Privacy Policy
Welcome to Ratety. Ratety is a rated news feed where you can read posts, give them a star rating, and leave comments. This policy explains, in plain language, what information we collect when you use Ratety, why we collect it, and the choices you have. We've tried to keep it short and readable rather than burying the important parts in legal jargon.
1. Information we collect
Information you give us when you create an account
When you sign up, we collect your email address and the username (display name) you choose. We also store a password so you can log back in. Your password is handled and stored in encrypted (hashed) form by our authentication provider — we never see or store it as plain text.
Instead of a password, you can choose to sign in using a one-time "magic link" sent to your email, or with your Google account. If you sign in with Google, Google confirms your email address to us and shares basic profile information (such as your name and email) according to the permission screen Google shows you. We don't receive your Google password.
Content you create on Ratety
When you use Ratety, we store the content you choose to create, including:
- the star ratings (1–5) you give to posts;
- the comments and replies you write; and
- the "likes" you give to comments.
Each of these is linked to your account so that, for example, you only rate a post once and can manage your own contributions.
Information stored on your device
Ratety saves small markers in your browser's local storage to remember which posts you've already rated or liked and to space out rapid-fire commenting. This information stays on your device, isn't used to track you across other websites, and you can clear it at any time through your browser settings.
Basic technical information
Like most websites, when you connect to Ratety our hosting and authentication providers automatically process basic technical information — such as your IP address and the type of device or browser you're using — in order to deliver the site, keep accounts secure, and prevent abuse. We don't use this information to build advertising profiles.
2. How we use your information
We use the information described above to:
- create and maintain your account and log you in;
- display your ratings, comments, and display name on the site;
- operate core features like averaging post ratings and showing comment threads;
- keep Ratety secure — for example, limiting spam and abuse through rate limiting;
- send you account-related emails, such as sign-in links and password resets; and
- maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the service.
We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell it.
3. What's public and how information is shared
Ratety is a public, community feed. The following is visible to anyone, including people who aren't logged in:
- your display name;
- the comments and replies you post; and
- the ratings that contribute to each post's public average.
Please keep this in mind and avoid sharing personal or sensitive details in your display name or comments. Your email address is not shown publicly — it is used for signing in and account communication only.
We share personal information outside Ratety only in limited circumstances: with the service providers listed below who help us run the site, and where we're legally required to do so (for example, to comply with a valid legal request or to protect the rights and safety of our users).
4. Service providers we rely on
We use a small number of trusted providers to operate Ratety. They process information on our behalf so we can run the service:
- Supabase — provides our database, user authentication, and backend hosting. Your account details and the content you post are stored using Supabase.
- Google — provides optional "Sign in with Google" authentication. Google's handling of your information is governed by Google's own privacy policy.
We don't include third-party advertising networks or analytics trackers on Ratety.
5. Data storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information. Connections to Ratety are encrypted in transit, passwords are stored only in hashed form by our authentication provider, and our database uses row-level security rules so that visitors can only access data they're permitted to. No online service can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, but we work to protect your information and to address issues promptly if they arise.
6. How long we keep your information
We keep your account information for as long as your account is active. The content you post — such as ratings and comments — remains on Ratety so the feed stays complete, unless you delete it or ask us to remove your account. When you delete your account, associated personal data is removed or de-identified, though some information may be retained where necessary for security, legal, or record-keeping reasons.
7. Your choices and rights
You're in control of your information. You can:
- Update your profile — change your display name from your account page;
- Change your email or password — from your account page;
- Delete your content — remove comments you've posted;
- Delete your account — contact us and we'll remove it; and
- Clear on-device data — clear your browser's site data at any time.
If you'd like to access, correct, or delete the personal information associated with your account, just get in touch using the contact details below and we'll help.
8. Children's privacy
Ratety is not directed to children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll take steps to delete it.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we'll revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If the changes are significant, we'll provide a more prominent notice. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
10. Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, you can reach us at:
Ratety — inforatety@gmail.com