Privacy Policy

Effective date: 4/3/2026

This Privacy Policy describes how PetNet ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our website and apps (collectively, the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

  • Account information: email, display name, profile details, and identifiers provided by our authentication provider (Clerk) when you sign up or sign in.
  • User content: posts, images, videos, comments, likes, messages, and other content you upload or create.
  • Media uploads: images and videos uploaded via our upload tools (including UploadThing and AWS S3 presigned URLs). Media is stored in private S3 buckets.
  • Usage data: approximate usage metrics, device/browser information, and performance data collected via our hosting/analytics provider (for example, Vercel Speed Insights) to improve reliability and performance.
  • Communications: messages you send in-app (including real-time messaging powered by Socket.IO) and support inquiries.

How We Use Your Information

  • Provide, maintain, and improve the Service and its features.
  • Authenticate users and keep accounts secure (via Clerk).
  • Enable creation, sharing, and discovery of posts, images, videos, and comments.
  • Facilitate real-time communications such as messages and notifications.
  • Monitor performance, detect abuse, and prevent fraud or misuse.
  • Respond to support requests and communicate with you about the Service.

How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

  • Service providers and infrastructure partners who assist in operating the Service, including authentication (Clerk), file storage and delivery (AWS S3), uploads (UploadThing), hosting and performance (Vercel), and real-time communications (Socket.IO). These providers process data on our behalf under appropriate agreements.
  • Law enforcement or regulators when required by law or to protect rights, safety, and property.
  • Other users when you choose to share content publicly or with followers.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as needed to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. You may request deletion of certain data, subject to legal and operational requirements.

Your Choices and Rights

  • Access and update your profile and account information in settings.
  • Delete content you have posted, where supported by the Service.
  • Request deletion of your account by contacting support.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including private AWS S3 storage for media and secure authentication via Clerk. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under the age applicable in your jurisdiction without appropriate parental consent. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without such consent. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE)

We have a zero-tolerance policy for Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE). We prohibit any content or behavior that sexually exploits, abuses, or endangers children and we take swift action to remove and report such material.

How we define CSAE: CSAE refers to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including content or behavior that sexually exploits, abuses, or endangers children. This includes, for example, grooming a child for sexual exploitation, sextorting a child, trafficking of a child for sex, or otherwise sexually exploiting a child.

You can read our externally published standards here: CSAE Standards.

International Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries other than your own, including the United States. Where required, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at brianboler@princeton.edu.