Last updated on September 27, 2024.
This privacy policy describes HiCut's privacy practices related to the HiCut mobile application (each application "App" and collectively "Apps") and the website at [www.chongqingsongzan.com](https://www.chongqingsongzan.com/) ("Website").
## Welcome to HiCut's Privacy Policy!
If you decide not to read the entire privacy policy, we want to let you know some key points about HiCut's privacy practices:
* The app is a photo or video editor that allows users to edit portraits with highly realistic facial changes. *Except for providing you with the editing functions of the app, we will not use the photos or videos you provide when using the app for any other purpose. *We use third-party cloud providers to process and edit photos and videos. *You only send the photos or videos you specifically select for editing to the cloud. *During the editing process, photos or videos are temporarily cached on the cloud server and encrypted using a local key stored on the mobile device. *Photos or videos can be retained in the cloud for up to 24 to 48 hours to improve performance and reduce bandwidth for making additional changes to recently selected photos or videos in the best way.
For more information about our privacy practices.
## 1. Information We Collect
1.1. When you use the app and select a photo or video to edit, we cache it for processing to provide the requested editing service:
* The photos or videos you select when using the app**, through the camera or camera roll (if you have granted the app access to the camera or camera roll) or through the in-app internet search function. We only process specific photos and videos that you select to modify using the app; even if you grant us access, we will not collect your photo or video album. We use a local encryption key stored on your device to protect each photo or video you select. This means that the only device that can view the photo or video is the device that submits the photo or video using the app - that is, the user's device. Please note that although we do not require or ask for any metadata attached to the photos or videos you select for editing, by default, metadata (such as including geotags) may be associated with your photos or videos. We take measures to delete any metadata related to the photos or videos you provide when using the app. Photos or videos may be cached in the cloud for a limited time. Within 24 to 48 hours after the last edit, you can return and make other changes.
1.2. When you use the app and website, we may collect some information, including:
* **App usage information and online activity data** , such as the following information: 1) how you use and interact with the app, including the features you use, preferred language, date and time of first installation of the app, and date and time you launch the app; and 2) the referral source of the website. Our service providers and certain third parties (such as online advertising networks and their customers) may also collect this information over time through third-party websites and mobile applications. This information may be collected on our website using cookies, browser web storage (also known as local storage objects or "LSOs"), web beacons, and similar technologies. We may collect this information directly or by using third-party software development kits ("SDKs"). SDKs may enable third parties to collect information directly from the app. *** ** **Purchase history related to the app** , if you choose to purchase an app subscription, we will not receive billing address, credit card, etc. information (because we do not directly distribute subscriptions). We will only receive confirmation from the relevant app store that you are a paid subscriber of the app so that we can provide professional services. *** ** **Device data** , such as the type and version number of your computer and mobile device operating system, manufacturer and model, push token, Google Advertising ID and Apple Advertising ID, browser type, screen resolution, IP address (and your relevant city/country/region), and the website you visited before accessing our website.
In general, only network identifiers such as IP addresses, application instance IDs (assigned to copies of the application installed on a device), and advertising IDs are considered personal data. However, we cannot directly identify you as the data subject based on such identifiers.
1.3. When you contact us by email, we may also collect:
* **Contact information** , such as your name and email address, and information related to your communication.
## 2. How We Use Your Information
2.1. Except for providing you with the editing functions of the app, we will not use the photos or videos you provide when using the app for any other purpose.
2.2. We may use information other than photos and videos for the following purposes:
**Operate and improve the app and website.** We use your personal information to operate, maintain, and provide you with the app and website. In particular, we will use your personal information to fulfill our contractual obligations under the terms of use, such as:
*Communicate with you about the app and website, including sending you announcements (if you choose to "share your email address"), updates, and security alerts (which we may send via push notifications), and responding to your requests, questions, and feedback. *Provide technical support and maintenance for the app.
**Improve, monitor, and protect our app and website** . Improving service and ensuring user safety is in our legitimate business interests. We do this by:
*Conduct statistical analysis of aggregated data related to the use of the app and website (including through the use of third-party services). *Troubleshooting, testing, and research.
**Show you ads.** If you use the free version of the app, we work with advertising partners to display ads in the app. These ads are provided by our advertising partners and may be targeted based on your online activities. Where required by applicable law, we will process your personal information based on your consent, which you can withdraw at any time. Otherwise, we will use your personal information for advertising purposes in line with our legitimate interests. Learn more about your advertising-related choices.
**For compliance, fraud prevention, and security.** As long as it is in our legitimate business interests, we may use and disclose the information we collect (such as device data and app usage information): (a) protect our, your, or others' rights, privacy, safety, or property (including making and defending legal claims); (b) enforce the terms and conditions regarding the app and website; and (c) protect, investigate, and prevent fraud, harmful, unauthorized, unethical, or illegal activities. We may disclose this information to government authorities and other third parties as required by applicable law. We cannot disclose photos and videos that have been cached for processing because we do not store the encryption key.
**Create anonymous, aggregated, or de-identified data.** We may create anonymous, aggregated, or de-identified data and use and share it in line with our legitimate business interests.
2.3. We will only process personal information when our legitimate interests are not overridden by your interests or your fundamental rights and freedoms.
## 3. How We Share Your Information
3.1. We will not disclose users' photos or videos to third parties (temporarily cache encrypted versions through our cloud provider G to provide the photo and video editing functions of the App). We cannot share cached photos and videos for processing because we do not store the encryption key.
3.2. In the following cases, we may share your non-photo, non-video information:
**Affiliates.** For purposes consistent with this privacy policy, we may share information collected from you with our subsidiaries and affiliates.
**Service providers.** We may share your information with service providers who provide services on our behalf or help us operate the app (such as customer support, hosting, analytics, email delivery, marketing, and database management services). These third parties can only use your information in accordance with our instructions or authorizations and in a manner consistent with this privacy policy and cannot use your information for any other purpose.
**Advertising partners.** When using third-party cookies and other tracking tools, our advertising partners may collect information from your device to display ads in the app and promote the website and app (and related content) on other online sites.
**Third-party platforms and social media networks.** You can choose to post edited photos or videos to your social media accounts. We do not control the use of your information by third-party platforms, which is subject to the privacy policies and terms and conditions of that third party.
**Professional advisors.** During the process of professional advisors (such as lawyers and auditors) providing professional services to us, we may disclose your information to them when necessary.
**Business transfer.** In business transactions (or potential business transactions), we may sell, transfer, or otherwise share some or all of our business or assets, including information, such as in corporate divestitures, mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, reorganizations, or sales of assets, or in the event of bankruptcy or dissolution.
**Data sales.** When we conduct a business transfer or asset reorganization, we will make a data declaration. You have the right to know whether your information is sold. You can contact us at songzankeji@gmail.com to inquire whether your information is sold. After notifying you, you have the right to choose not to sell your information. You can contact us at songzankeji@gmail.com to request that your information be retained.
And you can contact us at songzankeji@gmail.com. You have the right to know whether your information is shared, and you have the right to request to stop or refuse the sharing of your information and data.
## 4. Compliance with Laws
We may need to disclose your information to comply with applicable laws, legal requests, and legal processes, such as responding to subpoenas or requests from government authorities, or for the compliance, fraud prevention, and security reasons mentioned above. We cannot access your photos or videos because they are cached in encrypted format and the key is on the user's device, so we cannot disclose such content.
If you are in Virginia, you can enjoy your rights in accordance with the law: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title59.1/
chapter53/section59.1-578/
If you are in California, you can enjoy your rights in accordance with the law:
## 5. Your Choices
**Opt out of push notifications.** You can opt out of push notifications we send to you by changing the settings on your mobile device.
**Device permissions.** You can revoke any permissions previously granted to us through the settings on your mobile device, such as access to your camera, camera roll, or microphone.
**Cloud processing.** You can request us to delete your information, including photos and videos temporarily cached on the cloud service provider, before the automatic 24-48 hour deletion time after editing by clicking the "Request cloud data deletion" button in the "Support" section of the app settings.
**Personal information requests.** We also provide you with choices that affect how we process personal information under our control. Depending on your jurisdiction, you can request the following information about your personal information:
* **Information about how we collect and use your personal information** . We have included this information in this privacy policy and will provide it to you without your request. *** ****Access** a copy of the personal information we have collected about you. Where applicable, we will provide the information in a portable, machine-readable, and easy-to-use format. *** ****Correct** inaccurate or outdated personal information. *******Delete** personal information that we no longer need for providing services or other legitimate purposes. *** ** **Other rights** , such as ** ****Object** and ** ****Request** that we limit the use of your personal information.
To make a request, please send an email to [songzankeji@gmail.com]. We may ask you for specific information to help us confirm your identity. California residents can authorize an "authorized agent" to submit requests on their behalf. We will require authorized agents to confirm their identity and authority in accordance with applicable laws. You have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising the above rights.
If you want to complain about our use of your personal information or our response to your personal information request, you can [contact us at songzankeji@gmail.com].
**Choose not to share your information.** If we need your information to provide you with services or if the law requires us to collect your information, if you do not provide this information when requested (or if you later request the deletion of this information), we may not be able to provide our services to you.
**Your choices are limited.** In some cases, your choices may be limited, for example, whether fulfilling your request would harm the rights of others, our ability to provide the service you request, or our ability to comply with legal obligations and enforce legal rights. If you are not satisfied with how we handle your request, you can contact us and file a complaint in accordance with the "How to Contact Us" section below. Please note that we may need more information to verify your identity and process your request.
## 6. Other Websites, Mobile Applications, and Services
The app may contain links to other websites, mobile applications, and other online services operated by third parties. These links do not constitute our endorsement or affiliation with any third party. In addition, our content may be included in web pages, mobile applications, or online services not related to us. We do not control third-party websites, mobile applications, or online services and are not responsible for their actions. Other websites, mobile applications, and online services follow different rules for collecting, using, and sharing your personal information. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of other websites, mobile applications, and online services you use.
# How to change ads and interest preferences on HiCut?
We want to show you ads that are interesting, fun, and relevant to you! To achieve this goal, we allow advertisers and other partners to show you ads in the services you use based on information collected on other websites and services.
If you don't want ads to be shown to you based on this information, you can read more about different options below!
**Please note:** If you disable these ad features, you will still see ads, but these ads may be less relevant to you. You may also continue to see ads based on information from the service you are using. For example, on HiCut, you may still see ads based on the information you provide to us and the inferences we make based on your activities on HiCut and other HiCut services (such as the stories you watch).
### Audience-based advertising
Audience-based advertising is targeted based on audience lists we receive from advertisers and other partners. These types of ads help advertisers and other partners show relevant ads to their target audiences on HiCut or other services where we place ads.
**HiCut users can opt out of audience-based advertising...**
**On iOS:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Additional Services** " and then click " **Ad Preferences** "
3. Toggle " **Audience-based** " to opt out
**On Android:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Features** " and then click " **Ads** "
3. Click " **Ad Preferences** "
4. Uncheck " **Audience-based** " to opt out
If you change your mind later, you can turn on "Audience-based" again to opt in.
Non-HiCut users can opt out of audience-based advertising by following the instructions listed in "Opt out through device preferences" below.
### Activity-based advertising
We may show you ads based on your activity information outside of HiCut or other services where we show ads. These are called activity-based ads.
For example, if you search for a movie on a website that shares data with HiCut, you may see ads for similar movies.
**HiCut users can opt out of activity-based advertising...**
**On iOS:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Additional Services** " and then click " **Ad Preferences** "
3. Turn off " **Activity-based** " to opt out
**On Android:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Features** " and then click " **Ads** "
3. Click " **Ad Preferences** "
4. Uncheck " **Activity-based** " to opt out
If you change your mind later, you can turn on "Activity-based" again to opt in.
Non-HiCut users can opt out of activity-based advertising by following the instructions listed in "Opt out through device preferences" below.
### Third-party ad networks
HiCut may use third-party ad networks to place ads on HiCut. For this purpose, HiCut will send a limited amount of data (such as IP address, mobile advertising ID, and whether you have seen an ad or interacted with an ad) to the ad network so that the ad network can provide advertising services to us and our advertisers, such as ad targeting, measurement, and optimization.
**HiCut users can opt out of third-party ad networks...**
**On iOS:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Additional Services** " and then click " **Ad Preferences** "
3. Turn off " **Third-party ad networks** " to opt out
**On Android:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open "Settings"
2. Scroll down to " **Features** " and then click " **Ads** "
3. Click " **Ad Preferences** "
4. Uncheck " **Third-party ad networks** " to opt out
If you change your mind later, you can turn on "Third-party ad networks" again to opt in.
### Opt out through device preferences
Your mobile device contains a feature that allows you to opt out of certain types of targeted advertising ("Limit Ad Tracking" on iOS and "Opt out of interest-based ads" on Android). Non-HiCut users can opt out of audience-based and activity-based targeting by turning on the "Limit Ad Tracking" setting on their iOS device or turning on the "Opt out of ad personalization" setting on their Android device. To learn more about how these opt-out features work, check your device settings.### Device data
* HiCut is exploring device solutions, which is an industry trend aimed at promoting the storage of more data on the device rather than on HiCut servers to enhance privacy. Please note that none of these changes will have a significant impact。
on device storage or battery life.
* According to Apple's policy, iOS tracking settings do not apply to data when you use third-party applications and websites on your device.
* You can control HiCut's use of your third-party application and website activities on your device for advertising purposes by opting out of activity-based advertising in "Settings" as described above.
### Lifestyle categories
If you are a HiCut user, HiCut can guess what kind of content you will like based on what you like to watch, so that we can share relevant ads and stories with you!
For example, if you follow racing drivers, like to watch stories about new cars or races, and visit racing websites that share data with HiCut, then we may guess that you are a "car enthusiast". We call these guesses "lifestyle categories". Although HiCut can guess your lifestyle category on its own, you can always decide for yourself!
**To update your lifestyle category...**
**On iOS:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Additional Services** " and then click " **Lifestyle and Interests** "
3. Click on a lifestyle category to turn it on or off.
**On Android:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Features** " and then click " **Ads** "
3. Click " **Lifestyle and Interests** "
4. Click on a lifestyle category to turn it on or off.
### Ad topics
HiCut users can choose to reduce viewing of certain categories of ads, including political, alcohol, and gambling ads.
**To update your preference settings...**
**On iOS:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Additional Services** " and then click " **Lifestyle and Interests** "
3. Scroll down and click **Ad Topics** to turn it on or off.
**On Android:**
1. Click the **⚙️ button** on the profile screen to open **"Settings"**
2. Scroll down to " **Features** " and then click " **Ads** "
3. Click " **Lifestyle and Interests** "
4. Click **Ad Topics** to turn it on or off.
### Consumer choices
Companies that advertise on HiCut may participate in self-regulatory programs that allow you to choose not to collect certain information for interest-based advertising. For more information, including how to opt out of having your information used for interest-based advertising, you can check out the following resources:
* [Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada](https://youradchoices.ca/)
## 7. Security Practices
We use commercially reasonable security measures to help ensure the security of the information collected through our services. However, HiCut cannot guarantee the security of any information you provide, as bad actors may attempt to access, disclose, change, or destroy your information.
Please do your part to help us. You are responsible for always maintaining the confidentiality of your information and controlling access to communications between you and HiCut. We are not responsible for the functions, privacy, or security practices of any other organization.
## 8. Retention
Photos and videos and information related to these photos and videos will be deleted within 24 to 48 hours after editing the last photo or video using the app. This will allow you to revisit the photo or video during this period to make other modifications.
For non-photo and non-video information that we may collect, we will retain such information only for as long as necessary to achieve the purposes set forth in this privacy policy. You can also request us to delete your information by using the **"Request cloud data deletion"** option in the "Support" section of the app settings.
## 9. Cross-border Data Transfers
If we transfer your personal information abroad, these countries may not provide the same level of protection as the data protection laws in your location. When we transfer information internationally, we:
* Ensure that data transfers comply with applicable laws; and *Ensure that relevant safeguards are in place to provide adequate protection for your personal information.
We use various protection measures for each data transfer as needed. For example, we use:
* Standard contractual clauses (or other legal tools such as international data transfer agreements or appendices approved by the UK government) to require third parties to protect your data and provide you with the rights and protections at the EU and UK levels; *Technical protections such as automatic deletion, encryption, and pseudonymization; and *Policies and processes to challenge disproportionate or illegal government requests.
Please note that our technical support team may also access your information outside of your state, province, or country, such as application usage information.
## 10. Children
Our apps and websites are not targeted at children under 13 years old. This explains why we do not intentionally collect data from subjects under 13 years old. If you are under 13 years old, please do not use our apps and websites. If you are a parent or guardian of a person under 13 years old, please do not allow that person to use our apps and websites. In some cases, due to local regulatory requirements, this age may be higher.
## 11. Changes to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time. If we make significant changes to this privacy policy, we will notify you by updating the date of this privacy policy and posting it on the app and website. We may (if required by law) communicate other change notifications to you in a way that we consider reasonably possible (such as through the app).
Any changes to this privacy policy will take effect when we post new terms on the website and/or implement new changes on the app and website (or as otherwise indicated at the time of posting). In any case, your continued use of our services after the posting of any revised privacy policy constitutes your acceptance of the terms of the revised privacy policy.
## 12. Data Controller
All data controllers of HiCut are handled by Chongqing Songzan Technology Co., Ltd. You can contact us at songzankeji@gmail.com.
## 13. How to Contact Us
If you have any comments or questions about this privacy policy, if you have any concerns about your privacy, or if you want to complain about the way HiCut processes your personal data, you can contact our data protection officer at [songzankeji@gmail.com].