Privacy Policy

What we collect

We collect: your name and email address when you create a gift; the star name, dedication message, and star coordinates you choose; and the gift recipient's name if provided. Payment information (card details, billing address) is processed directly by Paddle and is never transmitted to or stored on Still Shining's servers.

How we use it

Your information is used to: generate your personalised certificate and star page; deliver your gift by email; allow the recipient to find their star on our interactive star map; and respond to customer support requests. We do not use your data for advertising or sell it to any third party, ever.

Third parties we work with

• Paddle (paddle.com) — Merchant of Record for all transactions. Paddle handles payment processing, sales tax collection, and compliance on our behalf. When you purchase, you are transacting with Paddle.com Market Limited, who is responsible for the checkout experience and issues your payment receipt.
• Google Workspace — email delivery
• Render (render.com) — website and database hosting (US-based servers)
• Google Analytics (GA4) — anonymous usage analytics. No personally identifiable information is shared.
• Microsoft Clarity — anonymous session analytics and heatmaps

Cookies

We use: analytics cookies set by Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity (can be blocked via browser settings); functional session cookies required for the registration flow to work. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.

Data storage and retention

Your gift and star registration are stored in a PostgreSQL database hosted on Render's US-based infrastructure. Gift and registration records are kept indefinitely — they are the product (your named star is permanent). Support communications are retained for two years, then deleted.

Your rights

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data. Email us at hello@stillshining.com with your request. We will respond within 30 days. Note: deleting a registered star removes it from our system but does not affect the astronomical object itself.

Children

Still Shining is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16.

Contact

Privacy questions: hello@stillshining.com