Overview
Star Connect Hub ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website at starconnecthub.com and related services. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect information about you when you use our platform.
By using Star Connect Hub, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.
Short version: We collect only what we need to run the platform. We don't sell your data. We use Bitcoin for payments, which are processed on the public blockchain. You can request deletion of your account data at any time.
Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
- Account information: Your full name, email address, and password when you register for an account.
- Creator application data: Phone number, social media handles, professional category, biography, and identity verification documents submitted during creator onboarding.
- Communications: Messages you send through the platform's chat and booking system, including your requests and preferences shared with creator teams.
- Profile information: Any optional profile details you choose to add, such as a profile photo, location, or bio.
Information collected automatically
- Usage data: Pages visited, features used, booking history, and session duration to help us improve the platform.
- Device information: Browser type, operating system, and IP address for security and fraud prevention.
- Local storage: We store session tokens and preferences in your browser's localStorage. This data stays on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless required for a specific feature.
How We Use Your Information
- To create and manage your account
- To process bookings and facilitate connections between fans and creators
- To send you verification codes, booking confirmations, and service updates via email
- To verify creator identities before they go live on the platform
- To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service
- To improve our platform through aggregated, anonymised usage analytics
- To respond to your support requests and enquiries
- To comply with legal obligations
We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose other than operating the Star Connect Hub platform.
Bitcoin Payments
Star Connect Hub exclusively processes payments via Bitcoin. When you make a payment:
- We do not collect or store your credit card, bank account, or other traditional payment details.
- Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the public blockchain and are inherently transparent. Your transaction ID and wallet address may be visible on the blockchain explorer.
- We use Blockstream's public API to verify payment confirmations. Your transaction data is sent to Blockstream's servers solely for this verification purpose.
- Creator payouts are processed to the Bitcoin wallet address you provide. We are not responsible for funds sent to an incorrect wallet address.
- Funds are held in a platform escrow wallet until session delivery is confirmed, at which point they are released to the creator.
Important: Bitcoin transactions are irreversible once confirmed on the blockchain. Please verify all payment details carefully before sending.
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share data only in the following limited circumstances:
Service providers
- EmailJS: We use EmailJS to send transactional emails (verification codes, welcome emails). Your name and email address are transmitted to EmailJS solely for this purpose. EmailJS has its own privacy policy.
- Blockstream: Transaction IDs are shared with Blockstream's public API to confirm Bitcoin payment status.
Legal requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Star Connect Hub, our users, or the public.
Business transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your data becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. Specifically:
- Account data: Retained while your account is active. Deleted within 30 days of an account deletion request.
- Creator identity verification: Retained for 7 years as required by applicable regulations to prevent fraud.
- Booking and chat records: Retained for 2 years for dispute resolution purposes.
- Payment records: Bitcoin transaction IDs retained for 7 years for financial record-keeping.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data (subject to legal retention requirements).
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
- Objection: Object to certain processing of your data.
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at starconnecthub@gmail.com. We respond to all requests within 30 days.
Cookies & Local Storage
We use browser localStorage (not cookies) to store:
- Your session state (whether you are logged in)
- Your display name and profile preferences
- Creator application data before submission
- Chat message history with creator teams
This data is stored locally on your device. You can clear it at any time by clearing your browser's site data. We do not use tracking cookies or third-party advertising pixels.
Age Policy
Star Connect Hub is intended for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at starconnecthub@gmail.com and we will delete that information.