legal / privacy policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

1. Introduction

Welcome to Layers, a vibrant platform designed for designers to connect, share, and collaborate. At Layers, we are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy ("Policy") outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your data when you use our platform.

By accessing or using Layers, you agree to the practices described in this Policy. We encourage you to read this Policy carefully to understand how your personal information is handled. This Policy also covers our practices regarding cookies, analytics, and your choices related to your data.

Layers values transparency, security, and user control. As we continue to evolve and enhance our platform, we may update this Policy to reflect any changes in our practices. Any modifications will be effective upon posting the revised Policy on our platform.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@layers.to. Your privacy matters to us, and we're here to provide you with the information you need to feel confident using Layers.

Thank you for being part of our creative community!

2. Types of Information Collected

2.1 Personal Information:

When you create an account on Layers, we collect certain personal information, such as your name, email address, and profile picture. This information is used to create and manage your account, personalize your experience, and facilitate communication within the platform.

2.2 Content and Activity Data:

We collect the content you share on Layers, including design work, comments, likes, and messages. We also gather data related to your platform activity, such as your interactions with other users, groups, and teams. This data enables us to enhance your experience and provide relevant features.

2.3 Usage and Device Information:

Our platform collects information about how you use Layers, including the pages you visit, your interactions, and your device information (such as device type, browser, and operating system). This data helps us optimize our platform's performance and user experience.

2.4 Log Data and Analytics:

We automatically collect log data when you access Layers, which may include your IP address, browser type, referring/exit pages, and timestamps. We also use analytics tools to understand user behavior, improve our services, and measure the effectiveness of our content.

2.5 Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

Layers uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized content. These technologies also allow us to remember your preferences and tailor our platform to your needs.

2.6 Communication Data:

We collect data from your communications with us, including emails, messages, and inquiries sent to our customer support. This information is used to respond to your requests and provide assistance as needed.

2.7 Third-Party Integrations:

If you choose to connect your Layers account to third-party services (such as social media accounts), we may collect data from these integrations in accordance with your privacy settings.

3. How Your Information is Used

3.1 Account Management and Personalization:

We use the personal information you provide to create and manage your account on Layers. This includes personalizing your profile, displaying your design work, and facilitating interactions with other users.

3.2 Communication and Engagement:

Your contact information enables us to communicate with you about platform updates, notifications, and important announcements. We may also use your information to facilitate connections with other users, such as responding to messages and mentions.

3.3 Content Sharing and Collaboration:

The content and activity data you share on Layers, such as design work, comments, and likes, are used to display your contributions, facilitate collaboration, and enable other users to interact with your work.

3.4 Platform Improvement and Analysis:

We analyze usage patterns, device information, and user interactions to understand how Layers is used and to enhance our platform's features and performance. This data also helps us identify trends and areas for improvement.

3.5 Personalized Recommendations:

We may use the data we collect to provide personalized recommendations and suggestions, such as content you may find interesting, based on your activity and preferences on the platform.

3.6 Customer Support and Assistance:

Communication data, including messages and inquiries you send to our customer support team, are used to address your questions, provide assistance, and resolve any issues you may encounter.

3.7 Legal and Security Purposes:

We may use your information to comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests, protect our rights and interests, and ensure the security and integrity of the platform.

3.8 Aggregate and Anonymized Data:

We may use aggregated and anonymized data for analytical, research, and statistical purposes, which do not personally identify you.

4. Disclosure of Your Information

4.1 Service Providers:

We may engage third-party service providers to assist with various aspects of our platform, such as hosting, data analysis, customer support, and payment processing. These providers have access to your information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated to handle your data securely and in accordance with our instructions.

4.2 Team Accounts:

If you are a member of a team account on Layers, certain information you share within the team environment may be accessible to other team members and administrators. Team administrators have additional responsibilities and access to manage team members and content.

4.3 Legal Obligations:

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as subpoenas, court orders, or government investigations. We also reserve the right to disclose your information to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, or to enforce our Terms and Conditions.

4.4 Business Transfers:

In the event of a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

4.5 Consent and Sharing:

We may share your information with third parties if you provide your explicit consent. For example, if you choose to connect your Layers account to a third-party service, we may share data with that service as per your preferences.

4.6 Aggregate and Anonymized Data:

We may share aggregated and anonymized data that does not personally identify you with third parties for various purposes, such as research, analysis, and marketing.

4.7 Public Information:

Some of the information you share on Layers, such as your profile and design work, may be visible to other users and the public by default. Please consider your privacy settings and what you choose to share.

5. Your Choices and Controls

5.1 Account Settings:

You can access and update your account information and privacy settings by logging into your Layers account. Here, you can manage your profile information, visibility settings, and communication preferences.

5.2 Content Sharing:

You have control over the content you share on Layers, including design work, comments, and messages. You can choose whether your content is visible to the public, your followers, or specific individuals.

5.3 Communication Preferences:

You can manage your communication preferences by adjusting your notification settings. You can choose which types of notifications you receive and how often you are notified.

5.4 Cookies and Tracking:

Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or notify you when cookies are being sent. However, please note that some features of Layers may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

5.5 Third-Party Integrations:

If you connect your Layers account to third-party services, you can manage the permissions and access you grant to those services. You can revoke these permissions at any time.

5.6 Data Access and Deletion:

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request its correction or deletion. If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact us at support@layers.to.

5.7 Account Deactivation:

You can deactivate your Layers account at any time. Deactivation removes your profile and content from public view, but certain information may be retained for legal or administrative purposes.

5.8 Children's Privacy:

Layers is intended for individuals who are at least 16 years old. If you are under the age of 16, please do not use our platform or provide any personal information.

6. Data Security

6.1 Data Protection Measures:

Layers employs industry-standard security measures to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These measures include encryption, firewalls, and regular security assessments.

6.2 Secure Access:

Access to your personal information is restricted to authorized personnel and individuals with a legitimate need to access such information. We implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized individuals can access user data.

6.3 Payment Processing Security:

For payment transactions related to Layers Plus subscriptions, we utilize the secure services of Stripe, a trusted third-party payment processor. Stripe employs encryption and secure protocols to protect your payment information.

6.4 User Responsibility:

While we implement security measures to protect your data, you also play a crucial role in maintaining the security of your account. It's important to use strong and unique passwords, keep your login credentials confidential, and promptly report any suspicious activity.

6.5 No Data Transmission Guarantees:

While we strive to protect your personal information, the transmission of data over the internet is not completely secure. We cannot guarantee the security of your data during transmission, so you should use Layers with the understanding that any information you transmit is done at your own risk.

6.6 Breach Notification:

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will take prompt measures to mitigate the impact and notify you in accordance with applicable laws.

7. Data Retention

7.1 Retention Period:

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. The specific retention period varies based on the type of information and the context in which it was collected.

7.2 Account Information:

Your account information, including your name, email address, and profile data, is retained for as long as your Layers account remains active. You can choose to deactivate your account, after which certain information may be retained for legal or administrative purposes.

7.3 Content and Activity Data:

Content you share on Layers, such as design work, comments, and messages, may be retained on the platform for as long as you choose to keep it visible. When you delete content, it may be removed from public view but could persist in backups or archives for a limited period.

7.4 Communication Data:

Data related to your communications with our customer support team may be retained to ensure a comprehensive record of your interactions and to provide ongoing assistance.

7.5 Legal and Regulatory Obligations:

We may retain certain information for longer periods to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, and protect our rights.

7.6 Anonymization and Aggregation:

We may retain aggregated and anonymized data that does not personally identify you for research, analysis, and reporting purposes.

7.7 Data Deletion Requests:

If you wish to have your personal information deleted from our systems, please contact us at support@layers.to. We will respond to your request as required by applicable law.

8. Third-Party Links and Services

8.1 Third-Party Links:

Layers may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not owned or controlled by us. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit from our platform.

8.2 Third-Party Integrations:

You may choose to connect your Layers account with third-party services, such as social media accounts. These integrations may allow third parties to access certain information about your activity on Layers. Please review the permissions and privacy settings of these third-party services.

8.3 Advertising and Analytics Services:

We utilize third-party services, including Sentry for error tracking and Posthog for analytics, to improve the quality and performance of our platform. Sentry helps us identify and address technical issues, while Posthog provides us with insights into user interactions and usage patterns. These services may collect certain technical information from your device, such as IP address, browser type, and device identifiers. This data is used solely for the purpose of troubleshooting, enhancing user experience, and improving the overall functionality of Layers..

8.4 Payment Processors:

Layers Plus subscription payments are processed by Stripe, a third-party payment processor. While we do not directly collect or store your payment information, Stripe's collection and handling of your payment data are governed by their own terms of service and privacy policy.

8.5 Cookies and Tracking:

Some third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies when you interact with their content linked from Layers. These technologies allow them to collect information about your online activities over time and across different websites.

9. International Data Transfers

9.1 Cross-Border Transfers:

Your personal information may be stored and processed in countries other than your own. By using Layers, you consent to the transfer of your data to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

9.2 Data Protection Measures:

When transferring your data internationally, we take steps to ensure that your personal information is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws. These measures may include using standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities or ensuring the receiving parties have implemented appropriate safeguards.

9.3 Transfer to Stripe:

If you are a subscriber to Layers Plus, your payment information may be transferred to Stripe's servers in other countries as necessary for payment processing. Stripe employs robust security measures to protect your payment data during international transfers.

9.4 User Responsibility:

If you choose to access Layers from regions with different data protection laws, you acknowledge and consent to the transfer of your personal information across international borders as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

10. Changes to Privacy Policy

10.1 Policy Updates:

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our data handling practices, legal requirements, and platform enhancements. Any modifications will be effective upon posting the updated Privacy Policy on the Layers platform.

10.2 Notification of Changes:

We will notify you of any material changes to the Privacy Policy by sending an email to the email address associated with your Layers account or by prominently displaying a notice on our platform. We encourage you to review the Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your data.

10.3 Continued Use:

By continuing to use Layers after changes to the Privacy Policy have been made, you indicate your agreement to the updated terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you should discontinue using Layers.

11. User Consent and Acceptance

11.1 Consent to Policy:

By accessing or using the Layers platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. Your use of Layers constitutes your consent to the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of your personal information as outlined herein.

11.2 Understanding Your Rights:

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this Privacy Policy and exercise your rights as detailed within. If you have any questions or concerns about our data handling practices, please contact us at support@layers.to before using the platform.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries about this Privacy Policy, our data handling practices, or any aspect of your privacy on Layers, please feel free to contact our privacy team at:

Email: privacy@layers.to

We are dedicated to addressing your privacy inquiries and providing further clarification as needed. Your privacy and confidence in how we handle your data are paramount to us.

Children's Privacy

Layers is intended for individuals who are at least 16 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 16. If you are under the age of 16, please do not use Layers or provide any personal information to us. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under the age of 16, we will take steps to promptly delete the information.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided personal information to us, please contact us at support@layers.to so that we can take appropriate action.