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Full Policy

Homestead Computing / HCWS (“HCWS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting user privacy and handling personal data responsibly. This Data Collection & Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it across HCWS applications and services.

1. Information We Collect

HCWS applications use Google Authentication (OAuth) for account access. Through this authentication method, we collect only the minimum information necessary to identify and support users.

The data we collect includes:

  • Full Name

  • Email Address

  • Profile Picture (Avatar URL)

We do not collect:

  • Passwords

  • Phone numbers

  • Location data

  • Contacts

  • Payment information (unless explicitly required by a specific service and disclosed separately)

  • Browsing activity outside HCWS applications

2. How We Collect Data

All personal data is provided directly by Google through its secure authentication system. HCWS does not intercept or store Google account credentials at any time.

Authentication is handled using industry-standard OAuth protocols, and access is limited strictly to the fields listed above.

3. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used solely to:

  • Create and manage user accounts

  • Authenticate users securely

  • Display basic profile information within HCWS applications

  • Provide application-specific functionality

  • Communicate essential service-related notices (when applicable)

We do not use personal data for advertising, profiling, or behavioral tracking.

4. Data Protection & Security

HCWS takes data protection seriously.

  • All user data is stored securely using modern security practices

  • Access to user data is restricted to authorized systems only

  • Data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS)

  • We follow the principle of least privilege, collecting only what is necessary

We rely on Google’s security infrastructure for authentication and identity verification and do not duplicate or expand upon that data beyond what is required.

5. Data Sharing & Selling

HCWS will never sell, rent, trade, or monetize user data.

We do not share personal information with:

  • Advertisers

  • Data brokers

  • Third-party analytics platforms that profile users

  • Any external entity for marketing purposes

Data is only shared if:

  • Required by law, regulation, or legal process

  • Necessary to protect the security or integrity of HCWS systems

  • Explicitly disclosed and consented to for a specific feature or service

6. Data Retention

User data is retained only for as long as an account remains active or as necessary to provide services.

If a user deletes their account:

  • Associated personal data is removed or anonymized within a reasonable timeframe

  • Residual system logs (non-identifiable) may remain for security and auditing purposes

7. User Control & Transparency

Users may:

  • View their account information within HCWS applications

  • Request account deletion

  • Contact us with questions about their data or privacy

We aim to remain transparent and responsive regarding data usage at all times.

8. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or HCWS services. Any material changes will be clearly communicated.

9. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact:

Homestead Computing / HCWS
📧 privacy@hcws.dev

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