Privacy Policy
About Phintch
Phintch is a streaming platform dedicated to showcasing and streaming independent films from New Mexico. Our role is solely to provide a platform for filmmakers to share their work with audiences.
Important Disclaimer:
- We showcase and stream content submitted by independent filmmakers
- Filmmakers retain 100% ownership of their film rights
- We are not responsible for the copyright status of films submitted to our platform
- Each filmmaker is responsible for ensuring they have the rights to distribute their content
- Any copyright disputes should be directed to the respective filmmaker
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information
When you create an account as a viewer, we collect:
- Username (required for account identification)
- Password (encrypted and securely stored)
- Email address (optional for users, required for email verification when provided)
- State/Location (optional - primarily for users in New Mexico and surrounding regions)
- Profile information (bio, profile picture, cover photo - optional)
For independent filmmakers and content creators who register as creators, we additionally collect:
- Creator name and professional title
- Email address (required for creator accounts)
- Professional bio and social media links (Instagram, etc.)
- Film metadata (titles, directors, cast, genres, ratings, loglines)
- Donation and support links (optional)
1.2 Usage Information
We automatically collect information about your interaction with the Service to enhance your viewing experience and provide creators with valuable insights:
- Films you watch and your watch progress (to resume viewing where you left off)
- Films you like or add to your watchlist (to personalize recommendations)
- Custom playlists you create and films added to them
- Playlist share codes you generate or use to access shared playlists
- Search queries and browsing patterns within the platform
- Creator profiles you follow and films you engage with
- Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
- App usage data, performance metrics, and viewing quality preferences
1.3 Technical Information
We collect technical information to provide and improve our Service:
- IP address and general location data
- Browser type and version
- Time zone settings
- Network connection type
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to create a better platform for both viewers and independent filmmakers:
- To provide, maintain, and continuously improve the Phintch platform and viewing experience
- To personalize film recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences
- To manage your user or creator account and authenticate your identity securely
- To enable features like watchlists, playlists, likes, and playlist sharing via share codes
- To remember your watch progress so you can resume films where you left off
- To verify email addresses when provided for enhanced account security
- To provide creators with anonymized viewing analytics and audience insights
- To communicate with you about platform updates, new films, features, and support
- To analyze viewing patterns and improve our content curation for independent films
- To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, security threats, and unauthorized access
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
3.1 Service Providers
We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:
- Cloud hosting and storage services
- Content delivery networks
- Analytics providers
- Payment processors (for paid features)
3.2 Content Creators and Independent Filmmakers
As a platform dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, we provide creators with aggregated, anonymized viewing statistics and analytics for their films. This includes metrics such as total views, watch completion rates, and general audience demographics. This information cannot be used to identify individual users and helps filmmakers understand their audience and improve their craft.
3.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas, or government agencies).
3.4 Business Transfers
If Phintch is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
4. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
- Encrypted password storage using industry-standard hashing
- Secure authentication and access controls
- Regular security assessments and updates
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal, regulatory, or legitimate business purposes.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have several rights and control options on Phintch:
Access and Update: You can view and update your account information, profile, bio, profile picture, and cover photo through the app's profile and settings sections.
Email Verification: If you provide an email address, you can choose to verify it for enhanced account security and communication.
Correction: You can correct inaccurate information through your profile settings at any time.
Content Management: You can manage your watchlists, playlists, liked films, and viewing history directly in the app.
Account Deletion: You can delete your account at any time through the app settings. This will remove your personal information within 30 days.
Data Portability: You can request a copy of your viewing data, playlists, and profile information by contacting us.
Opt-out: You can opt out of certain data collection by adjusting your device settings or contacting us.
Deletion: You can delete your account at any time through the app settings.
7. Children's Privacy
The Service is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, or country where data protection laws may differ. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.
9. Third-Party Links and Services
Phintch may contain links to third-party websites or services, including:
- Filmmakers' social media profiles (Instagram, etc.)
- Creator donation and support links
- Video hosting and streaming services (Vimeo, etc.)
- Cloud storage and content delivery networks (Cloudinary, etc.)
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information or interacting with their services.
10. Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as filmmakers' social media profiles). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.
11. California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to know what personal information is collected, used, and shared
- Right to delete personal information held by us
- Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: