Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 21, 2025

1. Introduction

WhutNext ("we," "our," or "us") operates the WhutNext platform, a decision-making and scenario exploration tool. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service, including our SMS notification features.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account information

• Email address (for account creation and authentication)
• Display name (optional)
• Authentication tokens from Google Sign-In (if used)

2.2 SMS communication data

• Phone number (only when you explicitly provide it for SMS notifications)
• SMS delivery status and timestamps
• Opt-in and opt-out preferences

2.3 Usage data

• Scenario progress and choices made
• User preferences and settings
• Basic technical information (browser type, device type)

2.4 Data we do NOT collect

• We do not use tracking cookies or analytics cookies
• We do not collect personal information for advertising purposes
• We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing

3. SMS Notifications

3.1 Consent and opt-in

SMS notifications are completely optional. By providing your phone number and enabling SMS notifications, you explicitly consent to receive text messages from WhutNext regarding:

• New scenario notifications
• Urgent scenario alerts (when marked as urgent)
• Account-related communications

3.2 Message frequency

Message frequency varies based on your preferences and scenario activity. You control when and how often you receive notifications through your account settings.

3.3 Standard messaging rates

Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile carrier for details about your messaging plan.

3.4 SMS service provider

We use SimpleTexting as our SMS service provider. SimpleTexting processes your phone number and message delivery on our behalf under strict data processing agreements.

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Service operations

• Providing and maintaining the WhutNext platform
• Authenticating your account and ensuring security
• Saving your progress and preferences
• Sending SMS notifications (with your consent)

4.2 Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and support requests
• Sending important account or service updates
• Delivering SMS notifications about scenarios (with your consent)

4.3 Service improvement

• Analyzing usage patterns to improve our platform
• Debugging technical issues
• Developing new features and scenarios

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent: for SMS notifications and optional features
• Contract performance: to provide the WhutNext service
• Legitimate interest: to improve our service and ensure security

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 Third-party service providers

We may share limited data with trusted service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Firebase / Google Cloud: database hosting and authentication
• SimpleTexting: SMS message delivery
• Google: authentication services (Google Sign-In)

6.2 Legal requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights and safety.

6.3 No sale of data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

7. SMS Compliance and Your Rights

7.1 Opt-out procedures

You can stop SMS notifications at any time by:

• Replying "STOP" to any SMS message
• Disabling SMS notifications in your account settings
• Contacting us at the information provided below

7.2 TCPA compliance

We comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by:

• Obtaining explicit consent before sending SMS messages
• Providing clear opt-out mechanisms
• Honoring opt-out requests immediately
• Maintaining records of consent and opt-outs

7.3 Data subject rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data
• Withdraw consent for SMS notifications
• Port your data to another service

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Secure data processing agreements with service providers

9. Data Retention

9.1 Account data

We retain your account information as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services.

9.2 SMS data

• Phone numbers: retained until you opt out or delete your account
• SMS delivery logs: retained for 12 months for compliance and troubleshooting
• Consent records: retained for 5 years as required by law

9.3 Deletion requests

Upon request, we will delete your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in the United States, where our servers and service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers.

11. Children's Privacy

WhutNext is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending an email notification (if you have an account)
• Providing in-app notifications

13. Contact Information

14. State-Specific Rights

14.1 California residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

14.2 European residents (GDPR)

European residents have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date listed above and governs your use of WhutNext and our SMS notification services.