opportunities, or important notices (you may opt out of promotional messages)
• To comply with applicable legal obligations
• To protect the safety, rights, and integrity of our users and platform

We do not sell personal information.

3. Sharing of Information

We disclose information only in carefully limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted vendors (e.g., AI, cloud hosting, analytics, or payment processors) who assist in operating the Services under binding confidentiality and security obligations.
• Legal Obligations: If required by law, regulation, or valid legal request.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or similar transaction, personal information may transfer as part of business assets.
• With Your Consent: When you choose to share reflections with other users or authorize integrations.

4. Data Security

We implement technical, administrative, and organizational safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. While no system is completely secure, we continuously review and improve our protections to meet or exceed industry and institutional expectations.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary:

• To provide Services or fulfill the purposes described in this policy
• To comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
• To maintain security and prevent abuse

When you delete a reflection or close your account, we delete your associated data from our active systems within a reasonable period, subject to legal or safety requirements.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction or deletion of your data
• Restrict or object to certain data processing
• Request portability of your data to another service
• Withdraw consent for data processing (where applicable)

You may exercise these rights through your account settings or by contacting us directly at privacy@griotplatforms.com.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 14, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If we become aware that a child under 14 has provided information, we will delete it promptly.

8. Institutional Partnerships

For universities and other institutions, Griot is prepared to work under additional contractual data protection requirements, including compliance with:

• We do not store any educational records and we do not apply any algorithm to structure educational data of any form, which means FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) does not apply to our services
• GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant data protection laws
• Institutional data retention and deletion protocols

9. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted in the app and on our website, with the “Effective Date” revised accordingly. If changes materially affect your rights, we will provide additional notice.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Griot Platforms
• Email: privacy@griotplatforms.com