TCM Acupuncture Atlas logoTCM Atlas

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

TCM Acupuncture Atlas ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Traditional Chinese Medicine tongue analysis platform.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address
  • Password (encrypted)
  • Account preferences and settings
  • Subscription and payment information (processed securely through Stripe)

1.2 Tongue Analysis Images

When you submit a tongue image for analysis:

  • Tongue images submitted for detection may be handled by our secure application infrastructure and processed on Google Cloud servers located in the European Union during the request
  • Images are not stored by the image detection service and are not sent to third-party AI providers unless you explicitly use AI advisory or image analysis features
  • When using AI advisory or image analysis features, compressed images and the relevant prompt context are sent to OpenAI, our third-party AI provider in the United States, solely to generate the requested response and are subject to their data processing policies

1.3 Expert User Contributions

If you have expert status and upload annotated tongue images:

  • Uploaded images and annotations become part of our research database
  • These may be used for model training, research, and educational purposes
  • You must ensure you have proper patient consent and comply with HIPAA, GDPR, and other applicable laws

1.4 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your use of our platform:

  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • IP address (anonymized)
  • Pages visited and features used
  • Aggregated analytics data through our analytics provider

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain our tongue analysis services
  • Process your subscription and payments
  • Send you important account and service updates
  • Improve our AI models and platform features
  • Conduct research to advance Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Respond to your support requests
  • Comply with legal obligations

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information only in these limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

  • Infrastructure and database providers: Hosting, authentication, database, and analytics services
  • Stripe: Payment processing
  • Google Cloud: EU-hosted infrastructure for tongue image detection
  • OpenAI: Third-party AI processing in the United States for AI-powered advisory responses and image analysis (only when you explicitly use these features)

3.2 Legal Requirements

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

3.3 Research and Education

Expert-contributed images and annotations may be used for academic research and educational purposes, with all personally identifiable information removed.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

  • All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
  • Passwords are hashed using bcrypt
  • Database access is restricted and monitored
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Initial tongue image detection is processed through our secure application infrastructure on EU-hosted servers, and images are not stored by the image detection service

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update or correct your account information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
  • Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
  • Object: Object to certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us at tcmatlas.contact@gmail.com

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services:

  • Account data: Until you request deletion or your account is inactive for 3 years
  • Payment records: As required by financial regulations (typically 7 years)
  • Expert contributions: Indefinitely for research purposes (with identifiers removed)
  • Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized after 2 years

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use essential cookies for:

  • Authentication and session management
  • User preferences and settings
  • Analytics to improve our platform

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

8. International Data Transfers

Our services are hosted globally. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations.

9. Children's Privacy

Our platform is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

10. Medical Disclaimer

Our tongue analysis tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, clinical assessment, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers for medical decisions.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through a prominent notice on our platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests, please contact us:

13. GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our lawful basis for processing includes:

  • Consent: For AI Chat and expert data contributions
  • Contract: To provide our services
  • Legitimate Interest: For platform improvement and security
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws

By using TCM Acupuncture Atlas, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.