StoriesPublished Privacy Policy
Effective date: November 4, 2026
1. Who we are
StoriesPublished (storiespublished.com) is managed and operated by Blue Ink Media Solutions and ACX Outsourcing Hub, Inc. (SEC Registration No. 2022050052676-57), both based in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. Together they act as the personal information controllers for data collected through the Platform. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, and the choices you have. We follow the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) and its implementing rules, and we respect the privacy rights of users in other countries where those laws apply.
2. Information we collect
| Category | Examples | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Account details | Name, email, password, phone number, profile photo | You, when you sign up |
| Author details | Pen name, bio, payout details, tax information, government ID for verification [confirm] | Authors, during setup |
| Order details | Shipping and billing address, items bought, order history | You, at checkout |
| Payment details | Payment method type and last four digits. Full card numbers are held by our payment processors, not by us | Payment processors |
| Content | Manuscripts, cover art, product designs, reviews, messages to support | You |
| Usage data | IP address, device and browser type, pages viewed, referral links, store visits | Cookies and similar tools |
| Marketing preferences | Newsletter sign-ups, followed authors, email engagement | You and our email tools |
3. How we use your information
| Purpose | Legal basis |
|---|---|
| Create and manage your account and author store | Performance of our contract with you |
| Process orders, print and ship products, and handle refunds | Performance of contract |
| Pay author royalties and meet tax and accounting duties | Legal obligation and contract |
| Provide customer support and send order or account updates | Contract and legitimate interest |
| Send newsletters, author updates, and promotions | Your consent, which you can withdraw at any time |
| Improve the Platform, measure traffic, and fix problems | Legitimate interest |
| Detect fraud, protect accounts, and enforce our Terms | Legitimate interest and legal obligation |
We do not sell your personal information.
4. Who we share it with
We share personal information only as needed to run the Platform.
- Authors receive the name, shipping city or country, and order details of customers who buy their products, so they can see their sales. Authors do not receive payment details. [Confirm whether authors see full shipping addresses or customer emails.]
- Printing and fulfillment partners receive what they need to make and deliver your order.
- Payment processors handle payments and payouts under their own privacy policies.
- Service providers such as hosting, email, analytics, and customer support tools process data for us under written agreements.
- Authorities when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of users and the public.
- A buyer or successor if the Platform is merged, sold, or restructured, with notice to you.
5. Cookies and tracking
We use essential cookies to keep you signed in and remember your cart. With your consent, we also use analytics and advertising cookies to understand how people find the Platform and to measure campaigns. You can change your choices in our cookie banner or your browser settings at any time. Blocking essential cookies may stop parts of the Platform from working.
6. How long we keep data
We keep account information while your account is open. Order and payout records are kept for at least [10] years to meet Philippine tax and accounting rules. Marketing data is deleted when you unsubscribe, apart from a record that you opted out. Other data is deleted or anonymized when it is no longer needed.
7. Security
We protect your information with encryption in transit, access controls, and regular security reviews. Only staff and partners who need the data to do their work can access it. No system is perfectly secure, so please use a strong password and contact us right away if you notice anything unusual. If a breach affects your personal information, we will notify you and the National Privacy Commission as the law requires.
8. International transfers
Our team is based in the Philippines, and some service providers store data in other countries, including the United States [confirm hosting region]. When data leaves the country where it was collected, we use contracts and safeguards to keep it protected to the standard of this policy.
9. Your rights
Under the Data Privacy Act and similar laws, you have the right to:
- Be informed about how your data is used
- Access a copy of your personal information
- Correct information that is wrong or incomplete
- Ask us to delete or block your information, subject to records we must keep by law
- Object to processing, including direct marketing
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Receive your data in a portable format
- File a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (privacy.gov.ph) or your local data protection authority
To use any of these rights, email our Data Protection Officer at [dpo email]. We will reply within 30 days and may ask you to confirm your identity first.
10. Children
The Platform is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. Authors of children's books must not upload personal information about real children without parental consent. If you believe a child has given us data, contact us and we will delete it.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the Platform or the law changes. We will post the new version with a new effective date and email account holders about significant changes.
12. Contact us
Data Protection Officer, StoriesPublished c/o ACX Outsourcing Hub, Inc., [full business address], Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines Email: [dpo email]