Privacy Policy

AniMate (萌灵) is a desktop companion application developed and operated by channing xiao, an individual software developer (“the developer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices.

1. Summary

• We collect minimal data needed to license the Software and improve reliability.
• Payment and billing data are handled by our third-party payment provider, not stored on our servers.
• We do not sell your personal information.
• Your imported VRM models and local app settings stay on your device unless you choose to share them.

2. Information we collect

2.1 License & device data

When you activate a license, we may collect:

• License key and activation status
• A device or machine identifier used to bind the license (to prevent abuse)
• App version and platform (Windows / macOS)

2.2 Website & marketing site

When you visit our landing page, standard web logs may include:

• IP address, browser type, and referring URL
• Language preference (including optional IP-based locale detection)
• Basic analytics (if enabled), such as page views — aggregated where possible

2.3 Support communications

If you email us at [email protected], we receive the content of your message and your email address to respond to your request.

2.4 Payment data

Purchases are processed by a third-party payment provider as Merchant of Record. The payment provider collects payment details (e.g., card or PayPal information), billing address, and transaction records. We receive limited purchase metadata (e.g., email, product purchased, transaction ID) to deliver your license — not your full payment card number.

Payment data is subject to our payment provider’s privacy policy, available at checkout or on your purchase receipt.

3. Information we do not collect

• We do not require an account to use the desktop app.
• We do not upload your VRM models, screenshots, or local configuration files by default.
• We do not access your microphone, camera, or files beyond what the app needs to run on your device.

4. How we use information

• Validate and manage software licenses
• Deliver license keys and purchase confirmations
• Provide customer support
• Improve stability and security (e.g., crash diagnostics if you opt in or submit reports)
• Comply with legal obligations

5. Legal bases (EEA / UK)

Where applicable, we process personal data based on:

• Contract — to deliver the Software and license you purchased
• Legitimate interests — fraud prevention, security, and product improvement
• Consent — where required (e.g., optional analytics or marketing)
• Legal obligation — tax, accounting, or regulatory requirements

6. Sharing

We may share data with:

• Payment provider — payment processing and order fulfillment
• Hosting providers — website and license infrastructure
• Authorities — when required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

7. Retention

We retain license and purchase records as long as needed to honor your license, handle support, and meet legal obligations. Support emails are kept for a reasonable period unless you request deletion where applicable.

8. Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data, and to object or withdraw consent. Contact us at [email protected]. You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

10. Children

AniMate is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

11. International transfers

Data may be processed in countries other than yours. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.

12. Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Material changes may be communicated via email or in-app notice where appropriate.

13. Contact

Privacy inquiries: [email protected]
Operated by channing xiao (individual developer). For privacy requests, contact us at the support email above.