LIFELONG INTERVIEW LLC
DATA RETENTION POLICY
Effective Date: 03/24/2026
Last Updated: 03/24/2026
1. Purpose
This Data Retention Policy defines how Lifelong Interview LLC (“LLI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, stores, retains, archives, and deletes customer data. This policy applies to all data collected through our website, services, and digital platforms, including interview recordings, transcripts, documents, and associated metadata.
2. Scope of Data Covered
This policy applies to all customer and system data, including but not limited to:
- Audio Recordings: Voice interview recordings submitted by customers
- Transcripts: AI-generated and/or user-edited text derived from audio recordings
- Interview Content: Question/answer data associated with customer guides
- Uploaded Files: Photos, documents, or additional media submitted by customers
- Final Products: Generated digital outputs (PDF guides, formatted transcripts, hardcover-ready content, etc.)
- Account Data: Names, email addresses, and related identifiers
- Metadata: File identifiers, timestamps, project IDs, and system-generated references
3. Data Storage Locations
LLI utilizes secure cloud infrastructure, including but not limited to Microsoft Azure, to store and manage data. Data may be distributed across multiple storage containers and services, including:
- Active storage (frequently accessed data)
- Archive storage (infrequently accessed data)
- Metadata storage (structured records associated with customer projects)
All data is logically separated by customer/project and protected using access control mechanisms.
4. Data Lifecycle Overview
Customer data follows a defined lifecycle consisting of:
1. Active Phase
2. Grace Period
3. Archive Phase
4. Permanent Deletion
5. Active Phase (Subscription Active)
During an active subscription period:
- All customer data is fully accessible
- Audio recordings, transcripts, and interview content remain available
- Secure links and QR-based access function normally
- Data is stored in active-access storage systems
6. Grace Period (30 Days After Subscription Lapse)
If a subscription lapses:
- Full access to data remains available for 30 days
- Customers may:
- Renew their subscription
- Download/export their data
- Reminder communications may be sent during this period
7. Archive Phase (Up to 12 Months)
After the grace period:
- Data is transitioned to archive storage
- Direct access to recordings and content is suspended
- QR codes and secure links will no longer provide playback access and will instead display a renewal prompt
- Customers may:
- Renew their subscription to restore access
- Request data export (if available during archive period)
Archived data is retained for up to 12 months from the end of the grace period.
8. Permanent Deletion
After the archive period:
- All associated data is permanently deleted from LLI systems
- This includes:
- Audio files
- Transcripts
- Uploaded media
- Metadata records
- Deletion is irreversible
LLI may provide final notification prior to deletion, but is not obligated to do so.
9. Data Export and Customer Rights
Customers may request to export their data during:
- Active subscription period
- Grace period
- Archive period (where technically feasible)
Export formats may include:
- Audio files (original format)
- Transcripts (text or PDF)
- Packaged interview content
LLI reserves the right to charge a fee for large or complex data export requests.
10. Security Measures
LLI implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect customer data, including:
- Secure cloud storage environments
- Access control and authentication mechanisms
- Tokenized access for private content (e.g., QR-based links)
- Encryption in transit and at rest where supported
Despite these measures, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
11. Access Control and Private Links
Certain content may be accessed via secure, tokenized links (e.g., QR codes embedded in physical products). These links:
- Are designed to restrict unauthorized access
- May be disabled if a subscription is inactive
- Do not guarantee perpetual availability of underlying data
Access to such content is contingent on an active or restorable service status.
12. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Basis
Lifelong Interview LLC operates in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy laws, including but not limited to:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU)
- German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG)
- Applicable U.S. data protection and consumer privacy standards
# GDPR Compliance (EU)
LLI adheres to the core principles of the GDPR, including:
- Storage Limitation (Art. 5(1)(e))
Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected.
- Right to Erasure (Art. 17)
Customers have the right to request deletion of their personal data where applicable.
- Lawful Basis for Processing (Art. 6)
Data is processed only where a valid legal basis exists (e.g., customer consent or contractual necessity).
LLI defines and enforces retention periods based on the intended purpose of the service and customer agreement, in accordance with GDPR requirements.
Reference:
https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection_en
# German Legal Compliance (BDSG and Commercial Law)
Where applicable, LLI complies with German federal data protection law (BDSG) and statutory retention obligations.
Certain categories of data (e.g., financial or accounting records) may be retained for legally required periods (typically 8–10 years) under German commercial and tax law.
However, customer-provided interview content (including audio recordings, transcripts, and personal narratives) is retained strictly according to service-based retention policies and is not subject to extended statutory retention requirements unless legally mandated.
# Data Minimization and Deletion Obligations
LLI maintains a structured data deletion framework to ensure:
- Personal data is not retained beyond its intended purpose
- Archived data is securely stored and eventually deleted
- Retention periods are clearly defined and enforced
Failure to delete unnecessary data may result in regulatory penalties; therefore, LLI actively enforces deletion timelines as part of its compliance program.
# Legal Retention Exceptions
LLI may retain data beyond standard retention periods where required to:
- Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax, audit, or regulatory requirements)
- Resolve disputes or enforce agreements
- Prevent fraud or ensure system security
Such retention will be limited to the minimum duration necessary.
# Customer Rights
Customers located in the European Union or other applicable jurisdictions have the right to:
- Request access to their personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of their data (“Right to be Forgotten”)
- Request restriction of processing
- Request data portability
Requests may be submitted to:
support@lifelonginterview.com
13. Policy Updates
LLI reserves the right to update or modify this Data Retention Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.
14. Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy or data requests, contact:
Lifelong Interview LLC
Email: support@lifelonginterview.com