Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 9, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Meme Explorer ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your username and email address (if provided via Reddit OAuth)
  • User Activity: We track your interactions such as liked memes, saved memes, and browsing preferences to personalize your experience
  • Comments/Feedback: Any content feedback or reports you submit

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on site, click patterns, and engagement metrics
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers
  • Cookies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience (see Section 4)

2.3 Third-Party Information

  • Reddit OAuth: When you log in with Reddit, we receive your Reddit username and basic profile information as permitted by Reddit's API
  • Content Source: All memes are sourced from Reddit's public API and remain property of their original creators

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for:

  • Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve Meme Explorer functionality
  • Personalization: To tailor content recommendations based on your preferences and taste profile
  • Gamification: To track streaks, levels, XP, and leaderboard positions
  • Analytics: To understand user behavior and optimize the platform
  • Communication: To send push notifications about streak reminders (with your consent)
  • Safety & Compliance: To prevent abuse, enforce our Terms of Service, and comply with legal obligations

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

  • Maintain your login session
  • Remember your preferences (dark mode, sound settings)
  • Track which memes you've liked or saved
  • Analyze site usage patterns
  • Deliver personalized advertising via Google AdSense

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit site functionality.

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google may use cookies and web beacons to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other sites on the Internet. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.

Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

5.2 Reddit API

We source memes from Reddit's public API. All content remains subject to Reddit's Terms of Service and belongs to the original creators. We provide proper attribution for all content.

Reddit's Privacy Policy: https://www.reddit.com/policies/privacy-policy

5.3 Push Notifications

If you enable push notifications, we use browser push APIs to send streak reminders. You can revoke permission at any time through your browser settings.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:

  • HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
  • Secure session management
  • Password hashing (when applicable)
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Limited employee access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Account Data: Retained until you delete your account
  • Usage Analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual data retained for 24 months
  • Session Data: Cleared after 30 days of inactivity

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
  • Objection: Object to processing of your personal data
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for push notifications or other optional features

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@meme-explorer.com.

9. Children's Privacy

Meme Explorer is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected
  • Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

11. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We process your data based on:

  • Consent: For push notifications and optional features
  • Contract Performance: To provide the service you requested
  • Legitimate Interests: To improve and secure our service

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Consent

By using Meme Explorer, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.