Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 09/02/2026

This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our scientific publication exploration platform.

What Data We Collect

Personal Information

  • Account Information: Username, email address, and encrypted password
  • Profile Data: Research interests, saved papers, and account preferences
  • Subscription Information: Payment details processed through Stripe for premium features

Usage Data

  • Search Queries: Paper searches and citation exploration patterns
  • Saved Content: Papers added to your library and research collections
  • Analytics Data: Website usage patterns collected through third-party analytics tools
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and session data
  • Usage Limits Tracking: For free accounts, we track search counts, citation map picks and other feature usage to enforce fair-use limits. What we store against your account for this purpose is a running count and a reset date

Research Data

  • Paper Interactions: Which papers you view, citation paths you explore
  • Graph Navigation: How you interact with citation network visualizations
  • Citation Map Use: Browsing the citation map is anonymous and requires no account. When you are signed in and click a point on it, that request reaches our servers with your account attached so the pick can be counted against your plan's allowance; we do not build a history of the map locations you have visited
  • Graph History: Your graph exploration history including papers viewed, timestamps, and graph configurations. Each entry is automatically deleted 90 days after it is created. Free accounts retain their 10 most recent graphs; premium accounts retain up to 100.
  • Shareable Graph URLs: When you share a graph, the configuration is embedded in the URL and may be accessed by anyone with the link

How We Collect Your Data

You directly provide most data we collect when you:

  • Create an account or sign in
  • Search for papers or explore citations
  • Click a point on the citation map to see the papers there
  • Save papers to your library
  • Subscribe to premium features
  • Export papers to BibTeX or other formats
  • Contact our support team

We automatically collect usage data through:

  • Third-party analytics tools (anonymized)
  • AWS services for authentication and data storage
  • Website interaction tracking

How We Use Your Data

We use your information to:

  • Provide Services: Enable paper search, citation exploration, and account features
  • Improve Platform: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our algorithms and user experience
  • Account Management: Authenticate users, process payments, and provide customer support
  • Research Insights: Create aggregate, anonymized data for platform improvements
  • Communication: Send service updates and respond to your inquiries

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your data with:

  • Service Providers: AWS, Stripe, and other trusted partners who help operate our platform
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
  • Anonymized Research: Aggregate, de-identified data for academic research purposes

We do not:

  • Sell your personal information to third parties
  • Share your saved papers, search history, or research data with other users
  • Send marketing communications without your consent

Data Storage and Security

  • Storage: Your data is securely stored using AWS services with encryption
  • Security Measures: We implement industry-standard security protocols
  • Access Control: Limited employee access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
  • Retention: Data is retained as long as your account is active or as required by law
  • Automatic Deletion: Graph history entries are automatically deleted 90 days after they are created for all accounts. Free accounts retain their 10 most recent graphs; premium accounts retain up to 100. Other account data is retained for as long as your account is active.

Your Rights

Under GDPR and other privacy laws, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
  • Restrict Processing: Limit how we process your data
  • Object: Opt out of certain data processing activities
  • Withdraw Consent: Cancel previously given consent

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your login status and preferences
  • Analyze website usage through analytics tools
  • Provide personalized content and features

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Third-Party Services

Our platform integrates with:

  • AWS Cognito: User authentication and management
  • Stripe: Payment processing for subscriptions

These services have their own privacy policies, which we encourage you to review.

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new effective date.

Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact us at:

  • Email: info@papernex.us

Last Updated: 09/02/2026