Tiko Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 9, 2025

Tiko (“we”, “our”, “us”) is a global creator-driven community that allows users to share content, interact with others, and participate in creative activities. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring a transparent understanding of how your information is collected, used, and shared. This Privacy Policy applies to all users aged 18 and above who access or use Tiko.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect various types of information to provide and improve our services, including:

1.1 Account Information

• Username, email address, password, profile details, and optional demographic information.
• Creator-specific information such as bios, links, category selections, and verification materials.

1.2 Device and Technical Information

• Device model, operating system, app version, language settings, screen resolution, and unique device identifiers.
• IP address, network provider, connection type, crash logs, diagnostic data, and usage analytics.

1.3 User-Generated Content (UGC)

• Posts, comments, photos, videos, captions, tags, live interactions, and all content published or transmitted on the platform.
• Metadata attached to UGC, such as upload time, device info, and interaction logs.

1.4 Location Data

• Approximate location inferred from IP address.
• Optional precise location data if you explicitly grant permission (used for region-based discovery or content relevance).

1.5 Transaction and Payment Data

• Purchase history, virtual goods transactions, subscription records, and limited payment-related metadata from app stores.
• We do not store full financial information such as credit card numbers.

1.6 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

• Cookies, app SDKs, pixels, and local storage used to improve app performance, measure engagement, detect fraud, and personalize content.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Operation

• Create and maintain your account.
• Provide features such as posting, following creators, messaging, and content discovery.

2.2 Content Personalization

• Recommend creators, topics, and content based on your preferences and interactions.
• Customize the feed and search results tailored to your behavior.

2.3 Safety, Security, and Compliance

• Detect suspicious activity, prevent fraud, and enforce community guidelines.
• Respond to legal requests or regulatory requirements when applicable.

2.4 Product Improvement

• Understand usage patterns to enhance user experience, improve stability, and develop new features.
• Analyze feedback, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance.

2.5 Communication

• Send service notifications, updates, and account-related messages.
• Provide support responses when you contact service@tiko.blog.

2.6 Marketing and Engagement

• Deliver non-intrusive promotions, creator highlights, campaigns, or feature announcements (you may opt out at any time).

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

• With authorized vendors who support operations such as cloud hosting, analytics, moderation, fraud detection, and customer service.
• These partners are contractually obligated to follow strict confidentiality and data-protection requirements.

3.2 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government authorities.
• This includes investigating fraud, security incidents, or violations of our Terms of Service.

3.3 Business Transfers

• In case of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, or asset sales, user data may be transferred as part of the business assets.
• You will be notified if such transfer results in a change of data protection practices.

3.4 With Your Consent

• We may share information for specific purposes when you explicitly agree (e.g., participating in a creator promotion).

3.5 Publicly Shared Content

• Content you publish (UGC) such as posts, images, videos, and comments may be visible to other users or publicly depending on your settings.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC) Policy

Tiko is a creator-centered platform. To maintain a safe environment, the handling of UGC follows these principles:

4.1 Collection and Storage

• All UGC uploaded to Tiko is stored securely on our servers or authorized cloud providers.
• Metadata, interaction logs, and engagement metrics may also be collected.

4.2 Ownership and License

• You retain ownership of your content.
• By uploading UGC, you grant Tiko a worldwide, royalty-free, transferable license to host, display, reproduce, distribute, and adapt your content solely for operating and improving the service.

4.3 Content Moderation

• UGC may be reviewed by automated systems or human moderators to detect harmful, illegal, or prohibited material.
• Content violating our guidelines may be removed, restricted, or reported to authorities when required.

4.4 Prohibited Content

Users must not upload:

• Violent, hateful, discriminatory, or extremist content.
• Pornographic, explicit, or sexually exploitative material.
• Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) content is strictly prohibited. Any CSAE-related content or behavior will result in immediate account termination and reporting to relevant authorities.

4.5 Reporting Mechanisms

• Users can report content that violates laws or platform rules.
• Verified reports may lead to warnings, content removal, suspension, or permanent bans.

5. Data Storage and Retention

We store your information securely using industry-standard safeguards.

5.1 Storage Locations

• Data may be stored in data centers located in various regions depending on operational needs.

5.2 Retention Periods

• We retain personal information only as long as necessary for legitimate business purposes.
• Deleted accounts trigger irreversible deletion of personal data within a reasonable timeframe unless required for legal obligations.

5.3 Data Security Measures

• Encryption, access controls, secure transmission protocols, and regular security audits are applied to protect your data.
• Despite our efforts, no system is completely immune to security risks.

6. Data Protection and Security

We implement robust technical and organizational safeguards to protect your personal information.

6.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols.
• Automated systems to monitor for unusual activities, unauthorized access attempts, and security threats.

6.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Restricted data access granted only to authorized personnel under confidentiality obligations.
• Regular staff training on privacy protection, data handling, and security best practices.

6.3 Incident Response

• In the event of a data breach, we will investigate promptly, mitigate potential harm, and comply with applicable notification requirements.
• Users will be informed when there is a risk impacting their personal data rights.

6.4 Third-Party Risk Management

• We perform security reviews of vendors and partners handling personal data to ensure they maintain an acceptable protection level.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to ensure platform functionality and enhance your user experience.

7.1 Types of Tracking Tools

• Essential cookies for login sessions and core features.
• Performance tools for crash analytics, latency monitoring, and app stability measurements.
• Interaction analytics for content engagement, feed relevance, and behavior-based optimization.

7.2 Purposes

• Remembering your preferences and account settings.
• Measuring app performance and identifying issues.
• Delivering personalized recommendations and creator highlights.

7.3 Opt-Out Options

• Device-level settings may allow you to limit ad identifiers or restrict certain tracking.
• You may disable optional cookies; however, essential features may not function optimally.

8. How We Communicate with You

We may reach out to you for purposes directly related to the operation and improvement of the service.

8.1 Service Notifications

• Updates regarding account activity, login alerts, policy changes, or content-related actions.

8.2 Support and Troubleshooting

• Responses to your inquiries submitted via service@tiko.blog or through in-app support features.

8.3 Optional Communications

• Invitations to participate in creator campaigns, feedback surveys, feature testing, or community events.
• You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

8.4 Notification Channels

• Email, push notifications, or in-app messages depending on your settings and device permissions.

9. International Data Transfers

As a global platform, we may transfer and process your information across different jurisdictions.

9.1 Cross-Border Processing

• Data may be stored or processed in regions outside your home country to support global operations and ensure reliable service performance.

9.2 Adequate Protection Measures

• When transferring data internationally, we rely on contractual safeguards, encryption, and recognized legal mechanisms to protect your information.

9.3 Local Regulatory Requirements

• Where applicable, we comply with region-specific privacy laws, including obligations related to data access, retention, and user rights.

10. Your Rights and Choices

You have rights regarding how your personal data is accessed, managed, and controlled.

10.1 Access and Correction

• You may request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• You may correct or update inaccurate or incomplete information within your account settings.

10.2 Deletion Requests

• You may request deletion of your account and associated data.
• Certain information may be retained temporarily for legal or security purposes.

10.3 Withdrawal of Consent

• You can withdraw permissions such as location access, notification preferences, and optional data collection at any time.
• Some features may be limited following withdrawal.

10.4 Data Portability (Where Applicable)

• In jurisdictions where this right applies, you may request a copy of your data in a portable format.

10.5 Objection to Processing

• You may object to specific types of processing, such as personalized recommendations or analytics, where permitted by law.

11. Account Management

We provide tools to help you manage your account and maintain control over how your information is used.

11.1 Account Settings

• You may update your profile information, preferences, and privacy controls at any time through the in-app settings.

11.2 Account Suspension and Termination

• We may suspend or terminate accounts involved in policy violations, harmful behavior, or illegal content sharing.
• You may voluntarily deactivate or delete your account at any time.

11.3 Data After Account Deletion

• Upon deletion, most personal information is permanently erased within a reasonable period.
• Some data may be retained temporarily to comply with legal, financial, or anti-abuse requirements.

11.4 Reinstatement

• Certain suspended accounts may be restored after review and verification, depending on the nature of the violation.

12. Community Safety and Enforcement

We prioritize the security and well-being of our global user community.

12.1 Moderation Systems

• Automated tools detect harmful behavior, spam, impersonation, and prohibited content.
• Human moderators may review flagged materials to ensure accuracy and contextual judgment.

12.2 Enforcement Measures

• Warning notices, content removal, feature restrictions, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans may be applied.
• Severe violations, including CSAE, human trafficking, or other criminal activities, lead to immediate reporting to authorities.

12.3 Responsible Use Guidelines

• Users must behave respectfully, follow local laws, and avoid posting misleading, harmful, or exploitative content.
• Misuse of reporting tools or malicious complaints may also result in enforcement actions.

12.4 Protection Against Harassment and Abuse

• Tools such as blocking, muting, and restricting interactions are provided to enhance user safety.
• Repeated offenders may be banned across devices to prevent re-entry.

13. Third-Party Services and Integrations

Tiko may interact with third-party tools and platforms to enhance your experience.

13.1 Analytics and Measurement

• We may use third-party analytics services to understand performance, engagement, and app usage trends.
• These services follow contractual rules requiring responsible data handling.

13.2 Advertising and Promotion (If Applicable)

• Some non-invasive promotional tools may involve third-party SDKs that collect limited technical data.
• Users may control ad identifiers through device settings.

13.3 Links to External Websites

• Tiko may contain links to third-party websites or services over which we have no control.
• We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external platforms.

13.4 Creator Tools and Plugins

• Creators may integrate links or external content to promote their work.
• Users should review those external privacy policies before engaging.

14. Children’s Privacy and CSAE Protection

Tiko is strictly intended for adults.

14.1 Age Restriction

• The service is only available to users aged 18 and above.
• We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18.

14.2 Parental Notifications

• If we discover that a minor has created an account, we will delete the data promptly and restrict access.

14.3 CSAE Zero-Tolerance Policy

• Any form of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) content is strictly prohibited.
• We utilize automated detection tools and manual review to identify CSAE risks.
• Verified CSAE incidents will be immediately reported to relevant global authorities and result in permanent account bans.

14.4 Cooperation with Authorities

• We comply with international regulations and law enforcement requests related to CSAE prevention and investigations.

15. Data Retention and Deletion Procedures

We follow clear retention policies that balance operational needs with user privacy.

15.1 General Retention Rules

• Personal data is kept only for as long as necessary for service delivery, legal compliance, and security purposes.

15.2 UGC Retention

• Content you post may remain as long as your account is active or until you manually delete it.
• Removed or reported content may be stored temporarily for audit, appeals, or legal obligations.

15.3 Logs and Technical Data

• Diagnostic logs and security records are retained for a limited period to ensure platform reliability.

15.4 Backup and Redundancy

• Backups are stored securely and follow controlled rotation cycles to prevent unauthorized access.

16. Permissions and Device Access

To provide a smooth user experience, Tiko may request access to certain device features. You may manage these permissions at any time via your device settings.

16.1 Camera and Microphone

• Required for capturing photos, videos, or participating in creator-related activities.
• Access is only used when you intentionally engage in actions that require these features.

16.2 Photos, Media, and Files

• Allows you to upload UGC such as images or videos.
• We do not modify or delete files without your consent.

16.3 Location

• Approximate location is inferred automatically (e.g., for regional content relevance).
• Precise location is optional and requires explicit permission.

16.4 Notifications

• Enables delivery of updates, creator alerts, and account messages.
• You may opt out of non-essential notifications.

16.5 Device Identifiers

• Used for maintaining security, preventing fraud, and improving platform stability.

17. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

We may use automated processes to enhance user experience, ensure safety, and improve service performance.

17.1 Recommendation Algorithms

• Automated systems analyze your interactions to suggest creators, topics, and content aligned with your preferences.

17.2 Moderation and Safety Automation

• Algorithms may temporarily restrict content or flag suspicious behaviors before human review.
• CSAE, violent, and illegal materials may be automatically detected and escalated.

17.3 Spam and Fraud Detection

• Automated detection helps prevent automated bots, impersonations, and malicious activities.

17.4 User Impact

• You may contact us if you believe an automated decision was inaccurate or unfair.
• Certain decisions may be reviewed manually upon request.

18. Behavioral Analytics and Insights

We analyze aggregated data to improve Tiko’s efficiency and creator ecosystem.

18.1 Engagement Metrics

• Monitoring views, likes, shares, comments, and content trends helps refine the feed.

18.2 Creator Performance Insights

• Creators may receive analytics about audience demographics, reach, and engagement patterns.
• Data provided is aggregated or anonymized where possible.

18.3 Technical Performance Monitoring

• Crash logs, loading speeds, and stability metrics are used to enhance performance across devices and networks.

18.4 A/B Testing and Feature Rollouts

• Limited groups may receive early versions of new features for testing and evaluation.
• Participation is automatic but excludes sensitive data.

19. Policy for Data Subject Requests

We respect and support your rights under applicable laws regarding the handling of your personal information.

19.1 Request Submission

• You may submit privacy-related requests through in-app tools or by contacting service@tiko.blog.

19.2 Verification

• To protect your data, we may require reasonable verification steps before fulfilling a request.

19.3 Response Timelines

• Requests are typically processed within legally required timeframes or within a reasonable period.

19.4 Limitations

• Certain requests may be declined when they conflict with legal obligations, security concerns, or the rights of other users.

20. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect improvements, regulatory changes, or new features.

20.1 Notification of Changes

• Significant updates will be announced via in-app notices, emails, or platform announcements.

20.2 Effective Date

• Each updated version will include a revised “Effective Date” at the top of the document.

20.3 Continued Use

• Continued use of Tiko after policy changes indicates acceptance of the updated terms.

20.4 Archiving

• Previous versions may be archived for compliance and transparency purposes.

21. Contact Us

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

Email: service@tiko.blog

We will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly and assist you in addressing any privacy-related issues.

22. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Privacy Policy is governed by applicable laws in the jurisdictions where we operate.

22.1 Governing Law

• The interpretation and enforcement of this Policy follow the laws applicable to our primary operational region, unless local laws provide otherwise.

22.2 Dispute Resolution

• Most concerns can be resolved by contacting us directly.
• If disputes persist, we may engage in negotiation, mediation, or other lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms consistent with local regulations.

22.3 Regional Variations

• Certain rights or obligations may vary depending on your country or region due to local data protection laws.

23. Severability

If any part of this Privacy Policy is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining sections will remain in full force and effect. This ensures that the Policy remains functional and enforceable even if specific provisions require modification.

24. Entire Agreement

This Privacy Policy constitutes the entire agreement between you and Tiko regarding the handling of your personal information. It supersedes any prior versions or statements relating to privacy practices.

25. Acceptance of This Policy

By accessing or using Tiko, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.

25.1 Voluntary Consent

• Your continued use of the platform signifies your ongoing consent to data processing as described herein.

25.2 Opt-Out by Discontinuation

• If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, your option is to discontinue use of Tiko.

26. Final Statement

We are committed to protecting user privacy and maintaining a safe, transparent, and trustworthy global creator community. Thank you for being part of Tiko.