Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

Oernoe ("we," "us," "our," or "Oernoe") operates the website https://www.oernoe.com and its subdomains, including Oernoe Search and Oernoe Studio (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of your personal information when you access, use, or interact with our Services.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users, including visitors who do not create accounts. By accessing or using any Oernoe service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an Oernoe account, we collect: email address, password (securely hashed), full name (optional), profile picture (optional), and account creation date. We collect this information only when you voluntarily provide it during account registration.

2.2 Search & Service Usage Data

For Oernoe Search, we do NOT collect or store: your search queries, your search history, your IP address associated with searches, or your browsing patterns. We believe search queries are highly sensitive personal information and should never be tracked or retained.

However, we do collect aggregate, non-personally identifiable analytics to improve our services: total searches per day (not linked to users), popular search categories (anonymized), and service performance metrics (response times, error rates).

2.3 Browser & Device Information

We may automatically collect: browser type and version, operating system, referring website, pages visited within Oernoe, time spent on pages, and device type (mobile/desktop). This information helps us optimize user experience and diagnose technical issues. This data is collected through web server logs and is not linked to your personal identity unless you're logged into your account.

2.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies for these purposes:

• Essential Cookies: Session authentication, CSRF protection, and core functionality
• Preference Cookies: Language settings, theme preferences (light/dark mode), saved searches
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics (see section 5) to understand user behavior patterns
• Google AdSense Cookies: For ad serving and performance measurement (see section 3)
• Third-party Cookies: Placed by advertising partners for ad relevance and frequency capping

Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable cookies, some features of our Services may not function properly.

2.5 Communications

If you contact us via email, contact form, or support channels, we collect your message, email address, and any attachments. We retain these communications to respond to your inquiry and maintain support records.

3. Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising

Oernoe uses Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Services. Google AdSense is a legitimate advertising service operated by Google LLC, subject to Google's own privacy practices.

3.1 How Google AdSense Works

• Google AdSense places cookies on your browser to deliver personalized ads based on your browsing history across websites in the Google Display Network
• Google may collect and use data including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and user identifiers for ad targeting
• Google uses web beacons and pixels to track ad impressions, clicks, and conversions across multiple sites
• This data sharing is performed independently by Google and is not controlled by Oernoe

3.2 Your Rights & Opt-Out Options

You have the right to control personalized advertising:

• Visit Google Ad Settings to manage your personalized ad preferences
• Opt out of the Google Display Network using Google's opt-out tool
• Install a third-party ad blocker or privacy extension in your browser
• Review Google's partner site policy for detailed information about data collection practices

3.3 Important Disclosure

Oernoe does not receive personal information from Google AdSense about your browsing habits. Google operates independently and retains data according to their own privacy policy. Oernoe cannot control Google's data practices, and you should review Google's Privacy Policy for details on their practices.

4. Google Analytics & Performance Measurement

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to collect anonymous usage data about how visitors interact with our Services. This helps us understand traffic patterns, user engagement, and technical performance.

4.1 What Google Analytics Collects

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Browser type, operating system, and device information
• Geographic location (country/city level only, not precise)
• Traffic source (direct, search engines, referral sites)
• User interactions and engagement metrics
• IP address (collected but anonymized by GA4)

4.2 Opt-Out Options

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking:

• Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Disable cookies in your browser settings
• Use a privacy-focused browser or VPN

5. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: Creating and maintaining your account, providing search and content creation functionality, personalizing your experience, and delivering premium features if you upgrade
• Communication: Responding to inquiries, sending account notifications, service updates, and security alerts
• Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns to identify bugs, optimize performance, improve features, and develop new services
• Security & Fraud Prevention: Detecting unauthorized access, preventing abuse, and protecting against malicious activity
• Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations, responding to law enforcement requests, and protecting our rights
• Analytics: Understanding aggregate user behavior (not individual tracking) to improve our Services
• Advertising: Enabling Google AdSense to display relevant ads (we do not control this process)

Important: We do NOT use your information to build behavior profiles, sell to third parties, or manipulate search results based on personal data.

6. Data Sharing & Third Parties

6.1 Who We Share Data With

Oernoe shares information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share data with hosting providers, database services, analytics platforms, and email services necessary to operate our Services
• Google AdSense & Partners: Advertisers receive only aggregate, anonymized data; Google receives cookies and IP addresses for ad serving
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect public safety
• Business Transfers: If Oernoe is acquired or merges with another company, your data may be transferred (we will notify you of material changes)

6.2 What We DON'T Do

• We do NOT sell personal data to third parties for marketing purposes
• We do NOT share search queries or search history with anyone
• We do NOT trade, rent, or lease user data to data brokers
• We do NOT share data with advertisers for behavioral targeting (only Google AdSense receives cookies for its own targeting)
• We do NOT combine Oernoe data with data from other sources to create detailed user profiles

7. Data Retention & Deletion

7.1 How Long We Keep Your Data

• Account Information: Retained as long as your account is active; deleted within 30 days of account deletion
• Search Queries: We do not retain search queries; deleted immediately after processing
• Server Logs: Retained for 90 days for security and debugging purposes, then deleted
• Cookies: Session cookies deleted when you close your browser; persistent cookies stored for up to 2 years
• Analytics Data: Retained by Google for 14 months by default; older data automatically deleted
• Support Communications: Retained for 2 years to resolve disputes and maintain service records

7.2 Your Right to Delete Your Data

You have the right to request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. You can:

• Use the "Delete Account" option in your account settings
• Email us at privacy@oernoe.com with a deletion request

Upon deletion, your account and personal data will be permanently removed from our active systems within 30 days. Some data may be retained in backups for up to 90 days for security purposes.

8. Data Security & Protection

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• All data in transit is encrypted using TLS/SSL (HTTPS)
• Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with salt
• Sensitive data is encrypted at rest using AES-256
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only
• We maintain detailed access logs for accountability

Limitations: While we implement strong security measures, no online service is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute protection against all cyberattacks. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account information.

9. Children's Privacy

Oernoe Services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately and notify the parent or guardian. Parents or guardians concerned about their child's privacy should contact us immediately.

10. Your Privacy Rights & Choices

10.1 Access Your Data

You can access your personal information through your account settings. You can also request a complete copy of your data by emailing privacy@oernoe.com.

10.2 Correct or Update Your Data

You can update your profile information, email address, and preferences directly in your account settings at any time.

10.3 Export Your Data

You have the right to receive your data in a machine-readable format. Request an export by emailing privacy@oernoe.com, and we'll provide a complete data export within 10 business days.

10.4 Opt Out of Communications

You can unsubscribe from non-essential emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or adjusting notification settings in your account.

10.5 Object to Processing

You can object to certain types of data processing, though some processing is necessary for service provision.

10.6 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights

If you are a California resident, you have the right to: know what personal information is collected, delete personal information, and opt out of the sale of personal information. To exercise these rights, email privacy@oernoe.com with your request.

10.7 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Rights

If you are an EU resident, you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. Submit requests to privacy@oernoe.com.

11. International Data Transfers

Oernoe operates globally. Your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your home country, which may have different data protection laws. We take appropriate measures (such as standard contractual clauses) to ensure your data remains protected.

12. Beta Services & Testing

Some Oernoe services may be labeled "beta," "experimental," or "preview." These services may have different privacy practices, collect data for testing and improvement, and may change or be discontinued without notice. We will clearly identify beta services and explain any special privacy implications.

13. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing your information to them.

14. 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. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an email notification if the changes significantly affect your privacy rights
• Requiring your consent before the changes take effect, if required by law

Your continued use of the Services after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

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

We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 10 business days.