Privacy Policy | Steps AI (Aide)
1. Introduction
Steps AI LLC ("Steps AI," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency in how we collect, process, and use it. This Privacy Policy outlines our data collection practices, your rights regarding your personal data, and how we maintain compliance with global data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
By using Aide, our AI-powered platform, and related services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please discontinue use of Aide immediately.
2. Scope of this Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- •All users of Aide (our AI-powered assistant)
- •Visitors to our website and other related digital properties
- •Customers who use our subscription-based AI services
- •Third-party integrations (e.g., Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce) within Aide
- •Any data collected, stored, processed, or transferred as part of our AI functionalities, analytics, or customer support operations
This Policy does not apply to:
- •Third-party websites or services linked to from Aide (e.g., external authentication providers)
- •Data processed by enterprise customers under their own legal agreements
Certain Aide features or services may have supplemental privacy statements that provide additional details on data handling practices.
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Personal Information You Provide
We collect personal information that you provide directly when:
- •Creating an account (name, email address, end-end encrypted password)
- •Connecting third-party integrations authentication details (e.g., Google Drive, Slack, salesforce)
- •Interacting with customer support (error logs/ troubleshooting details, email inquiries)
- •Providing billing information for paid subscriptions (payment details are handled securely by third-party processors)
- •Submitting forms (e.g., demo requests, feedback surveys)
3.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use Aide, we may automatically collect the following:
- •Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system
- •Usage Data: How you interact with Aide (e.g., features used, query history)
- •Log Data: System logs that record errors, performance issues, and user activity for security monitoring
3.3 Information Collected from Third Parties
We may receive additional personal information from third-party sources, including:
- •Enterprise Clients: If your employer provides access to Aide, we may receive your work email and role information
- •Third-Party Integrations: If you connect Google Drive, Slack, or other services, we collect relevant metadata only as authorized
- •Marketing & Business Partners: We may collect lead-generation data for business development purposes
3.4 Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools to:
- •Enhance user experience by remembering preferences
- •Monitor platform performance and security threats
- •Analyze website traffic and improve our marketing efforts
Users can manage cookie preferences through browser settings.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following legitimate business purposes:
4.1 Service Delivery & Functionality
- •To provide and improve Aide's AI-powered services (e.g., personalized AI responses, workflow automation)
- •To authenticate users and manage accounts (e.g., login, password recovery)
- •To process transactions and manage subscriptions (for paid users)
- •To offer AI-powered recommendations and insights based on user interactions
4.2 Communications & Customer Support
- •To send service-related notifications (e.g., security alerts, account updates)
- •To provide customer support (e.g., resolving issues, troubleshooting)
- •To send surveys and gather user feedback for product improvement
4.3 AI Model Training & Enhancement
- •To refine and optimize AI responses (we use anonymized and aggregated data to improve Aide's accuracy and efficiency)
- •To analyze user behavior (to enhance product experience and optimize AI algorithms)
- •To detect and prevent fraudulent, illegal, or unauthorized activities
4.4 Legal, Security & Compliance
- •To comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other data privacy laws
- •To detect, investigate, and prevent security threats and fraudulent activities
- •To comply with legal obligations or government requests
Important Note:
Aide does not use personal user data for advertising, selling to third parties, or tracking users across external platforms.
5. Data Storage, Security, and Retention
5.1 Where We Store Your Data
Steps AI stores user data securely on AWS data centers in the United States. Enterprise clients may opt for regional storage options or in-house data storage options regulatory requirements.
5.2 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security controls to protect user data, including:
- •End-to-end encryption (AES-256) for stored data
- •Secure HTTPS (TLS 1.2+) connections for data transmission
- •Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin access
- •Regular security audits and penetration testing
- •Strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive data
5.3 Data Retention Policy
- •Account Data: Retained as long as the account is active. If deleted, data is removed within 30 days unless legally required to retain it
- •AI Chat History: Retained for user experience optimization, but does not persist beyond user sessions unless explicitly enabled by enterprise clients
- •Third-Party Integration Data: Retained only during the session (not stored permanently)
- •Billing & Compliance Data: Retained for seven (7) years as per financial regulations
Data Deletion Requests: Users can request permanent data deletion by emailing tech@stepsai.co
6. Third-Party Integrations and Data Sharing
6.1 Third-Party Integrations
Aide integrates with third-party platforms, including:
- •Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce, etc (for AI-powered searches)
- •Payment Processors (Stripe, PayPal) (for subscription billing)
- •Analytics & Performance Tools (for improving service quality)
Important:
- •We do not store third-party data permanently unless an enterprise user enables synchronization
- •We only access third-party data based on user permissions and do not modify or delete content
6.2 Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell personal data, but may share it in the following cases:
- •With Service Providers: Cloud hosting, analytics, and security partners who process data on our behalf
- •For Legal Compliance: If required by law, regulation, or a court order
- •With Business Partners: Only if users opt in for additional services or enterprise integrations
- •During a Business Transfer: In case of mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales, users will be notified before data transfer
Steps AI ensures all third-party partners comply with GDPR, CCPA, and security best practices.
8. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Steps AI uses cookies and tracking technologies to enhance the user experience, improve security, and analyze website traffic.
8.1 Types of Cookies We Use
- 1.Essential Cookies – Required for platform functionality and security
- 2.Analytical Cookies – Used to track site usage and improve performance
- 3.Functional Cookies – Enhance AIDE platform personalization (e.g., remembering preferences)
- 4.Advertising Cookies – Not used by Steps AI (we do not track users for ad targeting)
8.2 Managing Your Cookie Preferences
- •Browser Settings: You can disable or delete cookies through your browser
- •Do Not Track (DNT): Aide does not currently respond to DNT signals due to a lack of industry standards
- •Cookie Banner: First-time visitors are given options to accept or customize cookie settings
Third-Party Analytics: Steps AI uses tools like Google Analytics for website performance tracking. Data collected is anonymized and used solely for internal improvements.
9. Legal Disclosures & Compliance
9.1 Compliance with Global Data Protection Laws
Steps AI complies with GDPR, CCPA, and other international privacy laws regarding:
- •Data storage and processing
- •User consent and transparency
- •Legal requirements for data protection and cybersecurity
9.2 Disclosure to Authorities
We may share personal information with law enforcement, regulators, or legal entities only under the following circumstances:
- •To comply with a valid legal request (e.g., court order, subpoena)
- •To protect user safety and prevent fraud or cyber threats
- •To investigate violations of our Terms of Service or security breaches
Steps AI will always notify users of such requests unless legally prohibited.
9.3 Data Transfers & International Processing
- •User data may be processed in the United States or other jurisdictions with adequate privacy safeguards
- •Whenever data is transferred outside the EU/EEA, we use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission to ensure compliance with GDPR
10. International Data Transfers
Steps AI operates globally and may process and store personal data in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and other countries where we or our service providers operate.
10.1 Data Transfers Outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland, we ensure that your personal data is transferred in compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws by using:
- •Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
- •Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with service providers handling your data
- •Additional security measures to protect cross-border data transfers
10.2 Safeguards for International Transfers
Steps AI ensures that data transferred outside your country is handled with a level of protection equivalent to local laws, including:
- •Encryption protocols to protect data in transit and at rest
- •Access controls and authentication measures for restricted data processing
- •Continuous security audits to ensure compliance with applicable law
If your country requires additional protections for international data transfers, please contact us at tech@stepsai.co to discuss compliance options.
11. Changes to this Privacy Policy
11.1 Updates & Revisions
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:
- •Changes in laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA updates)
- •Improvements in security measures and data processing methods
- •Changes to Aide's AI functionalities and integrations
11.2 Notification of Changes
If we make material changes to this Privacy Policy:
- •We will notify users via email or in-app alerts
- •The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be revised
- •If required by law, we will seek user consent before applying significant changes
Your continued use of Aide after updates means you accept the revised Privacy Policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, GDPR, CCPA-related inquiries you can reach us at: tech@stepsai.co