Platform's Guidelines

This Privacy Policy explains how the StarkTalk platform ("Platform"), operated by Tatiana Stanovaya as a personal, non-commercial initiative, collects, uses, and protects your personal data. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described herein. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

The Platform is hosted in France and complies with French law and EU regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with our Conditions of Use, Cookies Policy, and Legal Notice, available on the Platform.

1. Data Collection

During registration, we collect:

• Name, email address, country of association.
• Workplace, position, competencies.
• Short biography and photo.
• Password (stored securely; we use hashing and do not store plain-text passwords).

Browsing data is also collected via cookies and similar technologies (see Section 3).

For anonymous users, we privately verify your real identity but do not disclose it publicly. This verification data is handled with the utmost confidentiality.

We do not collect sensitive data beyond what you voluntarily provide, and we process it only as necessary.

2. Use of Data

We use your data:

• To manage registration and access to different roles.
• To enable participation in discussions and proposals.
• To maintain the professional integrity of the Platform.
• To send necessary notifications related to Platform activity.

Legal basis for processing:

• Your consent (e.g., for registration).
• Legitimate interests (e.g., moderation and analytics).
• Contractual necessity (e.g., providing services).

Data is never sold or shared with third parties, except as required by law or with service providers (e.g., email via Mandrill, hosting via OVH) under GDPR-compliant agreements.

3. Cookies

The StarkTalk Platform uses:

• Session cookies to allow you to log in and stay logged in (JWT).
• Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid, _gat, ga<container-id>) to monitor traffic and improve user experience anonymously.

For full details, including management and consent, see our separate Cookies Policy. We obtain consent for non-essential cookies via a banner on your first visit.

4. Data Retention and Deletion

• Personal data is retained as long as you maintain an account (or up to 2 years for inactive accounts before review).
• Browsing and analytics data is retained for up to 26 months.
• You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting contact@starktalk.com. Content will remain but will be anonymized. We respond within one month, as per GDPR.

5. Rights of Users

In accordance with GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your data (e.g., receive a copy).
• Rectify incorrect data.
• Request deletion of personal data.
• Restrict processing or object to processing (e.g., for analytics).
• Data portability (receive data in a structured format).
• Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior processing).

Requests should be sent to: contact@starktalk.com. We may verify your identity. If unsatisfied, complain to the CNIL: https://www.cnil.fr.

6. Data Security

We use measures like encryption, access controls, and secure hosting to protect data. We notify you and authorities of breaches as required by GDPR.

International transfers (e.g., Google Analytics to the US) use Standard Contractual Clauses for protection.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. Changes will be posted here with the updated date. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

8. Contact and Data Protection Officer

Tatiana Stanovaya acts as the Data Protection Officer. Contact: contact@starktalk.com.

Last updated: January 2, 2026