Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

V Universe, Inc. ("we", "us", or "our") operates Coddie, an AI code sharing platform where users create and share code projects generated with AI tools like ChatGPT. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our Service.

By using Coddie, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of the Republic of Korea, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Email address, username, and password when you create an account
• Profile Information: Display name, profile picture (if provided)
• Content: Code projects, files, titles, descriptions, thumbnails, programming language tags, and other content you upload
• Communications: Messages or inquiries you send to us

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Code projects you view, like, or interact with; search queries; browsing history
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to maintain your session and preferences

2.3 Information From Third-Party Authentication Services

We use Google OAuth to provide a convenient sign-in option. When you choose to sign in with Google, we receive the following information from Google:

• Email address: Your Google account email
• Name: Your display name from Google
• Profile picture: Your Google profile photo (optional)
• Google User ID: A unique identifier from Google

Important: By using Google Sign-In, you also agree to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy:

• Google Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Terms of Service: policies.google.com/terms

You can revoke Coddie's access to your Google account at any time by visiting: myaccount.google.com/permissions

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To operate, maintain, and improve Coddie
• Content Delivery: To store, process, and display your uploaded code projects
• Personalization: To provide personalized code project recommendations
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries and send service-related notifications
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address malicious code, fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our Service and improve user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Union, we process your personal data based on:

• Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific processing purposes
• Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to provide the Service to you
• Legal Obligation: Processing is required to comply with legal requirements
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided they do not override your rights

5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 Public Content

Code projects and content you upload to Coddie are publicly accessible and may be viewed by other users.

5.2 Third-Party Authentication Providers

We use Google OAuth as an authentication service provider. When you sign in with Google:

• What Google receives: Your interaction with our sign-in button and authorization consent
• What we receive from Google: Your email, name, profile picture, and Google User ID
• Purpose: User authentication and account creation/management
• Google's role: Google acts as an independent data controller for the information they collect

Google may collect and process information according to their own privacy policy. We do not control Google's data practices and encourage you to review their privacy policy.

5.3 Other Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Service, such as:

• Cloud storage providers (for code project hosting)
• Content delivery networks (CDN)
• Analytics services
• Authentication services
• Code syntax highlighting services

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

5.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., court orders, subpoenas).

5.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

6. International Data Transfers

Coddie is operated from the Republic of Korea. If you access our Service from outside Korea, your information may be transferred to and processed in Korea or other countries where our service providers operate.

For EU users, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place for international data transfers, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

• Account Information: Retained until you delete your account, plus 30 days for backup purposes
• Code Projects: Retained until you delete the project or your account
• Usage Data: Typically retained for up to 2 years for analytics purposes
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer if required by law (e.g., tax records, copyright disputes)

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

8.1 All Users

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal exceptions)

8.2 EU Users (GDPR Rights)

• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Object to Processing: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Restrict Processing: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
• Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

8.3 California Residents (CCPA Rights)

• Know: Know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Delete: Request deletion of personal information (subject to exceptions)
• Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise your rights, please contact us at coddie11111@gmail.com. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30 days).

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at coddie11111@gmail.com.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure code repository infrastructure
• Malicious code detection and prevention systems
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on Coddie. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content recommendations

11.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly (e.g., session management, authentication)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Service

11.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Service. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete existing cookies.

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice (such as email notification).

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer (DPO):
For privacy-related inquiries, you can also contact our Data Protection Officer at coddie11111@gmail.com.