Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 20, 2025

At FindTheChords.com, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our free chord finder tool.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Audio Files

When you upload audio files or provide YouTube URLs for chord analysis:

  • Audio files are processed locally in your browser whenever possible
  • YouTube URLs are processed server-side to extract audio
  • We do NOT permanently store your uploaded audio files
  • Temporary files created during processing are deleted immediately after analysis
  • Analysis results (chords, key, BPM) are displayed to you but not stored on our servers

1.2 Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Device information (desktop, mobile, tablet)
  • IP address (anonymized)
  • Pages visited and time spent on each page
  • Referring website

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies for:

  • Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly
  • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (via Google Analytics)
  • Advertising cookies: Used by Google AdSense to display relevant ads

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may affect site functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To analyze audio files and provide chord detection results
  • Improvement: To improve our algorithms and user experience
  • Analytics: To understand user behavior and optimize our website
  • Communication: To respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • Advertising: To display relevant ads through Google AdSense
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.

3.2 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous information. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

3.3 YouTube

When you provide YouTube URLs, we use yt-dlp to extract audio from YouTube videos. This process is subject to YouTube's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We recommend only analyzing videos you have rights to use.

3.4 Hosting Services

Our website is hosted on Vercel. Your data may be processed on their servers. Vercel complies with GDPR and has appropriate security measures in place.

4. Data Security

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

  • HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
  • Secure server infrastructure
  • Immediate deletion of temporary files after processing
  • No permanent storage of user audio files
  • Regular security audits and updates

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

  • Audio Files: Deleted immediately after analysis (within seconds)
  • Usage Data: Retained for up to 26 months (Google Analytics default)
  • Server Logs: Retained for up to 90 days for security purposes
  • Email Communications: Retained as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry

6. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • Access: Request access to personal information we hold about you
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
  • Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@findthechords.com.

7. Children's Privacy

FindTheChords.com is intended for general audiences and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at privacy@findthechords.com.

8. International Users

FindTheChords.com is operated from the United States. If you are accessing our website from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

9. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for responding to DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can control tracking through cookie settings and opt-out tools mentioned in this policy.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

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

12. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: You have given clear consent for specific processing purposes
  • Legitimate Interest: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (improving our service)
  • Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with the law

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not complied with GDPR.

13. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
  • Right to delete personal information
  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@findthechords.com.