Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting TG Compass (the “Site”). Your privacy is a top priority for us. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you use our Telegram search engine service, located at https://tgcompass.com. Because our service is free and does not require an account, we aim to collect as little personal data as possible.
1. Information We Collect (and What We Don't)
We follow a “privacy-first” approach, which means most of your interactions with TG Compass do not require us to collect any personal information from you.
Search Data: When you conduct a search on TG Compass, your search query is processed in real-time to display results. We do not store, log, or track your search history, keywords, or the links you click on. Your searches remain private.
Account Information: We do not require you to create an account or log in to use our core search feature. Consequently, we do not collect personal identifiers such as your name, email address, phone number, or a username.
Usage Data & Logs: Like most websites, our servers automatically record standard technical information when you visit. This may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring page, and timestamps. This data is used for aggregate statistical analysis, to monitor website performance, and to ensure security against malicious attacks. We do not use this log data to identify individual users or track your browsing activity across other websites. This data is retained for a limited period and then automatically deleted or anonymized.
Cookies: We may use essential cookies to help our website function properly. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking cookies. You can configure your browser to refuse all cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. However, please note that some parts of our Site may not function properly without them.
2. How We Use Your Information
Because we collect minimal data, the ways we use that data are very limited:
- To Provide and Improve the Service: We use aggregated, anonymous technical data to understand how visitors use our Site, which helps us improve search relevance, fix bugs, and optimize performance.
- For Security and Legal Compliance: We may use IP addresses and server logs to diagnose problems, investigate security incidents, prevent fraud or abuse (e.g., denial-of-service attacks, scraping), and comply with applicable legal obligations (e.g., responding to a valid court order).
We do not and will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.
3. Third-Party Links and Telegram
Our website contains links to external websites, including links to Telegram groups, channels, and bots (usually t.me URLs). Please be aware:
- We Do Not Control Third Parties: Once you click on a Telegram link, you leave TG Compass and are redirected to Telegram's platform. TG Compass does not own, control, or endorse any third-party website or service.
- Telegram's Privacy Policy: Your interaction with any Telegram group or channel is governed entirely by Telegram's own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to review Telegram's privacy policy to understand how they collect, use, and share your information.
- Third-Party Content: We are not responsible for the data practices of any third-party websites or services linked from our Site.
4. Cookies Policy
When you visit TG Compass, we may place cookies on your device. Here is how we use them:
Strictly Necessary Cookies: These are essential for the Site to function correctly. They enable core features like search functionality and maintaining a consistent user experience. You cannot disable these without affecting the Site's performance.
Functional Cookies: These cookies remember your preferences (such as language or region settings) to make your future visits more convenient.
Analytics Cookies: We may use a privacy-focused analytics service (such as Plausible or a self-hosted version of Matomo) that does not use cookies or collect personal data. These tools provide us with high-level, aggregated statistics (e.g., total number of visitors, popular search terms) without identifying individual users.
Your Cookie Choices: Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically delete existing cookies, block new cookies, or receive a warning before a cookie is stored. Please consult your browser's “Help” section for instructions. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies may cause parts of our Site to malfunction.
5. Children's Privacy
Protecting the privacy of children is critically important. Our Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any Personal Identifiable Information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately (see Section 10). If we discover we have inadvertently collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect any information we hold from loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. This includes using HTTPS encryption for all data transmitted between your browser and our servers, enforcing strong access controls to our systems, and regularly updating our software.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, while we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
7. International Data Transfers
If you are accessing our Site from outside the country where our servers are located (presently in the United States), please be aware that technical information (such as server logs) may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States. The data protection laws in the United States may differ from those in your country. By using our Site, you consent to this transfer.
We comply with applicable legal frameworks for international data transfers, including where relevant, the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and its UK extension. We also implement Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) as approved by the European Commission, where required, to ensure adequate protection for personal data transferred from the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland to the United States.
8. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR, CCPA, and More)
Depending on where you live, you may have certain legal rights regarding your personal information. TG Compass is designed to minimize data collection, but these rights may still apply to the limited technical data we temporarily process (e.g., IP addresses in server logs).
For European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and Swiss Residents (GDPR):
You have the right to: Access, Rectification, Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”), Restriction, Portability, Object, and Withdraw Consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at legal@tgcompass.com. Because we do not create user accounts, we may need to ask you for specific information to help us confirm your identity (such as the approximate time and date of your visit).
If you are in the EEA, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.
For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA):
California law provides additional rights, including the right to: Know, Delete, Opt-Out, and Non-Discrimination. Please note: TG Compass does not sell or share personal information.
To make a request, please contact us at legal@tgcompass.com. We will verify your identity using information you provide about your use of our Service (e.g., IP address, timestamps).
For Other Jurisdictions:
We extend the core principles of this policy (transparency, minimal collection, and no selling of data) to all users, regardless of location. If your local law provides additional privacy rights, please contact us, and we will honor those rights to the extent required by law.
9. Legal Basis for Processing (for GDPR Purposes)
For our users in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland, we rely on the following legal bases to process your information:
- Legitimate Interests: We process technical data (e.g., server logs) to maintain the security, functionality, and performance of our Site (Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR).
- Compliance with a Legal Obligation: We may process data when necessary to comply with applicable laws or respond to lawful legal requests (Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR).
- Consent: For non-essential cookies and similar technologies, we rely on your consent where required by law (Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR).
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of the Site after any changes to this policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Primary: legal@tgcompass.com
General: contact@tgcompass.com