1. Introduction

Welcome to Le Crochet ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our crochet pattern creation tools.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and email address (when you contact us or create an account)
• Profile information and preferences
• Crochet patterns and designs you create
• Communication preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• IP address and geolocation data
• Browser type and version
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website and search terms

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site usage, and provide personalized content. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide and maintain our crochet pattern creation services
• Process and respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Improve our website functionality and user experience
• Send you updates, newsletters, and relevant information (with your consent)
• Analyze usage patterns and optimize our services
• Prevent fraud and ensure website security
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent
• To comply with legal obligations or respond to lawful requests
• To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
• With trusted service providers who assist in operating our website (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• In connection with a business transfer or merger

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption, secure server technologies, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize your information.

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 personal information we hold about you
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdrawal of consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.

8. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: