Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2026-03-18

Effective Date: March 1, 2026
Last Updated: March 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how StaySpark ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses, stores, and shares your information when you use our platform at stayspark.io. StaySpark is owned and operated by Matt Brown, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

We believe in transparency. This policy is written in plain English — no buried surprises.


1. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to:

  • Hosts — Users who create accounts and build direct booking websites on StaySpark
  • Guests — People who book stays through StaySpark-powered websites
  • Visitors — Anyone browsing stayspark.io or a StaySpark-generated website

2. What We Collect

From Hosts (Account Holders)

DataWhy
Name, email addressAccount creation, communication
Password (hashed)Authentication via NextAuth.js
Subscription & billing infoPayment processing via Stripe
Property details & photosGenerating your direct booking website
Airbnb/VRBO listing URLsImporting your listing data
Usage dataImproving the platform

From Guests (Bookers)

DataWhy
Name, email, phone numberBooking confirmation & communication
Payment informationProcessed by Stripe — we never see full card numbers
Booking details (dates, property, guests)Fulfilling the reservation

Automatically Collected

DataWhy
Page views & basic analyticsUmami Analytics (privacy-friendly, no cookies, no personal data) and Microsoft Clarity (UX analytics)
Device type, browser, general locationStandard web analytics
Cookies (essential only by default)See our Cookie Policy

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your information to:

  • Provide the Service — Generate websites, process bookings, send confirmations
  • Process payments — Via Stripe Connect for guest bookings and subscription billing
  • Communicate with you — Transactional emails (booking confirmations, account updates) via Resend
  • Improve the platform — Analytics, bug fixing, feature development
  • Generate content — Your listing data is processed through OpenAI/Anthropic APIs to create website content
  • Send marketing emails — Only with your consent (see Marketing Consent)
  • Comply with legal obligations — Tax reporting, legal requests

4. How We Share Your Data

We do not sell your personal data. Period.

We share data with these service providers, solely to operate the Platform:

ProviderPurposeData Shared
StripePayment processingBilling info, transaction data
VercelWebsite hostingAll website content, traffic data
SupabaseDatabase & file storageAccount data, property data, photos
OpenAI / AnthropicAI content generationProperty descriptions, listing details
Umami AnalyticsPrivacy-friendly analyticsAnonymized page views (no personal data)
Microsoft ClarityUX analytics (session replay, heatmaps)Anonymized interaction data
ResendEmail deliveryEmail addresses, email content

We may also share data:

  • When required by law, subpoena, or legal process
  • To protect StaySpark's rights, safety, or property
  • In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (we'll notify you)

AI Processing Disclosure

When you paste a listing URL or create content, we send property information to OpenAI and/or Anthropic APIs to generate your website. This data is processed according to their API terms (not used to train their models under current API agreements). We do not send guest personal data to AI services.

5. Data Storage & Security

  • Where: Your data is stored in the United States via Supabase (database and file storage) and Vercel (hosting)
  • Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit (TLS/HTTPS) and at rest
  • Authentication: Managed via NextAuth.js with secure session handling
  • Payments: All payment data is handled by Stripe (PCI DSS Level 1 compliant) — we never store credit card numbers
  • Access: Limited to essential personnel on a need-to-know basis

No system is 100% secure. We implement reasonable safeguards but cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

  • Active accounts: We retain your data as long as your account is active
  • Closed accounts: We delete your data within 90 days of account closure, except where required by law (e.g., tax records)
  • Guest booking data: Retained as long as the host's account is active, or as required for legal/tax purposes
  • Analytics: Umami and Microsoft Clarity retain anonymized analytics data per their respective retention policies

7. Your Rights

All Users

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Delete your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
  • Export your data in a portable format
  • Opt out of marketing communications

To exercise any of these rights, email us at support@stayspark.io.

California Residents (CCPA)

If you're a California resident, you additionally have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect and why
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell your data)
  • Non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To make a CCPA request, email support@stayspark.io with "CCPA Request" in the subject line. We'll respond within 45 days.

European Residents (GDPR)

If you're in the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, you have additional rights under GDPR:

  • Legal basis for processing: Contract performance (providing the Service), legitimate interest (improving the platform), and consent (marketing emails)
  • Data portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format
  • Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interest
  • Right to restrict processing
  • Right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

For GDPR requests, email support@stayspark.io with "GDPR Request" in the subject line.

Host Responsibilities for Guest Data

If you're a host, you act as the data controller for your guests' personal data. StaySpark acts as a data processor on your behalf. See our Data Processing Agreement for details. You are responsible for:

  • Having a legal basis to collect guest data
  • Informing guests about how their data is used
  • Responding to guest data requests related to your properties

8. Cookies

We use minimal cookies. See our Cookie Policy for full details. In short:

  • Essential cookies: Required for the platform to function (authentication, session management)
  • Analytics: Umami Analytics is cookie-free by design; Microsoft Clarity may use session cookies for UX improvement
  • No third-party tracking cookies by default

9. Children's Privacy

StaySpark is not intended for anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a minor has provided data to us, contact support@stayspark.io and we'll delete it promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

StaySpark is based in the United States. If you access the platform from outside the US, your data will be transferred to and processed in the US. By using StaySpark, you consent to this transfer. We rely on Standard Contractual Clauses and other appropriate safeguards for transfers from the EEA/UK.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make significant changes:

  • We'll update the "Last Updated" date
  • We'll notify you by email for material changes
  • Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

12. Contact Us

Questions or concerns about your privacy?

  • Email: support@stayspark.io
  • Website: stayspark.io

This Privacy Policy was last updated on March 1, 2026.