Retention Policy
This page explains Artwell's default retention windows by data class after trial expiry or subscription lapse.
Overview
Artwell does not silently delete content at the moment a trial or paid subscription expires. Expired and lapsed accounts move to read-only access while retained data remains available under the windows below.
Artwell uses different retention windows for different data classes. Transcript text and metadata are retained longer than large source-media files because the user value and storage profile are different.
Data classes and retention windows
| Data class | Trial-expired / trial-ineligible | Paid-lapsed |
|---|---|---|
| Source media and large uploaded media files | 30 days after deletion scheduling begins | 90 days after paid access ends |
| Transcript text and transcript metadata | 180 days after deletion scheduling begins | 24 months after paid access ends |
| Account identity, billing records, and audit history | Retained as needed for account administration, fraud prevention, support, compliance, and legal obligations unless a shorter deletion path is required by law or an approved verified deletion request. | |
If an enterprise or custom agreement explicitly overrides these defaults, the signed contract controls for that account.
Deletion notices
Before scheduled deletion, Artwell aims to send notices approximately 30 days, 15 days, and 24 hours before the applicable deletion time.
If a retention window is shorter than the first notice threshold for a given data class, Artwell may send the first notice when deletion is scheduled and then send only the remaining future notices that still apply.
These notices are designed to give you a fair opportunity to resubscribe, export retained data, or request deletion.
Legal holds and deletion requests
Artwell may pause deletion where a legal hold, security investigation, fraud review, or similar obligation applies. In those cases, normal deletion windows can be suspended until the hold is removed.
If you request deletion, Artwell may require identity verification before deleting retained account data or media. Verified deletion requests are handled together with the Artwell Privacy Policy and any applicable legal obligations.