Refs

Refs Privacy Policy

Effective: February 3, 2026

Before you scroll, read this

We know that reading a Privacy Policy isn't exactly how you want to spend your time. However, because Refs is a platform built entirely on trust and verification, transparency is our most important feature.

We've written this policy as simply as possible to help you understand what happens when you connect your social accounts, how your Trust Score is calculated, and how we keep your data secure.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Refs is a Public Verification Platform: Your profile, Trust Score, and connected social handles are designed to be viewable and shareable to establish credibility.
  • We Verify, We Don't Post: When you connect accounts like X, Discord, or Instagram, we use them to verify your identity and calculate your score. We do not post to your other social accounts without your explicit permission.
  • You Control Your Visibility: While the core of Refs is public verification, you have granular control over which services and specific details are displayed on your profile.

1. Information We Collect

To provide our verification services and calculate your Trust Score, we collect information in three main categories.

1.1 Information you provide us

To create a Refs account, you provide us with basic login details.

  • Account Information: When you sign up, we collect your email address, username, password, and date of birth.
  • Profile Information: You may provide a bio, profile picture, location, and details about the services you offer.
  • Verification Data: If you choose to verify your identity using a government ID or other methods, we collect the necessary documentation to complete that process.

1.2 Information from connected accounts

The core of the Refs platform involves connecting external social accounts.

  • Social Connections: When you link accounts (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram, Discord), we receive information from those platforms such as your handle, account age, verification status, and follower counts. This data is used specifically to calculate your Trust Score.
  • Platform Tokens: We store secure tokens to maintain these connections, but we never store your passwords for external sites.

1.3 Information we collect automatically

When you use Refs, we automatically collect data about how you interact with the platform.

  • Usage Data: We track your interactions, such as profiles viewed, searches performed, and reviews written.
  • Device Information: We collect information about the device you use, including IP address, browser type, and operating system, to help prevent fraud and secure your account.

2. How We Use Information

We use your data to make Refs the most reliable trust layer on the internet.

2.1 To calculate your Trust Score

Your "Trust Score" is a proprietary metric derived from the longevity, activity, and verification status of your connected accounts. We process your linked account data to update this score in real-time.

2.2 To operate the platform

We use your information to:

  • Create and maintain your public profile.
  • Process and display reviews left by other users.
  • Facilitate search functionality so others can find your services.

2.3 To ensure safety and security

We use data to detect bot activity, prevent spam, and enforce our Community Guidelines. Since we are a trust platform, maintaining the integrity of our user base is critical.

3. When We Share Information

3.1 Publicly

By default, the following information is public on Refs:

  • Your Username and Profile Picture.
  • Your Trust Score.
  • Your Bio and Service Listings.
  • Reviews you have received and reviews you have written.
  • Badges indicating which social platforms you have verified (e.g., "Verified X User").

3.2 With Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform, such as:

  • Cloud Hosting: To store our data securely (e.g., database providers).
  • Image Hosting: To optimize and deliver your profile images.
  • Authentication Services: To secure your login process.

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may preserve or disclose your information if we believe it is reasonably necessary to comply with a law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request; to protect the safety of any person; to address fraud, security, or technical issues; or to protect our rights or property.

4. Your Controls

You have control over your experience on Refs.

  • Access and Update: You can access and edit your profile information directly through your account settings.
  • Manage Connections: You can connect or disconnect social accounts (like X or Facebook) at any time via the "Social Connections" dashboard. Note: Disconnecting accounts may impact your Trust Score.
  • Delete Your Account: You can request the deletion of your Refs account in your settings. This will remove your public profile and Trust Score from our platform.

5. Children

Refs is not directed to children, and you may not use our services if you are under the age of 13. You must also be old enough to consent to the processing of your personal data in your country.

6. User-Authorized Data Import & Responsibility

6.1 User-Authorized Data Import

By using the data import features of the Platform, you expressly authorize and instruct the Platform to access, retrieve, and process data, content, reviews, comments, or other information ("Imported Data") from third-party services, websites, or platforms that you connect or provide to the Platform.

6.2 Your Representations and Warranties

When you import data to the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

Ownership or Control: You are the owner of, or have lawful authority and permission to access and use, the accounts, profiles, pages, listings, or content from which Imported Data is retrieved.

Right to Import: The Imported Data belongs to you, was created by you, or you otherwise have the legal right to use, reproduce, and import such data into the Platform for your own purposes.

6.3 User-Initiated Action

All data imports are performed solely at your direction and request. The Platform acts only as a technical tool to facilitate the import of data that you choose to bring into the Platform.

6.4 Neutral Tool Role

The Platform does not independently collect, source, or initiate the retrieval of third-party data. Any access to third-party services occurs exclusively as a result of your explicit actions and instructions.

6.5 Compliance Responsibility

You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of third-party services and the import of Imported Data complies with applicable laws, regulations, and third-party terms, policies, or agreements.

6.6 No Platform Liability

The Platform does not verify the ownership, accuracy, or legality of Imported Data and disclaims any responsibility for Imported Data that you choose to import, store, or display.

6.7 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Platform from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or disputes arising out of or related to the Imported Data, including claims by third-party platforms or services.

6.8 Explicit Authorization Required

Before each data import, you must explicitly authorize the import by checking the appropriate consent box. This confirms that you have the right to import the data and accept responsibility for its use.

7. Changes to this Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be on this page. If we make a change that we believe meaningfully reduces your rights, we will notify you (for example, by sending an email or displaying a notice when you sign in). By continuing to use Refs after those changes become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Privacy Policy.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Refs Labs Corp Attn: Privacy Operations 3370 E. Pine Ridge Loop Ontario, CA 91761 Email: hello@refs.me