Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SOTA Papers (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and safeguards information when you use our website (the “Service”). We aim to collect as little personal data as possible.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

• Newsletter data. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect the email address you provide.
• Usage and device data. Like most websites, our hosting and analytics providers may automatically log technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device type, referring page, and pages viewed. This is used in aggregate to understand and improve the Service.
• On-device preferences. Features such as saved articles, reading history, the compare list, and your light/dark theme choice are stored locally in your browser (via localStorage). This data stays on your device and is not transmitted to or stored by us.

We do not require you to create an account, and we do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information.

2. How We Use Information

• to send the newsletter you requested and manage subscriptions;
• to operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Service;
• to understand aggregate usage trends and content performance; and
• to comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

We do not sell your personal information.

3. Cookies, Local Storage, and Analytics

The Service uses browser localStorage to remember your on-device preferences as described above; this is not used for advertising or cross-site tracking. We may use a privacy-conscious analytics service (for example, Google Analytics) to measure aggregate traffic. Analytics providers may set cookies or similar identifiers. You can control or block cookies through your browser settings; doing so will not prevent you from reading articles.

4. Service Providers

We rely on trusted third parties to run the Service, and they process data only as needed to provide their functions:

• Hosting & delivery — our website is hosted and served via a cloud platform and CDN;
• Database & storage — article and asset data is stored with a managed database and storage provider;
• Email delivery — newsletter emails are sent through an email service provider;
• Analytics — aggregate usage measurement, if enabled.

Source academic content is retrieved from arXiv.org, which operates under its own privacy policy.

5. Data Retention

We retain your newsletter email address until you unsubscribe or request deletion. Aggregate usage data is retained only as long as needed for analysis. On-device preferences persist until you clear your browser storage.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights under laws such as the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal data, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent. To exercise these rights, contact us at the address below. You can also unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time using the link in any email.

7. International Data Transfers

Our providers may process and store data in countries other than your own. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) for such transfers.

8. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information against loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date above reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be reflected on this page.

11. Contact

For privacy questions or to exercise your rights, email hello@sotapapers.com. See also our Terms of Service.