Upgrade Publications™ — Privacy Policy

 

Effective Date: March 9, 2025

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1. Introduction

Upgrade Publications™ (“we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information obtained through our website, publications, email communications, and related digital platforms—including all imprints such as CitySmart Rideshare™.

By accessing or using our website or any associated media, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

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2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you interact with our website, subscribe to our publications, or contact us directly:

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• Personal Information:
  Name, email address, phone number, or other identifiers voluntarily submitted through contact forms or newsletter sign-ups.

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• Usage Data:
  Information automatically collected when you visit our website, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and duration of visits.

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• Cookies and Tracking Technologies:
  We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze traffic, and personalize content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

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3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Provide and improve our content, services, and publications

• Respond to inquiries and provide customer support

• Send newsletters, promotional offers, or relevant updates (only if you opt in)

• Analyze site traffic and user behavior to improve user experience

• Maintain the security and integrity of our website

 

We never sell, lease, or exchange your personal information for financial gain.

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4. Legal Basis for Processing (for EU/EEA Users)

For visitors located in the European Union or European Economic Area, we process personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Your consent for communications or subscriptions

• Contractual necessity for providing requested services or content

• Legitimate interests in maintaining and improving our website and protecting against misuse

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5. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We may share limited information with trusted third-party service providers who assist with operations such as:

• Email delivery and subscription management (e.g., Mailchimp, Brevo, or ConvertKit)

• Website hosting and analytics (e.g., Wix, Google Analytics, or WordPress)

• Payment processing for book purchases (if applicable, e.g., Google Play Books or Amazon KDP)

 

All third parties are required to handle your data in compliance with applicable privacy laws and only for the purposes authorized by Upgrade Publications™.

 

We do not share your information with advertisers or unrelated marketing agencies.

 

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. You may request deletion of your data at any time by emailing us at info@upgradepublications.com.

 

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access – Request a copy of the information we hold about you.

• Correction – Ask us to correct or update inaccurate information.

• Deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”) – Request that we delete your personal data.

• Restriction – Request limited processing of your data.

• Opt-Out – Unsubscribe from newsletters or promotional communications at any time.

 

To exercise any of these rights, contact info@upgradepublications.com with the subject line “Privacy Request.”

 

8. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
However, please understand that no system or data transmission is entirely secure. By using our website, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

 

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website and publications are not directed toward children under 13 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect or store personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately, and we will promptly delete it.

 

10. External Links

Our website and publications may contain links to third-party sites.
We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of external websites. Please review their respective privacy policies before providing any personal information.

 

11. International Data Transfers

Because Upgrade Publications™ is based in the United States, information collected through our website may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. or other countries where our hosting providers operate.
By using our services, you consent to these international data transfers.

 

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our operations, technologies, or legal requirements.
Revisions will be posted on this page with the updated “Effective Date.” Continued use of our website after such updates constitutes acceptance of the new policy.

 

13. Contact Us

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:
📧 info@upgradepublications.com
📍 Houston, Texas

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