Last Updated: August 22, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Citycost (“we,” “us,” “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and retains information when you use
Citycost.org, our apps, APIs, datasets, widgets, emails, or other services (the “Services”). By using the Services, you agree to this Policy.
1. Scope & Controller
Citycost.org and affiliated Services are owned and operated by one or more Citycost Operators. For personal data collected via the Services, the Citycost Operator that provides the Services in your region acts as the controller. For all regions, you may contact us at
[email protected]. Where local law requires disclosure of the specific controller or the essence of any joint‑controller arrangement, we will provide that information upon request.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following categories:
• Information you provide: account data, content you submit (reviews, ratings, images, comments), and communications.
• Information collected automatically: device and usage data (IP address, device identifiers, approximate location, event logs, and similar telemetry), and cookies or similar technologies.
• Payment information (if optional paid features are offered in the future): processed by our payment processor; we do not store full card details.
3. How We Use Information
We use information to operate, secure, maintain, and improve the Services; to communicate with you; to prevent fraud and abuse; to comply with law; and to develop and improve models and derived datasets where permitted by law.
AI/ML use: We may use personal data to develop and improve models where permitted by law (e.g., relying on legitimate interests with safeguards or on consent, depending on region). Where you have a right to object, you may do so using the contact details below.
4. Disclosure of Information
We may disclose information to: (a) service providers and contractors (e.g., hosting, security, analytics); (b) comply with law, legal process, or enforce our terms; (c) protect rights, safety, or property; (d) a buyer or successor in connection with a corporate transaction; and (e) as aggregated or de‑identified data.
Sale/Share. As of the date of this Policy, we do not sell personal information and do not use it for cross‑context behavioral advertising, as those terms may be defined under applicable law.
5. Your Choices & Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights such as access, correction, deletion, portability, and to opt out of targeted advertising, sale, or profiling. We respond within the statutory timelines required by applicable law and may extend where the law permits. If we deny a request, you may appeal by replying to our response within the time required by law. Where permitted, you may use an authorized agent. Where required by law, we honor recognized universal opt‑out signals. Submit requests to
[email protected].
6. Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as needed for the disclosed purposes or as required by law. Where a fixed period is not possible, we apply objective criteria (e.g., account status, legal obligations, and security requirements).
7. Categories, Purposes, Disclosures, Retention (Summary)
Category
|
Examples
|
Source
|
Purpose
|
Disclosed to (type)
|
Retention (period or criteria)
|
Identifiers
|
Email; IP address
|
You / Automatic
|
Operate account; security; communications
|
Hosting; security provider
|
Account life + up to 24 months
|
Internet/Usage
|
Device identifiers; logs; pages viewed
|
Automatic
|
Security; analytics; service improvement
|
Analytics vendor
|
Rolling 12–24 months
|
Approx. Location
|
City/region from IP
|
Automatic
|
Localize content; security
|
—
|
As needed for security; then de‑identified
|
User Content
|
Reviews, ratings, uploads
|
You
|
Display; improve Services; training where permitted
|
Content delivery; moderation support
|
Account life (or until deleted)
|
Payment Info (if applicable)
|
Token; last 4 digits
|
You / Payment processor
|
Process transactions
|
Payment processor
|
As required by law and processor policies
|
8. Cookies & Similar Technologies
We use essential cookies to operate the Services and may use other cookies or local storage for preferences and security. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Where required by law, if and when we deploy non‑essential cookies in those regions, we will seek the required consent before setting them.
9. Children’s Privacy
The Services are not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information, contact us and we will delete it as required by law.
10. International Transfers
Information may be processed or stored outside your country. Where required by law, we use appropriate safeguards for transfers (for example, approved contractual clauses or comparable mechanisms).
11. Security
We apply reasonable technical and organizational measures (e.g., access controls and encryption in transit where feasible) to protect information, but no method is 100% secure. We delete or de‑identify data when it is no longer needed for the stated purposes.
12. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy by posting a revised version with a new “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be reasonably highlighted. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance.
13. Contact