Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
This Privacy Policy explains how Austin Richard d/b/a CiteLayer AI ("CiteLayer AI," "we," "us") collects, uses, and shares information in connection with our website at citelayerai.com, our AI visibility (Answer Engine Optimization) services, and our related products including Sigbase and AVie (together, the "Services").
2. Information we collect
We collect information in three ways.
2.1 Information you give us directly
When you request a report, purchase a service, or contact us, we may collect your name, business name, email address, phone number, website URL, city, and the contents of your messages.
2.2 Information we collect automatically
When you visit our website or interact with our emails, we may collect device and usage data (IP address, browser type, pages viewed) and email-engagement data (whether an email was opened and whether links were clicked). See Section 4 on tracking.
2.3 Business information from third-party sources
As part of our outreach, we obtain publicly available and commercially available business contact information (such as a business name, business website, business email, and the name of an owner or principal) from third-party data providers and public sources. This information relates to businesses and business roles, not to private individuals in a personal capacity.
2.4 Payment information
Payments are processed by our payment processor (Stripe). We do not store full payment card numbers on our systems; we receive limited transaction details such as confirmation, amount, and the email used at checkout.
3. How we use information
We use information to:
- Provide, operate, and improve the Services, including running website scans, citation tests, and reports.
- Communicate with you, including sending reports, responding to inquiries, and sending service or marketing emails.
- Process payments and manage your account.
- Maintain the security and integrity of the Services and prevent abuse.
- Comply with legal obligations.
4. Cookies, analytics, and email tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies for functionality and analytics. Our emails may contain tracking pixels and tracked links that tell us whether a message was opened or a link was clicked. You can disable cookies in your browser, and you can stop email tracking by not loading images or by unsubscribing (Section 7).
5. How we share information
We do not sell personal information. We share information with:
- Service providers that operate the Services on our behalf, under contract. These currently include, by category: payment processing, email delivery, business-data sourcing, website crawling and analysis, AI citation testing, and internal communications.
- Legal and safety recipients, when required by law or to protect rights, safety, or property.
- Business transfers, in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
6. Third-party AI engines and websites
The Services analyze how publicly available information appears in third-party AI engines (such as ChatGPT, Google, Perplexity, and Claude) and may link to third-party websites. We do not control those third parties, and their handling of information is governed by their own policies.
7. Your choices and rights
- Email opt-out. Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link. You may also email austin@citelayerai.com to opt out. We honor opt-out requests promptly and within the time required by law.
- Access, correction, and deletion. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information we hold about you. Submit requests to austin@citelayerai.com. We will verify and respond as required by applicable law.
- Do not sell/share. We do not sell personal information.
8. Data retention
We retain information for as long as needed to provide the Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements, then delete or de-identify it.
9. Security
We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Children
The Services are intended for businesses and are not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18.
11. Changes
We may update this Policy. We will post the new version with an updated effective date.